Community Services Block Grant

The Community Services Block Grant is a federally funded initiative administered at the state level in Colorado through the Department of Local Affairs and implemented locally by El Paso County. The program is designed to address systemic poverty by funding services that directly reduce poverty, revitalize low income communities, and empower individuals and families to achieve long term self sufficiency. El Paso County has historically participated in this program and is preparing to apply for the upcoming three year funding cycle covering the period from 2027 through 2029. In anticipation of receiving funds, the county is soliciting applications from qualified service oriented organizations to act as sub recipients responsible for delivering programs aligned with federal and local priorities. The scope of funding is focused on programs that directly address the causes and conditions of poverty. Eligible activities include services across multiple federal domains such as employment support, income and asset building, housing services, education, health and behavioral development, and community engagement. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed programs align with one or more of these domains and clearly articulate measurable outcomes tied to improved conditions for low income populations. Funding is restricted to costs that serve eligible low income individuals and families and must be incurred during the official grant period under a fully executed agreement. Organizations are also required to maintain documentation supporting all expenditures and program outcomes. Eligibility is limited to organizations located within El Paso County that can demonstrate the capacity to deliver services and track required performance data. Applicants must show their ability to collect and report information such as number of individuals served, demographic characteristics, and program outcomes. Additional eligibility considerations include compliance with financial management standards, adherence to federal regulations, maintenance of appropriate organizational governance structures, and the ability to meet audit and reporting requirements. Organizations must also demonstrate alignment with the goals of the program and provide evidence of experience serving low income populations. The application process requires submission through an online Microsoft Forms platform, with all responses typed directly into designated fields. Applicants who are unable to access the online system may request an alternative format. In addition to completing the application form, organizations must submit a series of supporting documents via email, including a detailed budget, W nine form, audited financial statements, federal tax returns, and proof of insurance. The application also requires extensive organizational and programmatic information, including mission statements, staffing levels, prior funding history, compliance certifications, and detailed project plans. Evaluation of applications is conducted using a structured scoring rubric totaling one hundred points. Forty points are allocated based on alignment with federal service domains, while sixty points assess the quality and completeness of the application, program feasibility, organizational experience, financial stability, and alignment with program goals. Scores generated through this process are advisory, with final funding decisions made by the Board of County Commissioners. The board retains full discretion to modify or reject recommendations. The application timeline for the current cycle opens on July 31, 2026 and closes on August 21, 2026. Applicants must ensure all materials, including supporting documentation, are submitted by the deadline to be considered. Following submission, applications are reviewed by the advisory board, with funding recommendations forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval. Awarded organizations will be required to provide ongoing reporting, including monthly and quarterly updates detailing program performance and financial expenditures throughout the grant period. Organizations selected for funding will enter into agreements requiring compliance with federal and local regulations, including nondiscrimination requirements and financial transparency standards. Recipients must certify the accuracy of their application, agree to provide documentation upon request, and acknowledge that submitted materials become public records. The program operates on a recurring multi year cycle, with future funding opportunities expected based on continued federal appropriations and local participation.

Ensure strong alignment with federal domains and clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and organizational capacity to serve low income populations