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The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is the foundational funding of Community Action Agencies nationwide. The concept of Community Action Agencies is rooted in empowering local people to solve local problems. The flexibility of CSBG allows for local control in meeting the needs of each unique community.

CSBG funds are overseen by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. In Ohio, they are distributed to Community Action Agencies and a few other nonprofits through the Ohio Department of Development.


President's Budget Shreds Hope for Low-Income Americans
February 13, 2012
The president once again proposes cutting the CSBG budget in half in his FY2013 budget proposal. Read more for NASCSP's response.
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National Association of Counties Supports CSBG

March 24, 2011
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is urging Congress to maintain the current funding and structure of the Community Services Block Grant. The Association states that Obama Administration's proposal to cut the funding in half and make it available only through a federally controlled competitive process would hurt communities, particularly small communities. NACo is the only national organization that represents county governments before the Administration and Congress. NACo provides essential services to the nation's 3,068 counties. Full Statement


Reports of CSBG Impact Pouring In
March 9, 2011
Across Ohio, Community Action Agencies are helping people move from poverty to self-sufficiency. Budget proposals in Washington threaten this important, locally-based work. Reports from around the state: Statement by Butler County Board Member   Lima   Circleville

CSBG Cuts Threaten Community Programs
February 22, 2011
Communities across Ohio will lose if the Community Services Block Grant is cut in half. Hear some examples in this story from the Public News Service.

Ohio Communities Stand to Lose if CSBG is Cut
February 17, 2011
What does a 50 percent cut to the Community Services Block Grant really mean? Closing food pantries, shuttering homeless shelters and the end of programs that create jobs and help workers. Read OACAA's response to reports from our members and check out news from around the state.
Lancaster   Hamilton   Mansfield   Ashtabula   Lorain   Bucyrus  Wapakoneta  

A National Perspective on CSBG Cuts
February 18, 2011
Don Mathis, Executive Director of the national Community Action Partnership described how he reacted to the President's budget and State of the Union Address in this interview with The National Journal. Read more

President's Budget Proposal Would End Local Control of Poverty Fighting Funds
February 15, 2011
President Obama's budget proposal, released yesterday, includes a 50 percent cut to the Community Services Block Grant. Read OACAA's response to this devastating cut which describes the huge impact on families and then watch ABC News' analysis that demonstrates how little an impact these cuts have on the federal deficit.

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Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies, 50 West Broad Street, Suite 1616, Columbus Ohio 43215
Office: 614-224-8500 | Fax: 614-224-2587