ARRA and the Community Services Block Grant
ARRA increased the size of CSBG by adding $1 billion dollars to the program (previously funded for FY 2009 at about $700 million) to be spent by September 30, 2010. Two major aspects of the funding increase relate to allocation and income eligibility. As to allocation, 99% of the ARRA CSBG funds allocated to the states are to be given directly to CSBG eligible entities to be used in the same way that regularly appropriated CBSG funds are to be used (to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities and empower low-income families and individuals to become fully self-sufficient) and also to be used for activities geared towards the preserving and creating of jobs to promote economic recovery. As to income eligibility, states may use 200% (increased from 125%) of the federal poverty level as the criterion of eligibility for CSBG programs and services if they determine that the higher eligibility level serves the purposes of the CSBG program.
Learn more about how ARRA affects CSBG funding for CAAs. Includes OCS information memorandum 109.
The Federal Office of Community Services answers ARRA CSBG questions about application procedures, use of funds, distribution of funds, income eligibility, reporting and monitoring, obligations and expenditures, benefits enrollment, administrative costs, plans and reporting, appropriation, public inspection, training and technical assistance, and sample programs.
Risk assessment expectations for CAAs and states as part of the CSBG ARRA Risk Assessment process along with timelines for submission of information to the Office of Community Services (OCS) to help guide monitoring and technical assistance efforts.
Federal ARRA reporting requirements.
- Resources - Updated resources!
The CAPLAW website contains links to the CSBG Act, regulations, guidance and general information about the Act.
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