This guide, from the Community Action Partnership and Virtual CAP, features resources that have been selected for organizations looking to getting started with financial empowerment initiatives, as well as those seeking ways to strengthen and expand on work already being carried out in this area.
A project of the Community Action Partnership’s Learning Communities Resource Center, The Learning Community is comprised of topical Learning Community Groups which consist of a cadre of Community Action Agencies that are currently working on a program or service delivery strategy aimed to fight poverty more effectively and to improve outcomes for families and communities.
The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector has published recommended actions to strengthen governance, transparency, and accountability among charitable organizations including 501(c)(3) agencies.
An overview of the wide range of programs and resources provided by ACF, basic information about finding and applying for federal funds, specific information about ACF’s grant opportunities, and numerous resources and toolkits available for any community or faith-based organization.
The Assets Alliance is a capacity-building resource to help organizations expand the number of individuals and families participating in Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and asset-building opportunities.
The Administration for Children & Families provides access to a Benchmarking Tool that can be used to strengthen CAA’s and other faith- and community-based organizations.
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence has developed a series of free Board Transformation Toolkits that provide the groundwork for boards to learn new skills, reflect on their strengths and plan steps to become even stronger.
The Community Action Partnership offers the Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) program for Community Action leaders dedicated to creating more opportunities for their agency and to enhancing their leadership skills.
Circles® has been developed to serve as a national model by the Move the Mountain Leadership Center. South Central Community Action Programs became involved with the initiative as a way to effectively engage the community to end poverty.
CAPLAW provides expert legal assistance nationwide for Community Action Agencies.
The Division of State Assistance within the Office of Community Services publishes regulations and notices related to the Community Services Block Grant Program through Information Memoranda that are distributed to CSBG program administrators.
The National Association for State Community Services Programs supports a focus on Effective CAA Board Governance to help increase board involvement, management and accountability.
Resources to support disaster planning are featured along with tools from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that can be used by Community Action Agencies and others to develop effective Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief plans.