Statement from CEO of the National Community Action Foundation, David Bradley
September 4, 2025 • Press Release
Washington, DC
The National Community Action Foundation (NCAF), the federal advocate for the national network of Community Action Agencies, today released the following statement in response to the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee recommending increased funding for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in FY26:
“We’re grateful to the members of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee for their continued bipartisan support of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). This year, CSBG saw a $5 million increase, a demonstration of the subcommittee’s continued confidence that a limited federal investment ($775 million for FY26) will help millions of hard-working Americans achieve economic independence.
We also greatly appreciate the members of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, who earlier this summer showed bipartisan backing of CSBG with a recommended appropriation at current funding levels.
We recognize that both Subcommittees faced and will continue to face difficult decisions. We’re pleased that in their deliberations, they recognized the critical nature of the Community Services Block Grant and found it worthy of continued federal investment.
CSBG was established in 1981 on a simple idea: local communities are better suited to address poverty than a top-down, one-size-fits-all federal program. CSBG funds are granted to states and delivered through Community Action Agencies, trusted locally-led organizations tasked with fighting for hard-working Americans facing barriers to financial stability. With this year’s funding, CAAs will be able to continue their work identifying unique local challenges and solving problems through programs ranging from job training and financial education to small business development.
From natural disasters to job loss, Americans in almost every community continue to be only one tragedy away from financial hardship. For decades, the Community Services Block Grant has enabled Community Action Agencies to be at the frontline of poverty prevention. As the only federal program designed to address or eliminate the causes and effects of poverty, the Community Services Block Grant is a fiscally responsible program that’s accountable and proven to work.
Our goal remains to lift as many people out of poverty as possible and help them on the road to self-sufficiency. We look forward to working with all members of Congress to ensure that this vital program continues.”
– David Bradley, CEO and Co-Founder, National Community Action Foundation