Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Fact Sheet
What We Do
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a flexible funding source that provides funds to states, Tribes, and territories to implement community-based services to reduce poverty, revitalize communities, and help people with low incomes become self-sufficient. Tribes and approximately 1,000 local eligible entities provide CSBG-funded services and activities including housing, nutrition, utility, and transportation assistance; crisis and emergency assistance; employment, education, and other wealth-building services; and community asset-building initiatives, among other community-based services aimed at creating pathways out of poverty and revitalizing underserved communities.
Who We Serve
CSBG serves individuals and families with low incomes and underserved communities.
2024 Highlights*
FY 24 Spotlights
Appropriated by Congress
Households served
Multigenerational households served
Individuals who avoided eviction or obtained safe affordable housing
Individuals whose energy burden was reduced or whose homes were made more energy efficient
Individuals served
Children ages 0 to 5 served
Individuals with disabilities served
Older adults (ages 65 and older) served
Older adults who maintained an independent living situation
*FY24 data does not include American Samoa.
2024 Spotlights
FY 24 Highlights
In FY24, the Community Services Block Grant served 10.1 million individuals and over 5.2 million households across the Nation. States, Tribes, and territories worked across sectors and industries to help 38,920 adults obtain employment through innovative strategies such as seen in these three examples:
Oregon
After devastating wildfires in 2020, the Community Services Consortium in Oregon recognized the need for long-term prevention strategies. Partnering with state agencies and experts, the consortium integrated wildfire prevention into its workforce development program for young adults ages 18 to 26. Participants received paid work experience, training, and certificates in related fields. In 2024, the initiative supported 52 young adults with living-wage employment while also strengthening community resilience to future wildfires.
Wisconsin
Nearly half of Wisconsin’s workforce is employed by small businesses, which are essential to local economies. Couleecap, Inc., created The Collective on Main, a small business incubator in downtown La Crosse, to support low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. The incubator offers technical assistance, affordable retail space, and opportunities to refine business models. By the end of 2024, 24 entrepreneurs had launched or expanded businesses, 19 new jobs were created, and self-employment in the area increased.
Osage Nation
The Osage Nation offers the Tsi Wa Zhu Pi Program with CSBG funds. This program expands opportunities for youth to participate in enriching after-school activities such as art, ballet, sports, farming, food harvesting, and cultural programs. These services increase protective factors from youth behavioral health issues, and the program also helps build financial literacy education for youth.
Through the CSBG network, 179,941 individuals obtained safe and affordable housing, and 196,830 individuals avoided eviction — bolstering housing stability in communities nationwide. Innovative solutions employed to support housing include:
Utah
Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership, Inc. (OWCAP) set a goal to add 2,842 affordable housing units in Weber County. Partnering with schools, housing authorities, jails, and other organizations, the agency also conducted 22 housing education workshops to reach residents at risk of housing instability. Weber County added 5,881 affordable housing units — 207% of the original goal — demonstrating how federal block grants enable locally driven solutions that exceed expectations.
Massachusetts
Community Teamwork Inc., (CTI) identified affordable housing as a top community need in Lowell, where university growth has driven up housing costs. In response, CTI launched a multi-year initiative to expand affordable housing for families with low incomes, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. They have also acquired additional property with potential for 29 more efficiency units. The effort directly addressed both immediate housing shortages and the future needs of their unsheltered residents.
Community Services Block Grant
Division of Community Assistance
Office of Community Services