What are CSBG Programs?

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federal block grant that helps fund a network of local Community Action Agencies that help create, coordinate, and deliver programs and services to low-income Missourians across the state. Community Action Agencies use these funds to help people with:

  • Finding and keeping meaningful jobs
  • Completing their education
  • Making better use of their income
  • Finding and keeping a place to live and a healthy living environment
  • Getting emergency help through loans, grants, or other means in crisis
  • Improving nutrition

The Community Action Network is made up of over 1,100 local private, non-profit, and public agencies. On average, these agencies serve over 9 million people per year in 96 percent of the nation’s counties. Community Action Agencies are made up of a board of directors that includes local elected public officials, appointed leaders from the private sector, and representatives of the low-income community.

What services are available?

Each Community Action Agency develops local programs to help families and communities in need, such as:

  • School readiness for children (including Head Start & Early Head Start)
  • Education workshops (helps with money management, par-enting, nutrition, and interviewing)
  • Mentoring and tutoring
  • Adult and child literacy (GED study)
  • Employment and training activities (helps with job readiness, skills training, work experience, and job placement)
  • Help paying home energy bills or with weatherization
  • Health services
  • Help with emergency food, rentals/housing, or utilities
  • Housing development, rental assistance, and transitional housing
  • In-home services
  • Income tax credit outreach and clinics
  • Community coordination and planning
  • Advocacy
  • Intake assessment and referral
  • Case Management
  • Asset development and micro-enterprise development
  • Community development and revitalization
    •  

    How do I get help?

    To see if you are eligible for help, reach out to your local Community Action Agency. Community Action Agencies provide services to each of the 114 counties in Missouri and the City of St. Louis.

    CSBG Documents

    CSBG Eligibility Entity