Federal Grant Award Summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Division of Finance received an $8.35 million Community Services Block Grant (CSBG, CFDA 93.569) from the Office of Community Services, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This formula grant funds VDSS's administration of comprehensive social services and support programs across Virginia designed to reduce poverty and promote economic self-sufficiency among low-income individuals and families. The award supports services including workforce development, education access, emergency financial assistance, housing support, and coordination of linkages between governmental and social service programs throughout the Commonwealth.

As a state-level administrator of the CSBG program, VDSS distributes these funds through a network of community action agencies (CAAs) and neighborhood-based organizations to deliver direct services and activities targeting poverty reduction, community revitalization, and individual empowerment. Services address critical needs such as employment retention, educational attainment, emergency assistance for food and housing, and removal of self-sufficiency obstacles. The award operates under a biennial funding cycle with quarterly allocations and requires VDSS to maintain compliance with statutory guidelines, conduct public meetings regarding fund distribution, and maintain comprehensive records for audit and accountability purposes.