Advocacy

Protect Programs That Empower Our Community –
Advocate for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

The Big Beautiful Bill eliminates $800 million in funding, threatening programs that 9.3 million individuals rely on to survive, thrive, and move out of poverty.

We must act now!

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is one of the most effective, locally driven tools we have to reduce poverty and build economic opportunity for families in Mecklenburg County. Your local Community Action Agency, Charlotte Area Fund (CAF), has relied on CSBG to help thousands of individuals from low-income communities find jobs, start businesses, access financial education through the Financial Opportunity Center®, and build a better life. Download the latest North Carolina CSBG Factsheet HERE.


“CSBG isn’t just a line item in a budget. It’s the backbone of how we deliver hope and real change to thousands of lives in our community.”
– Nick Wharton, CEO – The Charlotte Area Fund

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Watch CAF CEO Nick Wharton on WCCB-Charlotte as he discusses how proposed CSBG budget cuts could impact low-income communities in Charlotte and nationwide.

(Click the arrow within the frame to start watching video.)

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What’s at Risk

  • CSBG is the core federal funding that supports over 1,000 Community Action Agencies, including ours — the Charlotte Area Fund.
  • It helps fund vital services like Head Start, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — lifelines for families and seniors.
  • The proposed federal budget eliminates CSBG entirely, cutting out the infrastructure that supports low-income working families and seniors across 95% of U.S. counties.
  • The damaging budget cuts include:
    • CSBG – $800 million supports 7 million individuals/ 5 million households
    • LIHEAP -$4 billion supports 7 million households
    • Head Start – $13 billion supports 800,000 households
    • Weatherization Assistance Program – $326 million serves 35,000 homes

Why CSBG Matters

  • Locally-Led, Results-Driven: CSBG isn’t a top-down handout—it’s a community-based investment managed by local experts who understand our unique challenges.
  • Drives Economic Independence: From job training to small business support, CSBG helps families leave poverty behind and thrive on their own terms.
  • Accountable & Effective: With strong financial oversight and regular performance reviews, every taxpayer dollar is used strategically and efficiently.
  • Supports Local Solutions: Instead of one-size-fits-all programs, CSBG empowers local leadership to tailor solutions that work.

“This program puts decisions in the hands of the people closest to the community—and the results speak for themselves.”
– Nick Wharton, Charlotte Area Fund CEO

Tell Congress: Protect the CSBG
Use this form to email your representatives in Congress and urge them to:

  • Maintain full funding for CSBG in FY2025 & FY2026
  • Support the upcoming bipartisan CSBG Reauthorization bill
  • Join the Bipartisan Community Action Caucus
  • Stand against any attempts to eliminate or reduce CSBG funding

Email Your Representative Now:

Here Are More Ways to Advocate:

  1. Follow Us & Amplify: Share our advocacy updates on social media with hashtags like #FundCSBG #CharlotteStrong #LocalSolutionsWork #CAF.
  2. Call Your Members of Congress: A short phone call goes a long way—especially when they hear from local voices.
  3. Submit an Op-Ed: Share your opinion by contributing an Op-Ed piece to The Charlotte Observer here.

  4. Become More Informed:  Continue to learn about the proposed budget cuts to America’s social infrastructure that will destroy a generation.

Invest in Local Solutions

Your donation to Charlotte Area Fund fuels our mission.

While we fight to protect CSBG, your gift helps us continue delivering life-changing programs. Every dollar goes toward:

  • Workforce development & job training
  • Financial literacy programs
  • Emergency assistance for families in crisis
  • Holistic support to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency


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Donate NOW and CLICK HERE!

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Together, We Are the Voice of Mecklenburg County

Let’s protect funding that works—and ensure every neighbor has a path to thrive. Thank you for standing with us for over 60 years, and advocating for smart, effective solutions like CSBG.

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