Highlights


Webinars Now Available

26-28 State Plan

Organizational Standards

October 2026 CSBG Newsletter


As we kick off a new federal fiscal year, we have several major milestones and critical operational updates to share across our network. First, we are thrilled to announce that our FY 2026–2028 CSBG State Plan has been officially accepted by the Office of Community Services (OCS) and is in full effect through September 30, 2028. This three-year approval secures the foundational strategy and federal funding roadmap for our collective anti-poverty initiatives statewide. In this edition, you will also find recap details and resources from our two recent webinars covering updated implementation guidelines and program strategy. Additionally, we are sharing key deadlines and best practices regarding Organizational Standards compliance to ensure every agency remains audit-ready, high-performing, and fully supported in the months ahead. Thank you for your continued dedication to empowering families and strengthening communities!

 

CSBG Reporting Webinar Recording Now Available


This session provided essential guidance on the upcoming Annual Report and Q4 submissions, both due on November 15, 2026.


Webinar Highlights:

  • Submission Overview: Detailed walkthrough of all required Q4 and Annual Report documentation.
  • 5-Quarter Data Review: Guidance on reporting data across the 5-quarter timeframe (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026).
  • Tips & Best Practices: Practical strategies and tips to streamline your reporting and avoid common submission errors.

Budget Amendment Process Webinar Recording Available

 

The Office of Economic Opportunity hosted a webinar where we provided updates on the new procedures for budget amendments. 


Webinar Highlights:

  • New Contract Requirements
  • Walkthrough of new process
  • New timeline for submitting amendments
  • Tips & Best Practices to ensure a speedy approval


This is an important change, so please watch the webinar if you were unable to attend.

2026 - 2028 CSBG State Plan Now Available


We are pleased to announce that our Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) State Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2026 through 2028 has been officially accepted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services (OCS).

This milestone ensures the continued flow of critical federal resources to support community action initiatives across our state.

  • Plan Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2028
  • Effective Date: The plan is fully in effect through September 30, 2028.
  • Key Focus Areas: Strengthening local anti-poverty strategies, improving family financial stability, building emergency relief capacity, and enhancing service delivery across our network of local eligible entities.

For more information, to view the full accepted State Plan, or to learn about local CSBG-funded services, please visit our official CSBG State Plan webpage.

Updated TANF guidance available


The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) has released updated TANF Eligibility Guidance, reflecting recent direction from the VDSS TANF office. This guidance applies to all TANF funding administered through OEO. Please ensure this information is distributed to appropriate staff. If you have any questions, reach out to your OEO program contact for assistance.


Reminder: Upload FY25–26 Board Minutes to CSBG Reporter


This is a reminder that all approved board minutes and packets should be regularly added to the Board Minutes section in CSBG Reporter. As we work to close out the 2025–2026 program year, please double-check that all outstanding minutes from the 25–26 program year are fully uploaded.

Organizational Standards Reminder


All agencies received an update on their Organizational Standards status on May 22. Our team is currently reviewing standards, you should receive an updated list of standards that need attention by late October. A recorded webinar on Organizational Standards—including helpful resources and guidance for uploading documentation—is available here: https://vacsbg.learnworlds.com/course/quality-org-standards

Hosting a community event, have a story to tell? We would love to help spread the word! Please reach out to Gail.Doyle@dss.virginia.gov to share!