AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps addresses pressing education, public safety, human, and environmental needs of our Nation's communities by encouraging Americans to serve either part or full-time.
AmeriCorps programs have four goals:
AmeriCorps members may receive education awards for qualified postsecondary education expenses or to pay off qualified student loans.
AmeriCorps members serve in area elementary schools as teaching assistants, tutors, mentors, and role models.
AmeriCorps members develop and lead after school programs, work with community volunteers to develop community service projects, assist in immunization projects, renovate housing in low-income areas, tutor elementary children, and staff a crisis help-line for parents of at-risk children; work to improve relationships between community youth and local law enforcement officials by performing outreach, developing public safety instructional materials, conducting conflict resolution classes, and developing crime watch programs.
AmeriCorps members have worked to transform a city sludge farm into a nature preserve, restore a polluted swamp to a thriving natural lake, test area drinking water, and create environmental public service announcements.
The Corporation for National and Community Service is the nation's largest grant-maker supporting service and volunteering. Through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America programs, the Corporation is a catalyst for change and offers every American a chance to contribute through service and volunteering.
State commissions should also be contacted.
Relevant Nonprofit Program Categories
Program Accomplishments
In the 2006-2007 program year, about 67,350 Americans of all ages will serve in AmeriCorps projects. The Corporation has identified four issue areas: education, public safety, human needs and environment. The vast majority of AmeriCorps projects funded will work within these priority areas with a special emphasis on children and youth.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds must be used to operate or plan national and community service programs.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Tribes, Territories, national nonprofit organizations, professional corps, and multi-State organizations may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Tribes, Territories, national nonprofit organizations, professional corps, and multi-State organizations will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Contact the Corporation for specific information.
Award Procedures
Contact the Corporation for specific award information.
Deadlines
Contact the Corporation for deadline dates.
Authorization
National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
The time ranges from 2 to 3 months.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Fifteen percent living allowances for AmeriCorps members; 33 percent operating and support expenses must be matched. (The funds are allocated as follows: 1) State formula programs. One-third of the fiscal year AmeriCorps funds will be allocated to States according to a population based formula; 2) State competitive programs. At least one-third of the fiscal year AmeriCorps funds will be distributed to programs that are first selected by the States and then submitted to the Corporation for competitive consideration; 3) National direct. Remaining fiscal year funds will be distributed directly to programs operated by national nonprofit organizations, professional corps and programs operating in more than one State; and 4) Set-asides are estimated at two percent of the fiscal year AmeriCorps funds. Set-aside for Indian Tribes and Territories, one percent each.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
A time frame has not been established.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
As required by the Law.
Audits
Audits must be performed as required by the Law.
Records
All records necessary to perform a proper audit must be retained.
Financial Information
Account Identification
95-2720-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $258,960,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The anticipated program grant sizes (excluding planning grants) will range from approximately $200,000 for State formula programs to $3,000,000 for National Directs.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
As described in the Law. Contact the Corporation's headquarters office for further details.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
A list has been included in Appendix IV of the Catalog. State commissions should also be contacted.
Headquarters Office
Corporation for National and Community Service, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20525. Telephone: (202) 606-6715.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Criteria are contained in the application guidelines.
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