Registration is now open for our 3rd Annual DEI Summit: May 16th at Harrisburg University Learn More ⮕

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 DEI SUMMIT

Registration is now open! May 16th DEI Summit at Harrisburg University

Join us at the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania's 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) summit to address pressing issues in our communities so we can Take Action to End Disparities!

In a year where inflation reached 6.41%, the economic landscape has left nearly half of Americans feeling "very stressed" about inflation and financial resources.

By participating in this summit, you'll gain valuable insights from success stories and best practices, empowering you to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the solution and drive positive change in our communities. This is a hybrid event! Participation may be in-person or virtual!

2024 CAAP Partnership Opportunities

We understand that low-income individuals and families often face significant challenges in accessing the resources they need to succeed. That is why we are proud to offer our support which is dedicated to providing critical resources and programming to the Community Action network. From job training and education to healthcare and housing assistance, these organizations are making a real difference in the lives of countless individuals and families across our state. Of the almost 13 million people living in Pennsylvania, 1.45 million of those residents live in poverty. Last year, the Community Action Network served over one-third of those individuals. Support the network that supports change. Your sponsorship is an investment to impact communities for the better.

We believe that by coming together and supporting Community Action staff, we can help create hope and opportunity for the most vulnerable populations. We look forward to working together to build a brighter future for all Pennsylvanians. Connect with us for event sponsorship or larger 2024 programming opportunities.


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.”

Sign up to be the first to know about our events and more.