Helping people. Changing lives.

Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP)

The mission of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania is to strengthen, advocate for, and empower the state network of Community Action Agencies to effectively address issues of poverty.

What is Community Action?

Community Action is the authority on addressing poverty in Pennsylvania.

The Community Action network is comprised of public and non-profit community-based organizations (CBOs) of Community Action Agencies across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Each agency is uniquely addressing the Social Determinants of Health through various programming, informed by regular Community Needs Assessments, to understand the needs of those most vulnerable in every community.




2024 CAAPtivating Excellence Awards

At the CAAPtivating Excellence Awards, we believe in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary efforts of those who have dedicated themselves to improving our community. These awards cover various categories: education, case management, advocacy, community engagement, support, emerging excellence, and leadership.

Your participation in this nomination process is essential to help us identify the deserving members of the Community Action network who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their work. By nominating individuals and organizations who have made a positive impact, you contribute to recognizing and appreciating their efforts. Please consider nominating your peers for the 2024 CAAPtivating Excellence Awards.

Please find details for award categories here ⮕

2024 CAAP Partnership Opportunities

Our Community Action Agencies are making remarkable strides in combating poverty and enhancing the lives of low-income individuals and families across local communities.

Your sponsorship will elevate the crucial efforts of these agencies, enabling them to exchange best practices, stay abreast of trends, and delve into the underlying causes of poverty. With nearly 13 million residents in Pennsylvania, 1.45 million live below the poverty line. Last year, the Community Action Network assisted over one-third of these individuals. By supporting this network, you contribute to meaningful change. Your sponsorship is an investment in transforming communities for the better.

The conference provides a unique platform for the Community Action Network to convene, exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and foster relationships essential to our mission. Your sponsorship will empower us to create enduring impacts in the communities we serve, and we deeply appreciate your support. It Starts with Us- to drive actionable change.


2023 Community Action Association of Pennsylvania Annual Impact Report

Seemingly “small” actions = infinite impact. 

This year, 475,816 people in Pennsylvania were served and/or impacted by services provided by Community Action network across Pennsylvania. CAAP supports agencies completing this work through webinars, pop-up opportunities, CAP Infinity, and CAAP Learn and other training and technical assistance. Though it may appear as effortless as a flap of a butterfly’s wings, the CAAP team has been working hard to deliver the highest quality services and resources to vulnerable communities across the state - no doubt creating powerful tornadoes of positive change whose impact will be felt for many years to come.


“I believe that the work of our network is to build a continuum where economic stability is just the beginning. Through our actions and partnerships, we have the opportunity to mobilize efforts that can lead to economic equity so every community can thrive. And if there is an anecdote for poverty it’s hope. Hope that we can make it to the next day but also hope that you can live out your dreams. I believe hope connected to action changes the landscape of our lives and the lives of generations to come.”

— Vanessa Philbert, CEO, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County

Our Partners


“Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live.”

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