CSBG
Last Updated 08/07/2025
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Overview
CSBG was established by Congress in the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 as part of the War on Poverty. The purpose of the Economic Opportunity Act is to provide federal funding to local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in order to deliver a range of services to assist low-income families and individuals. All services and programs are free for eligible participants. These programs aim to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals to become fully self-sufficient through community action.
CSBG has six national goals:
- Low-income people become more self-sufficient.
- The conditions in which low-income people live are improved.
- Low-income people own a stake in their community.
- Partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low-income people are achieved.
- Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results.
- Low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive systems.
The Office of Community Service (OCS) under the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has been tasked by the Governor of the State of Hawaii as the lead agency for the administration of CSBG in the State of Hawaii. OCS in conjunction with the four CAA develops an annual State CSBG Plan for the State of Hawaii, to oversee and monitor the work of the CAAs at all stages of the annual CSBG grants, and to report on the program’s performance to Federal and State authorities. OCS is required to present this plan to the legislature for review, then submits the Plan to CSBG for acceptance and approval.
Beware of CSBG scams. CSBG does not provide direct grants to individuals. CSBG does not charge a fee for receiving a grant. If you receive a message offering you a CSBG grant or requesting a fee, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477.
Each County in Hawaii has one CAAs responsible for providing these services. Under CSBG, these four agencies complete a Community Needs Assessment every three years, which then aids in the development of their respective Strategic Plan. They individualize services and programs based on the needs specific in their respective County. A few programs run by the CAAs include employment training and services, drop out prevention, underage drinking prevention programs, transportation and food services, and housing assistance. Listed below are the four agencies along with their respective Community Needs Assessment and Community Action Plan:
- City & County of Honolulu: Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP)
- County of Hawaii: Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC)
- County of Maui: Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO)
- County of Kauai: Kauai Economic Opportunity (KEO)
CSBG funds are allocated to each CAA using a base plus formula method:
Funding based on 1989 Community Services Administration Allotment + most recent Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for respective county = Total CAA allocation
The State retains 10% of the CSBG funds of which 5% is used for administrative costs. The remaining 5% is discretionary funds to be used by the State to support the purpose of CSBG including filling identified gaps to the service population, supporting statewide coordination and communication among the CAAs, and for training and technical assistance. The State allots $20,000 of discretionary funds to each CAA per year for training and technical assistance.
The State coordinates annual trainings with the National Association for State Community Services Program (NASCSP) for the CAAs to provide a wealth of information, tools, and resources to enhance and improve the CAAs administration, implementation, and reporting procedures. These annual trainings also provide the CAAs and the State office a great opportunity to strengthen relationships. To view prior training materials, click here.
Community Services Block Grant Federal Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027 State Plan
The OCS, Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, solicits public comment on the updated proposed State Plan for the CSBG Program to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027. The CSBG State Plan reflects OCS’s commitment to work with our CAA partners in each county to meet program goals and comply with relevant Federal and State rules and regulations in order to continue receiving this valuable resource. The CSBG program provides services to low-income and impoverished populations across the State. CSBG services and activities are delivered statewide by designated CAAs located in each county. The public is invited to comment on the proposed CSBG State Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027. The proposed CSBG State Plan found below.
The combined public hearing and legislative briefing will be held at the State Capitol (415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813) Conference Room 309 on Thursday, August 19, 2025 at 10am. More information on how to join the combined public hearing and legislative briefing remotely will be provided soon.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87274783084
Agenda:
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2025/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT-LAB_08-19-25_INFO_.PDF
The public is welcome to attend the hearing. Written comments may be submitted to OCS (email: [email protected], mail: Office of Community Services, 830 Punchbowl Street, Room 420, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813; fax: (808) 586-8682) for consideration at the hearing by Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
By: Rey Domingo, Executive Director
Office of Community Services
Click here for a copy of Hawaii’s CSBG FY 2026 and 2027 Draft State Plan.
References
- CSBG Policies and Procedures – updated July 2025 and effective as of October 1, 2025
- CSBG Statute
- Fed OCS CSBG
- NASCSP – National Organization for States
- CAPLAW – National Organization for CAA legal & financial resources
- CAP – National Organization for CAAs
Archived
- CSBG Hawaii State Plan for FFY 2016-2017
- CSBG State Plan for FFY 2015 & 2016
- Honolulu Community Action Program – HCAP
- Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council – HCEOC
- Maui Economic Opportunity – MEO
- Kauai Economic Opportunity – KEO
This website is supported by Grant Number 2501HICOSR from the Office of Community Services/Community Services Block Grant program within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Community Services/Community Services Block Grant program.
