 Click here for Convention reservations at the Marriott Marquis |
 NASCSP'S ANNUAL REPORT ON CSBG GRANT ANALYSIS & STATE LEVEL DATA | |
NASCSP has released its Annual CSBG Report for2014 summarizing data provided by the Community Action Network through the Annual IS Report. Many wonder what becomes of all this data--access the report today.
The report contains a wealth of information related to CSBG, our outcomes, and how funds are spent,.
In addition, NASCSP produces State Fact Sheets. Great to use as you talk about the use CSBG in your state. Download your State Fact Sheet here.
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SOCIAL INNOVATION FUND NOTICE OF FUNDING |
The Corporation for National and Community Service and the
Social Innovation Fund Announces the Social Innovation Fund
Notice of Funding Availability for FY 2015
The 2015 Social Innovation Fund grant competition will provide approximately $40 million to eligible grant-making institutions seeking to grow innovative, evidence-based solutions to challenges facing low-income communities nationwide in our focus areas of healthy futures, youth development and economic opportunity. In addition, approximately $11 million will be available for the continuation of existing grants.
Applicants are encouraged to submit an intent to apply by Feb 20 and the FOA closes on Mar 17.
Click here for complete information.
The Corporation for National and Community Servicewill host a live Overview Webinar on Thursday, January 29 at 3pm ET. This webinar will go over the Notice of Funding Availability details, including an introduction into the work of the Social Innovation Fund with insight from SIF staff and a grantee. Visit bit.ly/18kBsKw to register.
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ABCD VISITED BY TREASURY SECRETARY LEW | |
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) was honored last Thursday to have a visit from Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Jack. Lew. Secretary Lew came to see ABCD's participation in the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program and talk about what's to expect in the coming tax filing season.
Thank you ABCD for providing leadership on VITA and great visibility of the Community Action Network's investment in this important work!!
Read more here.
 | | ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew, Secretary Lew, and ABCD Executive Vice President Sharon Scott-Chandler, Esq. |
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OCS RELEASES IM 138 CSBG ORGANIZATIONAL STANDARDS | On January 26, the Federal Office of Community Services released its Final Informational Memorandum (IM) on the Community Services Block Grant Organizational Standards. The CSBG/Community Action Network has been awaiting its release.
IM 138 outlines the Establishment and Implementation of Organizational Standards The IM addresses State CSBG Lead Agency oversight, assessment, corrective action, the role of the State Plan and CSBG Annual Report, exceptions for limited-purpose agencies and other special circumstances. It touches on the impact of the State Accountability Measures and the OMB review process of the Model State Plan and Annual Report.
IM 138 also finalizes the Center of Excellence (COE) Developed Organizational Standards. These include 58 Standards for Private/Nonprofit Community Action Agencies/CSBG Eligible Entities and 50 Standards for Public Community Action Agencies/CSBG Eligible Entities.
There will be a free webinar for Community Action being hosted this week by the Partnership's Organizational Standards of Excellence on Friday, January 30th at 12:00 ET/11:00 CT/10:00 MT/9:00 PT.
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CSBG DEAR COLLEAGUE DRAFT STATE AND FEDERAL ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES AND APPPENDICES | Community Services
Block Grant
Dear Colleague Letter
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services
Division of State Assistance
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20447
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/programs/csbg
Re: CSBG Draft State and Federal Accountability Measures and Appendices
Date: January 28, 2015
Dear Colleagues:
As part of a strengthened performance management and accountability framework for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Office of Community Services is releasing a new draft Information Memorandum (IM) on State and Federal accountability measures. This draft IM includes proposed measures intended to ensure that both State and Federal administrators of CSBG are accountable to high standards of performance management. It is our expectation that these State and Federal accountability measures will be implemented alongside the new organizational standards for Community Action Agencies.
Although OCS has previously sought input on a set of draft State and Federal accountability measures, very significant changes were made based on input received by OCS. We are now issuing an IM in draft form, as we did with the IM on organizational standards for CSBG-eligible entities last March, in order to identify any significant implementation concerns prior to issuance of the final guidance.
This document will be published to the OCS website within the next two days along with a revised Model State Plan that incorporates the State accountability measures. We expect to issue a final IM in about 60 days after the completion of a public comment period on a revised CSBG Model State Plan. During this period, if you have any comments on this draft IM, or on the State and Federal measures specifically, please submit them by email to LaToya.Smith@acf.hhs.gov at the Office of Community Services.
Thank you for your review and input.
Sincerely,
Jeannie L. Chaffin Seth Hassett
Director Director, Division of State Assistance
Office of Community Services Office of Community Services
To upload To view this Dear Colleague Letter along with the Draft IM, click here.
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HHS TO WORK WITH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND TAX PREPARERS | |
Community Action Work Highlighted in a Recent Press Release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be working with nonprofit organizations and tax preparers to help consumers understand the new tax environment created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In a recent press release, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell highlighted the collaboration between nonprofit organizations and some of the nation's largest tax preparers in ensuring that the public fully understand the intersection between the ACA and their taxes.
The Partnership was included in this group along with other organizations such as the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) and the Center on Budget Priorities (CBPP). For more information about the collaboration efforts, click the following link to access the press release mentioned above http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2015pres/01/20150128a.html.
To access other useful information regarding the ACA and taxes click the following links:
To view a statement mad by Secretary Lew and Secretary Burwell on preparing for upcoming tax season, visit: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2015pres/01/20150108a.html.
The read a fact sheet about what a lack of health coverage means for taxes, visit: https://marketplace.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/no-health-coverage-and-your-taxes.pdf.
To read a fact sheet about Health Coverage and Federal Income Taxes visit:
http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/factsheets/2015/01/health-coverage-federal-income-taxes.html.
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CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND RELEASES ENDING CHILD POVERTY NOW | |
Children's Defense Fund releases Ending Child Poverty Now
 Ending Child Poverty Now was released at a briefing today (January 28) by the Children's Defense Fund:
http://www.childrensdefense.org/library/PovertyReport/EndingChildPovertyNow.html
The report discusses action steps that can be taken to end child poverty. Suggestions include investing more in existing programs and policies that increase parental employment, make work pay, and ensure children's basic needs are met. By taking such actions, "the nation could reduce child poverty by 60 percent and lift 6.6 million children out of poverty."
Several of the report's suggestions are in line with initiatives at Community Action Agencies. For example-many CAAs help parents train for better paying jobs while providing quality, affordable child care for their children. And still others offer a variety of services from Head Start to programs for teens. These efforts are helping to ensure successful educational and personal development for young people.
Share your thoughts about ending child poverty and follow the discussion on Twitter using the hashtag #EndChildPoverty
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WIPFLI NONPROFIT AND GOVERNMENT UPCOMING EVENTS
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On-Site Trainings
April 20-21, 2015
In-Depth Training on OMB's New Uniform Guidance
Hilton Sacramento Arden West
2200 Harvard St
Sacramento, CA 95815
Registration Fee
Early-bird rate: $625 per person if registered by March 23, 2015
Regular rate: $775 per person if registered after March 23, 2015
Webinars
February 10, 2015 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Free! Exploring Abila Fundraising 50
February 17, 2015 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Community-Based Program Evaluation & Reporting
February 18, 2015 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 10% De Minimis Indirect Rate: Is It Right For You?
March 10, 2015 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Indirect Cost Rates
March 12, 2015 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 10% De Minimis Indirect Rate: Is It Right For You?
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alliance with the Partnership or visit their website. |
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