Community Action Agencies

Local Resources to Help Your Community Grow Stronger 

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a program from the federal government. It gives money to states, tribes and U.S. territories to help people who are struggling with poverty. The goal is to build stronger, more self-reliant communities. 

What are community action agencies? 

• In Virginia, 31 local groups—called community action agencies—use federal funding to provide help and support. These groups are public or nonprofit groups that work directly with people in their area.
• They help with things like job training, housing support, food access and other tools that give people a better future.

Find a community action agency near you

How does the Department of Social Services work with community action agencies? 

• The Virginia Department of Social Services' Office of Economic Opportunity makes sure funding for Community Action Agencies is used in the best way possible. While CSBG money does NOT go to individuals, it goes to these trusted local groups who apply for it every three years. 
• If you or someone you know needs help, or if you want to get involved in making your community stronger, reach out to your local community action agency. These groups are here to help, and hope is never far away when we work together.  

Become a community action agency