What We Do

CSBG

About Community Services Block Grants (CSBG): CSBG block grants are designated funds awarded to the states by the federal government focused on several key areas: housing, nutrition, emergency services, employment, education, and health and wellness programs.
CSBG in Montana: CSBG funds are received and administered by the State Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS). They then distribute the funds by a formula allocation to ten local CSBG Grantees providing direct assistance and services to all of Montana’s counties. 

Training and Technical Assistance

The Association helps coordinate training and technical assistance for our ten member organizations and their staff. One major training tool that Community Action Agencies use is Results Oriented Management and Accountability, or ROMA. ROMA is a performance-based management system that uses outcomes as its foundation. ROMA’s aims are continuous program improvement and accountability, ensuring the effectiveness of our funding. Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation (aka the ROMA Cycle) are at the core of ROMA.

Advocacy

The Montana Community Action Association informs elected officials about poverty trends and the work of Community Action network across the state. It also helps community members and partners better understand the complexities of poverty, advocates for programs and policies that reduce poverty, and works to develop partnerships from the local to the federal level.
For the 2025 Montana Legislative sessions the Association is working with Central House Strategies as our lobbyist. Please connect with us!