Resource Library
All of CAPLAW’s resources and publications are now available in CAPLAW’s new Resource Library. Use the search filters below to find the resource you need.
Featured Resources
Bylaws Toolkit
This updated Bylaws Toolkit will help CAAs develop bylaws that are clear, effective, and up-to-date. The toolkit outlines key concepts for an agency’s bylaws, such as the authority of the Board of...
Dynamic Duos Podcast
Mutual respect and trust between leaders at a Community Action Agency (CAA) is essential to the stability of the organization. Without a strong relationship between a CAA board chair and executive...
Tips on Preparing for a Possible Government Shutdown
With the possibility of a federal government shutdown looming, what should CAAs be doing to prepare? Review 10 tips to consider when preparing for a possible shutdown. Summaries of federal agency...
Privacy Rights of Employees
Despite social distancing measures and remote work arrangements, it sometimes feels like employees are sharing more of their lives than ever with their employers. From glimpses into their homes on video conferences to symptom questionnaires and temperature checks at the office, COVID-19 has...
Privacy Rights of Clients
In dealing with the pandemic over the past year, CAAs have discovered resourceful and creative ways to connect with their communities via their websites, social media, videoconferencing software, and other forms of remote interaction and outreach. While these measures have helped to safely...
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a massive proliferation of cyber-attacks, with the transition to remote work leaving employers more vulnerable than ever to malware, phishing scams, and ransomware. Grant-funded nonprofits are attractive targets, since they maintain a trove of personal information...
Coronavirus Updates
CAPLAW continues to monitor the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Community Action network. Our COVID-19 website, which is regularly updated, contains the latest guidance and analysis relevant to the network.
Sample Board Composition Matrix
A CAA board may use this excel spreadsheet to reflect its current recruitment strategies and help the board focus on its most pressing board member composition needs. It is important to note, when using a board matrix, a CAA must be caredul to not focus on who people are to the extent that it...
Sample Confidentiality Agreement
Organizations that are possibly merging or sharing services may choose to enter into an agreement to protect any confidential information shared or exposed before and throughout the transaction. Organizations should review this sample confidentiality agreement thoughtfully and modify it as needed...
Shared Services between Two Minnesota CAAs
This case study presents an example of a collaboration between two nonprofit Community Action Agencies to share administrative services, which has since grown to include shared program staff. The case study is based on CAPLAW's interviews with Paul Carlson and Harlan Tardy, the current and former...
Merger between an Arizona CAA and Non-CAA
This case study presents an example of a parent-subsidiary merger between a small, non-profit CAA facing significant financial challenges and a larger, more financially robust non-profit organization providing overlapping social services in the same service area. The case study is based on...
Unlocking the Potential of the Tripartite Board Private Sector
The language in the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act lays the groundwork for Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to exercise great discretion when identifying, recruiting, and selecting private sector members and groups to serve on the tripartite board.A hallmark of Community Action,...