April 1, 2020 | Issue 48
Upcoming Events
April 8th - 1pm Risk Management Webinar
April 24th - Virtual VACAP Meeting
Webinar Spotlight
Risk Management during COVID-19
Presented by Risk Alternatives
April 8, 1pm-2:30pm

Do you have questions about how your nonprofit should respond to the risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Join Risk Alternatives’ founder and CEO, Ted Bilich, and director of operations, Linda Lenrow Lopez, for a free webinar.

We will be responding to questions that have been posed by nonprofits over the past two weeks and identifying resources to help you maintain focus and meet your mission in these challenging times. You may also submit questions to questions@riskalts.com.
 
Register in advance for this webinar:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
2020-2021 Community Action Plan
The 2020-2021 Community Action Plan is due May 1, 2020. CSBG Staff conducted a webinar on March 27th where we reviewed the Community Action Plan and demonstrated how to complete the three new sections. That webinar is available to view on our website. We also developed a tip sheet to help answer frequently asked questions. If you have any questions or experience any issues please contact your program consultant.
2019-2020 Community Action Plan Updates
Our office expects and encourages changes to the proposed Community Action Plans (CAP) you have in place for this Program Year in light of COVID-19.
  • For your programs/outcomes/services, you can create new entries in your CAP that address the new ways you will be working. You can enter new Programs, or add specific initiatives under existing programs. 
  • You do not need to adjust targets or information in existing initiatives. We will address through reporting any of the discrepancies between targets and actual's that are created as a result of shifting priorities. 
  • You can make budget modifications within your CAP’s that reflect the changes, if necessary.
Community Action Updates
2019-2020 Remaining TANF Funds
Violet Peyton, Virginia CSBG Fiscal Officer, sent the expended TANF numbers to each agencies Finance Director on March 26th. If you will have any unexpended TANF funds you need to email Violet by April 10th in order for that money to be re-allocated.
2020-2022 State Plan Comment Period
The second comment period for the 2020-2022 CSBG State Plan opened on March 23rd. This comment period will last through April 23rd.This second comment period contains the full CSBG State Plan that is submitted to OCS by September 1st. All state plan documents can be found on our website .

The CSBG State Plan is a critical document for both state and federal oversight of CSBG. The CSBG State Plan integrates and aligns requirements from the CSBG Act with elements of the overall CSBG Performance Management and Accountability Framework. There are several elements of the CSBG State Plan which include: State Training and Technical Assistance, State Linkages and Coordination, Tri-Partite Board Compliance and Monitoring practices.
Census 2020 - Stay Alert!
As a Community Action Agency, you are integral in ensuring all community members are counted. The Community Action Partnership is part of the  Census Counts  campaign, which involves more than 15 national organizations and dozens of community partners working together to make sure that the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The Partnership is the lead representative for the low-income “hard-to count” population.

Here are some easy ways you can stay up-to-date on Census News:
  • Subscribe to the Partnership Census 2020 Newsletter
  • Read the Partnership CCC Blog
  • Join the Partnership Census Engagement Group on Facebook

The most important thing about staying up-to-date is sharing the information with your staff, volunteers, and community members. Let’s make sure everyone is counted in 2020!
Community Action Resources
COVID-19 Virginia CSBG Resources
The Virginia CSBG Office has developed a web page that is updated daily to include all guidance and resources relevant to Virginia Community Action Agencies. We suggest referring to this web page for updated guidance and information. If you come across a helpful resource please feel free to email csbg@dss.virginia.gov and it will be added.
DOE COVID-19 Guidance for Weatherization
The Department of Energy issued a  Frequently Asked Questions memorandum  to address current issues the WAP network is grappling with as a result of COVID-19. This memorandum contains information on the Impact of COVID-19 on the WAP workforce and clients, and what actions DOE is considering in light of the situation. DOE intends to continue to update this FAQ, as necessary, to address new or ongoing concerns.
Virginia Positivity Spotlight
Virginia students create virtual graduation
Chesterfield County teens recently worked together to create a virtual graduation ceremony for seniors at Midlothian High School. Students across the country are working together to find creative ways to connect as schools have closed. Read more about the graduation ceremony in the Washington Post .

Virginia Community Services Block Grant Office