Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Essentials for Improved Outcomes

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Essentials for Improved Outcomes is a cooperative agreement funded by the Administration for Children and Families – Office of Community Services within the Department of Health and Human Services, aimed at strengthening the capacity of states, territories, and eligible entities to administer the CSBG program effectively. The award will support technical assistance and training activities designed to enhance understanding of federal statutory and regulatory requirements, improve implementation of core program elements such as community needs assessments, tripartite board governance, and compliance monitoring, and foster coordination across public systems including foster care, behavioral health, and housing to better serve low-income families and children. Applicants must demonstrate a clear technical approach, measurable impact potential, organizational capacity, and alignment with ACF’s strategic priorities, with evaluation weighted heavily toward innovation, program evaluation quality, and the ability to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse. The project has a 36-month performance period divided into two phases, with performance occurring across all U.S. states and territories, and recipients are expected to establish and report on performance outcomes using standardized ACF tools. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application through Grants.gov by August 24, 2026, adhering to strict formatting guidelines including a 75-page limit for narrative and supporting attachments, excluding standard forms and the ACF priorities attestation. Required documentation includes legal proof of organizational status, an indirect cost agreement, organizational capacity materials such as resumes and financial statements, third-party agreements with defined roles and commitments, and key personnel letters of commitment. The award is estimated at $600,000 for the first budget period, though total funding over three years is not explicitly guaranteed. Substantial federal involvement is anticipated, with the Office of Community Services maintaining oversight authority over work plans, material approvals, and program interventions. All recipients must comply with 2 CFR Part 200 and maintain active SAM.gov registration with a Unique Entity Identifier. Selection will be made through a merit-based trade-off process, prioritizing overall quality and alignment over cost, with risk reviews conducted for proposals exceeding $250,000. There are no contract clauses or packaging requirements specified, and while no direct invoicing or payment office details are provided, grant management is coordinated through designated HHS contacts.