CSBG-DCL-2023-04 Project Impact: Rapid Cycle Projects Showcase Webinar FY 2023
Community Services Block Grant
Dear Colleague Letter
DCL#: CSBG-DCL-2023-04
DATE: December 6, 2022
TO: CSBG Network
SUBJECT: Project Impact: CSBG Rapid-Cycle Projects Showcase Webinar
ATTACHMENT(S): N/A
The Office of Community Services, Division of Community Assistance is pleased to announce the Project Impact: Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Rapid-Cycle Projects Virtual Showcase on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 1:00 — 3:00 p.m. ET. The Showcase is an opportunity to learn more about Project Impact and hear from grant recipients on their experience, accomplishments, and findings using rapid-cycle learning (RCL) techniques. The Showcase will culminate the 15-month innovative grant project. The event is limited to first 200 registrants from the CSBG Network. REGISTER HERE to reserve your spot today!
The Significance of Rapid-Cycle Learning in the CSBG Network
During the COVID-19 pandemic many communities demonstrated resiliency and implemented innovative models and programs to support vulnerable households. To support this work, examine the impact of these innovations, and strengthen and scale effective projects, OCS awarded CSBG Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to 16 recipients for the CSBG CARES Act Rapid-Cycle Impact Projects (hereinafter referred to as Project Impact: CSBG Rapid-Cycle Projects). The goal of Project Impact is to help nonprofit organizations that support the needs of low-income individuals and families use rapid-cycle learning (RCL) approaches to test, adapt, and/or enhance innovative programs and service models to effectively respond to urgent community-based needs.
The CSBG Network of states, territories, Tribes, and CSBG-eligible entities play a critical role in responding to the needs of individuals and families with low-income, providing a wide array of services. The public health emergency required many organizations to rapidly adapt their service delivery systems while effectively responding to immediate community needs.
For OCS, this project is an innovative way to grow and strengthen the CSBG Network through nimble service provision and the creation of a new body of knowledge. The approaches studied under this grant will serve as promising practices to build the CSBG Network to respond to potential future pandemics and/or disasters effectively and rapidly. The findings will help the CSBG Network to become more successful at its core mission to support services that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities.
To learn more about each organization and its project, visit the OCS Project Impact webpage. Also see OCS’ Freedom from Hunger Initiative featuring videos and infographics on the work of two Project Impact recipients.
Please join OCS, Mathematica, and Project Impact grant recipients for the Showcase on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 1:00 — 3:00 p.m. ET, to hear the project findings and accomplishments using RCL and the opportunity to engage with the recipients about their work.
Thank you for your attention to these matters. OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality services to OCS partners.
/s/
Charisse Johnson
Director, Division of Community Assistance
Office of Community Services