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? 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
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 lowincome 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, firstgeneration 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/contactus/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 Community Problem/Need Specific Intervention Intended Outcome Data/Statistics documenting the need Evidence Guides choice of intervention Supports cause-effect relationship Description of training and supervision of AmeriCorps members and the nature of the service experience Commitment to public identification as an AmeriCorps program
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/docum ents/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-yourcapacity/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/s egal-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/contactus/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/opengovernment-initiative/transparency/resultsgrants-competition)