CSBG Organizational Standards Guide
Standard 5.1
Private
The organization’s governing board is structured in compliance with the CSBG Act:
- At least one third democratically-selected representatives of the low-income community;
- One-third local elected officials (or their representatives); and
- The remaining membership from major groups and interests in the community.
Public
The department’s tripartite board/advisory body is structured in compliance with the CSBG Act, by either:
- Selecting the board members as follows:
- At least one third are democratically-selected representatives of the low-income community;One-third are local elected officials (or their representatives); and
- The remaining members are from major groups and interests in the community; or
- Selecting the board through another mechanism specified by the State to assure decision-making and participation by low-income individuals in the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs.
Related Resources:
Standard 5.2
Private
The organization’s governing board has written procedures that document a democratic selection process for low-income board members adequate to assure that they are representative of the low-income community.
Public
The department’s tripartite board/advisory body either has:
- Written procedures that document a democratic selection process for low-income board members adequate to assure that they are representative of the low-income community, or
- Another mechanism specified by the State to assure decision-making and participation by low-income individuals in the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs.
Related Resources:
Standard 5.3
Private
The organization’s bylaws have been reviewed by an attorney within the past 5 years.
Public
Not applicable: Review of bylaws by an attorney is outside of the purview of the department and the tripartite board/advisory body, therefore this standard does not apply to public entities.
Related Resource:
- Bylaws Toolkit (CAPLAW)
Standard 5.4
Private
The organization documents that each governing board member has received a copy of the bylaws within the past 2 years.
Public
The department documents that each tripartite board/advisory body member has received a copy of the governing documents, within the past 2 years.
Standard 5.5
Private
The organization’s governing board meets in accordance with the frequency and quorum requirements and fills board vacancies as set out in its bylaws.
Public
The department’s tripartite board/advisory body meets in accordance with the frequency and quorum requirements and fills board vacancies as set out in its governing documents.
Related Resource:
Standard 5.6
Private
Each governing board member has signed a conflict of interest policy within the past 2 years.
Public
Each tripartite board/advisory body member has signed a conflict of interest policy, or comparable local government document, within the past 2 years.
Related Resources:
- Sample Conflict of Interest Policy for Boards (No Head Start) (CAPLAW)
- Sample Conflict of Interest Policy for Senior Staff (No Head Start) (CAPLAW)
- Sample Conflict of Interest Policy for Boards (Head Start) (CAPLAW)
- Sample Conflict of Interest Policy for Senior Staff (Head Start) (CAPLAW)
- Tools for Top-Notch CAAs: Governance + Financial (CAPLAW)
- Do the Right Thing: Culture of Compliance + Ethics (CAPLAW)
Standard 5.7
Private
The organization has a process to provide a structured orientation for governing board members within 6 months of being seated.
Public
The department has a process to provide a structured orientation for tripartite board/advisory body members within 6 months of being seated.
Related Resources:
Standard 5.8
Private
Governing board members have been provided with training on their duties and responsibilities within the past 2 years.
Public
Tripartite board/advisory body members have been provided with training on their duties and responsibilities within the past 2 years.
Related Resources:
Standard 5.9
Private
The organization’s governing board receives programmatic reports at each regular board meeting.
Public
The department’s tripartite board/advisory body receives programmatic reports at each regular board/advisory meeting.
Related Resource:
This resource was originally created by CAPLAW with support from the National Community Action Partnership. This material is supported by Grant Number 90ET0505-03 from the ACF Office of Community Services, Community Services Block Grant within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this material (including, without limitation, its content and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the ACF Office of Community Services, Community Services Block Grant.