Grants From DSS

The Department of Social Services is a government agency that provides financial assistance to protect and improve the welfare of the people, young and old. There are federal and state DSS agencies awarding grants to nonprofit and community organizations to fund activities to accomplish their missions. Grants finance employment- and education-training programs, food and shelter programs, and childcare and development services. Funds also cover facility renovation and construction projects as well as equipment and supply purchases.

Community Grants

The federal agency involved with social services is called the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One of several grants funded by HHS is the Community Services Block Grant program. Grants are awarded to state agencies to fund programs to help revitalize low-income urban and rural communities. Such programs provide families with emergency assistance through grants and loans, fund training programs for individuals to attain adequate education, and help the elderly and poor secure and keep their jobs.

Childcare Grants

The HHS sponsors the Child Care and Development Grant program to address the needs of daycare providers and parents who need childcare services so they can go to work. Grants fund education and job training programs for parents on public assistance to get jobs and give them vouchers to help pay for childcare services. Funds are also used to train daycare providers and provide them with money to improve operations, including minor facility renovations to meet local and state health and safety requirements.

Elderly Grants

Grants from HHS also finance services to help the elderly receive healthy meals. For example, the Special Program for the Aging awards grants to organizations to provide meals to older Americans once a day or at least five times per week. Meals are served in congregate settings or delivered to homes of the elderly.

State Grants

Grants are available from state DSS agencies as well. For example, Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services sponsors childcare grants for daycare providers to build or remodel facilities to accommodate more children, children with disabilities, and to meet local and state standards. Missouri's Department of Social Services also provides grants for childcare providers to pay for facility improvement projects. Individuals should check with their state's DSS offices for more grant opportunities.

References

• Federal Grants Wire: Community Services Block Grant
• HHS.gov: Child Care and Development Fund
• Federal Grants Wire: Special Program for the Aging -- Title III, Part C-Nutrition Services
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Childcare Grants
• Missouri Department of Social Services: Early Childhood Grants & Resources