Programs
The Office of Community Services (OCS) partners with states, communities and agencies to eliminate causes of poverty, increase self-sufficiency of individuals and families and revitalize communities. Our social service and community development programs work in a variety of ways to improve the lives of many.
Programs for Families | Programs for Communities | Tribal Programs
Programs for Families
Assets for Independence
AFI is a community-based approach for giving low-income families a hand up out of poverty. Utilizing existing individual and community assets, AFI strengthens communities from within through the use of matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).
Social Services Block Grant Program (SSBG)
SSBG program enables each state or territory to meet the needs of its residents through locally relevant social services. SSBGs support programs that allow communities to achieve or maintain economic self-sufficiency to prevent, reduce or eliminate dependency on social services.
Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals Program (JOLI)
The Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program is a federal grant program funding nonprofit organizations that address the economic needs of low-income individuals and families through the creation of sustainable business development and employment opportunities.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs.
Programs for Communities
Compassion Capital Fund (CCF)
The Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) grant program helps grassroots organizations increase their effectiveness and enhance their ability to provide social services to low-income individuals. Our goal is to strengthen the role of organizations in their ability to provide social services to low-income communities.
Community Economic Development (CED)
The Community Economic Development (CED) program improves low-income communities across the country. CED awards federally funded grants for well planned, financially viable, innovative projects that enhance business development and create jobs for low-income individuals.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities.
Rural Community Development Program (RCD)
RCD is a federal grant program that works with regional and tribal organizations to manage safe water systems in rural communities.
Strengthening Communities Fund (SCF)
SCF works with nonprofit community and faith-based organizations to address economic recovery issues in local communities.
Tribal Programs
Tribal Services
The Tribal Liaison Workgroup works with tribes and tribal organizations to keep these populations informed of opportunities available to them within the Office of Community Services.
