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...
Tax Issues to Consider When Sharing Employees
This article focuses on the tax considerations for CAAs entering into a shared employee relationship. It presents three commonly-seen examples of sharing employees within the Community Action network:a 501(c)(3) nonprofit state association sharing employees with another tax-exempt organization,...
Public CAA Boards
Tripartite boards of public Community Action Agencies (CAAs) face unique challenges in overseeing programs funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and other sources. While their relationship with local government provides lines of communication to individuals with authority and...
Democratic Selection Procedures in a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a multitude of unprecedented challenges for CAAs. One of the challenges that has spurred CAAs to innovate is the need to recruit and elect representatives of the low-income community to serve on the tripartite board.While serious obstacles to client engagement...
Do’s and Don’ts of Workplace COVID-19 Vaccinations
As Community Action Agencies continue to adapt and evolve in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, their strategies for protecting employees from serious illness resulting from COVID-19 has shifted from mitigating the risk of transmission via measures like PPE and social distancing to...
Raising the Low-Income Voice
Since the inception of the Economic Opportunity Act, a fundamental goal of Community Action has been to provide low-income individuals with a voice in the administration of its poverty alleviating programs. With the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Act's call to achieve “maximum participation”...
Weatherproofing CAA Bylaws
The COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges for CAAs that impacted existing governance structures and practices. Due to widespread restrictions on gathering, many boards were unable to meet in person or had to postpone regular meetings. For a significant number of CAAs, the pandemic...
CSBG Eligibility
The federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to carry out a variety of activities designed to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals to become self-sufficient. The following Q&A is...
Finishing Strong with Finances
CAAs received a historic influx of restricted funding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting unique challenges in addition to exciting opportunities. Many of these challenges, from managing indirect cost rate rates and cost allocation plans to revisiting budgets with your board, relate...
CAPLAW Legal Updates
This archive of CAPLAW legal updates and e-News bulletins contains timely information on the legal and financial topics important to the Community Action network.