The Division is responsible for the administration and distribution of the NYS Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds. CSBG is a federal anti-poverty program administered by the NYS Department of State Division of Community Services since 1982. Its purpose in NYS is to provide assistance to a network of Community Action Agencies [CAAs] or Community Action Programs [CAPs] and other neighborhood organizations in the reduction of poverty, revitalization of low-income communities, and to provide economic opportunities for low-income families.

The CSBG is implemented through a network of Community Action Agencies that provide services such as workforce development, child care and head start, weatherization, emergency food and clothing, domestic violence intervention, afterschool care, and other like services. DCS ensures program and fiscal compliance through routine on site reviews of fiscal and program services.