About the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funds are distributed to states and then allocated to local agencies, including the City and County of Denver.
CSBG funding supports efforts to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower individuals and families with low incomes to achieve greater economic stability and self-sufficiency.
CSBG 3-year Funding Cycle
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) supports local efforts to reduce poverty and improve the lives of low-income individuals and families. The CSBG program operates on a three-year planning cycle, which includes:
- Three-Year Community Action Plan: Every three years, the City develops a plan based on a Community Needs Assessment. This plan outlines goals and strategies for addressing local poverty-related needs.
- Annual Work Plans: Each year, the City updates the plan to reflect current community needs, program priorities, and funding levels.
- Ongoing Reporting: The City tracks outcomes and spending through regular reports to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
This structure allows for long-term planning while maintaining the flexibility to adjust services based on changing community needs.
CSBG Advisory Board
The CSBG Advisory Board is a group of community members who help guide how Community Services Block Grant funds are used in Denver. The board provides input on funding priorities, program planning, and community needs to ensure CSBG resources are used effectively and equitably.
Interested in joining the board? Learn more on the CSBG Advisory Board page, or contact Kristina.McGowan@denvergov.org.
Key Requirements for CSBG Subgrantees
Organizations receiving CSBG funding must meet the following requirements:
- Client Income Verification: Subgrantees must verify household income for all clients. Exceptions may be made for programs where income documentation is impractical—such as certain food access initiatives.
- Income Eligibility: CSBG funds serve individuals and families with household incomes at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Residency Requirements: Services must be provided to residents of the City and County of Denver. All individuals are eligible regardless of immigration status.
- Goals and Reporting: Subgrantees must establish clear goals and outcomes, track and report progress, and maintain client files documenting eligibility and services provided.
- Demographic Data: Subgrantees must collect and report demographic information on the clients they serve.
- Language Access: Subgrantees must develop and maintain a Language Access Plan in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to ensure services are accessible to individuals with limited English proficiency.
CSBG Funding Priorities: 2024–2026
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding supports anti-poverty efforts across nine federal priority areas: employment, education, income management, housing, emergency services, nutrition, health, self-sufficiency, and linkages to other programs.
Every three years, Denver Human Services conducts a Community Needs Assessment to identify the community’s most pressing challenges and guide funding decisions for the next cycle.
For the 2024–2026 funding cycle, CSBG resources will focus on:
- Reducing barriers to employment
- Providing housing stabilization services
- Delivering support services, including benefits navigation, technology access, digital literacy support, and connections to other vital programs
These priorities are aimed at helping individuals and families achieve long-term stability and economic self-sufficiency.
2024-2026 City and County of Denver CSBG Partners
Community Economic Defense Project
The Community Economic Defense Project provides rental assistance, legal assistance/representation, and resource navigation for clients facing eviction, housing insecurity, and other types of economic hardship.
Mile High Workshop
The Mile High Workshop creates employment opportunities and provide job training for members of our community seeking to rebuild from addictions, homelessness, and incarceration.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
CCH advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being and stability of those it serves.
The Delores Project
The Delores Project partners with individuals experiencing barriers to housing to identify their path to stability.
Laradon
Laradon’s mission is to empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives.
Links
2025 Reporting Schedule
Quarterly Reports
April 15, 2025
July 15, 2025
October 15, 2025
Annual Report
January 15, 2026
Contact Information
If you have questions, please contact the CSBG Program Administrator Kristina McGowan at kristina.mcgowan@denvergov.org.