Program Purpose

Program Purpose The purpose of CSBG is “To provide assistance to States and local communities, working through a network of community action agencies and other neighborhood-based organizations, for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low- income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient.” The CSBG Act mandates certain aspects of how state CSBG offices will operate in carrying out their defined roles as administrators of CSBG but leaves significant authority and flexibility in the hands of the states. This responsibility, which is fulfilled by each state individually, can more easily be met when the state establishes clear policies and procedures for implementation of the Act. A. CSBG is offered in each of the 82 counties in Mississippi, pending the availability of funds. Income eligibility is set at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Client income eligibility will be updated annually as the federal poverty guidelines are revised and released. B. Subgrantees are required to refer households to internal agency programs and other local/state programs to meet the needs of the household. C. Program Operation Dates: CSBG is available year-round based on availability of funds. D. The State allocates ninety (90) percent of the total state allocation for program cost. Five (5) percent is allocated for discretionary funding which includes training and technical assistance. The remaining five (5) percent is used for state administrative cost. Administrative cost refers to the cost of central executive functions that do not directly support a specific project or service. Administrative Cost are incurred for common objectives that benefit multiple programs administered by the organization and are not readily assignable to a particular funding stream.