Community Action Plans - Due May 1, 2025

The CSBG Community Action Plans will be due May 1, 2025. This plan will cover the program year starting July 1, 2025. The new program year is now open in CSBG Reporter, and agencies can begin working on the plan. A refresher webinar was recorded and is now available. The Community Action Plan Manual has been updated, the new version can be downloaded today. Please refer to this manual when completing the CAP Plan.

HHS issues 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines

Health and Human Services released the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines in late January 2025. The January 2025 poverty guidelines are calculated by taking the 2023 Census Bureau’s poverty thresholds and adjusting them for price changes between 2023 and 2024 using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U). The poverty thresholds used by the Census Bureau for statistical purposes are complex and are not composed of standardized increments between family sizes. Since many program officials prefer to use guidelines with uniform increments across family sizes, the poverty guidelines include rounding and standardizing adjustments. For more information and the poverty charts please visit: https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines

Urban Institute Study of Impact of Federal Grants on Non Profits

Community-based organizations often act as a first line of support, providing essential services like food, employment aid, family support, and housing assistance with minimal barriers. These organizations address immediate needs, preventing some from requiring public benefits altogether. Research, such as studies from the Urban Institute, explores the impact of government funding on these organizations.

Recently, non-profit organizations have faced financial challenges. Changes in tax policies and pandemic-related shifts have altered fundraising landscapes, leading to increased reliance on grants to maintain operations. Our team is dedicated to working with your agencies to help diversify funding streams, including providing training and resources. As a network we encourage agencies to lean on each other and offer peer support when needed, and share best practices especially when it comes to blending and braiding funds and other funding strategies that are working well for your agency.

2025 Investing in Rural America Conference

Hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

May 20 - 21, 2025

Registration is now open for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond's 2025 Investing in Rural America Conference, themed Elevating What Works, a two-day event featuring national experts and local leaders at the forefront of rural development initiatives.

Register today!

CSBG 3rd Quarter Reports Due May 15, 2025

The CSBG Third Quarterly Report will be due on 5/15/2025 through CSBG Reporter. The 3rd quarter report contains the CSBG Progress Report (unduplicated counts of people receiving services and outcomes in quarter 3) and the ROMA 3rd quarter Progress reports. Reports are reviewed by CSBG staff and feedback is sent for any necessary corrections. As you are working on the reports please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Stay Connected - VACAP Federal Update Calls

We encourage all agencies to stay connected with the bi-weekly VACAP federal update calls. These calls provide an opportunity for agencies to connect with VACAP and OEO on the latest federal updates. OEO will issue guidance and interpretation on any new federal information issued in a timely manner. We are coordinating with VACAP to ensure consistent messaging on all new federal information. The next call is Thursday, April 3rd at 12pm.