AmeriCorps State and National Grant Opportunities Oksana Jensen and Sarah Yue, Program Officers

Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)

Session Outline

• Introduction to AmeriCorps

• How AmeriCorps State and National works

• Types of activities supported by AmeriCorps grants

• How AmeriCorps grants benefit organizations and communities

• AmeriCorps program elements

• Application process

• Application content

• Current funding opportunities

• Other ways to connect with AmeriCorps

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps

• National service program focused on using “people power” to address community needs

• Administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)

• Three sub-programs:

– AmeriCorps VISTA

– AmeriCorps NCCC

– AmeriCorps State and

National

AmeriCorps Members

• Individuals who serve in an AmeriCorps program

• Commit to a specific term of service

– 300-1700 hours

– Up to 12 months

• Receive a Segal Education Award

upon successfully completing a

service term (up to $5775)

• Eligible for deferment of qualified student loans

• May receive a living allowance, health insurance and child care assistance while serving

AmeriCorps Members

• NOT the same as employees or volunteers

– Roles are distinct and unique

• Must be U.S. citizens/nationals/ lawful permanent residents

• Individuals of all educational backgrounds, ethnicities, ages are welcome to serve (minimum age of 17)

How AmeriCorps State and National Works

• Provides grants to eligible organizations to run AmeriCorps programs

– Eligible organizations are public or private nonprofit organizations including:

• faith-based and other community organizations

• institutions of higher education

• government entities within states or territories (e.g., cities, counties)

• labor organizations

• partnerships and consortia

• Indian Tribes

How AmeriCorps State and National Works

• Grants consist of a specific number of AmeriCorps member positions (slots) and associated funds

• Grant funds can support program-related costs including member living allowances, health coverage, training, travel, salaries, background checks, and materials/supplies.

– Education Awards are provided directly to members by the National Service Trust

• Federal funds provide partial support only; matching funds and/or other leveraged funds are essential to run the program

How AmeriCorps State and National Works

• Cost per Member Service Year (MSY) must stay below maximum level

– One MSY = one full-time member slot

• Typically three-year project period; apply for continuation funding in years 2 and 3

• Size of grant request should fit program design

– Generally no more than 50 member slots for new programs

– Some funding opportunities specify minimum number of MSY or slots

Types of Activities Supported by AmeriCorps Grants

• Six focus areas:

– Disaster Services

– Economic Opportunity

– Education

– Environmental Stewardship

– Healthy Futures

– Veterans and Military Families

Types of Activities Supported by AmeriCorps Grants

• Large diversity of program designs; can be customized based on what meets community needs most effectively

– Full time and/or part time members

– Direct service and/or capacity building

– Members serving as a cohort and/or individually

– Members based at the host organization and/or with community partners

Examples of Funded Programs

• In 2014, 66 public colleges/universities/ community colleges in 31 states received AmeriCorps grants

• Program models include:

– Recruiting volunteers to increase urban safety (MI)

– Providing legal services to immigrant children (NV)

– Tutoring pre-K and school-age children (MS)

– Leading summer camps for disadvantaged youth (IL)

– Providing job skills and financial literacy training for low-income community members (ME)

– Build capacity for natural resource management initiatives (OR)

Examples of Funded Programs

• University of Missouri: College Advising Corps

– Recent college graduates help low-income, first-generation students and their families navigate college planning, admissions, and financial aid

• University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh: Vet Corps

– Student veterans provide peer support to other veterans to assist with the transition from military to civilian life

• University of Maryland, Baltimore County: Choice Program

– AmeriCorps members provide community-based case management services to inner-city youth involved in the juvenile justice system

Benefits of AmeriCorps

• For organizations and communities:

– Enhanced “people power” to meet pressing needs and accomplish meaningful outcomes

– Connection to broader National Service movement

• For individuals:

– Meaningful service that develops key skills and leads to lifelong civic engagement

– Improved employment opportunities

– Education Award to support further postsecondary education and/or repay student loans

AmeriCorps Program Essentials

• Compelling problem in the community that needs to be solved

• Good idea for how to use AmeriCorps members to solve the problem

– Different than what existing staff/volunteers are already doing

• Clearly defined and meaningful outcomes and the ability to measure progress toward those outcomes on a yearly basis

AmeriCorps Program Essentials

• Staff capacity to train and supervise AmeriCorps members

• Systems and staff to handle grant documentation and reporting requirements and track and manage grant funds (federal and matching)

• Sufficient matching funds to meet required match level and fully support program activities

How to Apply for an AmeriCorps Grant

• Yearly Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

– typically released in late summer or early fall, with awards announced the following spring

– May be other special grant opportunities that become available during the year

• Single-state programs apply via State Service Commissions (http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/contact-us/state-service-commissions)

• Multi-state or tribal programs apply directly to CNCS

How to Apply for an AmeriCorps Grant

• Several types of grants available

– Cost-reimbursement

– Full-time Fixed Amount (not for new applicants)

– Education Award Only (EAP)

– Professional Corps

• Apply through eGrants: https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.jsp

• Application includes narratives, Logic Model, budget, and performance measures

Elements of an AmeriCorps Application

• Theory of Change

• Description of training and supervision of AmeriCorps members and the nature of the service experience

• Commitment to public identification as an AmeriCorps program

Community

Problem/Need

Specific

Intervention

Intended

Outcome

Evidence •Guides choice of intervention

•Supports cause-effect relationship

Data/Statistics documenting the

need

Elements of an AmeriCorps Application

• Description of the organization's capacity to manage the program and follow all grant requirements

• Program budget that includes required match and supports the essential aspects of the program while staying within maximum limits

• At least one performance measure (output + outcome) that is connected to the primary service activity and reflects meaningful community impact

– National Performance Measures: http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACSN_PM_Instructions_2015_NOFO_1.pdf

Important Considerations When Applying

• Start early

• Do your homework on data and evidence

• Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) carefully

• Abide by page limits (narrative and logic model)

• Focus on addressing the specific review criteria

• Don’t assume prior knowledge

• Have an objective third party read the application before submitting

Funding Opportunities

• Current Funding Opportunities webpage: http://www.nationalservice.gov/build-your-capacity/grants/funding-opportunities

• Send questions to AmericorpsGrants@cns.gov

• Join the CNCS email list to receive notifications about new funding opportunities

Other Ways to Connect with AmeriCorps

• Become an Employer of National Service (www.nationalservice.gov/employers)

– Connects AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni with leading employers from private, public, and non-profit sectors

• Match the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/segal-americorps-education-award)

– Over 150 institutions across the U.S. currently provide matching benefits for students who use Education Awards to support tuition and fees

Other Ways to Connect with AmeriCorps

• Reach out to State Commissions to find out about state-specific opportunities (http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/contact-us/state-service-commissions)

– Deadlines and application processes may vary by state

• Talk to existing AmeriCorps programs about becoming a host site for AmeriCorps members (http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/open-government-initiative/transparency/results-grants-competition)