2013-14 AmeriCorps Applicants Presentation To view speaker notes as a self-guided presentation: (1) Download this PDF to your computer (the annotations sometimes don t work in the browser format) (2) Double click on the comment bubble at the top left of each slide to read the notes. (3) Still having trouble? Contact emily@uwasc.org and request the presentation in PowerPoint format (4) Enjoy 1
Potential AmeriCorps Applicant Presentation 2013-14
What is AmeriCorps? 3
AmeriCorps is our Domestic Peace Corps The wisdom of the idea is that someday we ll bring it home to America. - JFK 4
Volunteers In Service To America 5
AmeriCorps members meet critical needs Disaster Services Economic Opportunity Education Environmental Stewardship Healthy Futures Veterans and Military Families 6
What AmeriCorps members do Disaster Services: Increase the preparedness of individuals Increase individuals readiness to respond Help individuals recover from disasters Help individuals mitigate disasters 7
What AmeriCorps members do Economic Opportunity: Improve access to services and benefits aimed at contributing to enhanced financial literacy Help economically disadvantaged individuals transition into or remain in safe, healthy, affordable housing Help individuals improve employability leading to increased success in becoming employed 8
What AmeriCorps members do Education: *** Improve school readiness for economically disadvantaged young children Improve educational and behavioral outcomes of students in low-achieving elementary, middle, and high schools Improve the preparation for and prospects of success in post-secondary education institutions for economically disadvantaged students 9
What AmeriCorps members do Healthy Futures: Increase seniors ability to remain in their own homes with the same or improved quality of life for as long as possible Increase physical activity and improve nutrition in youth with the purpose of reducing childhood obesity Improve access to primary and preventative health care 10
What AmeriCorps members do Veterans and Military Families: *** Improve the quality of life of veterans Strengthen military families Engage veterans and military families in national service 11
What AmeriCorps members do Tutor at-risk youth Recruit volunteers Teach conflict resolution skills Environmental conservation activities Assist crime victims Build homes Restore parks Mentor at-risk youth Teach computer skills Facilitate after-school programs Connect people with resources Other direct service activities 12
What AmeriCorps members do NOT do (Prohibited Activities) Attempt to influence legislation Organize or engage in protests, strikes, petitions, or boycotts Assist, promote, or deter union organizing Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements Any political activities Engaging in religious instruction Providing abortion services or referrals Providing a direct benefit to o A business organized for profit o A labor union o A partisan political organization 13
What AmeriCorps members do NOT do Perform only clerical work Answer phones Perform janitorial duties Supervise other members Manage organizational paperwork of financial issues Supplant current staff or fill a position that was recently dissolved Individuals who serve in National Service programs are called members - they are not volunteers or employees UW_Template_022704 14
AmeriCorps is not A staffing program a one person team Cheap labor A way to fund your organization A bricks and mortar grant UW_Template_022704 15
How AmeriCorps is Funded AmeriCorps*State 16
How AmeriCorps is Funded AmeriCorps*State 17
How AmeriCorps is Funded AmeriCorps*State 18
South Carolina Commission for National and Community Service The State Commission The United Way Association of South Carolina Promote volunteerism and civic engagement in the State Primary Grant Holder Responsible for developing and monitoring all subapplicants in the state Directed by Governor-appointed Commissioners and UWASC Board of Directors Responsible for developing and monitoring all subapplicants in the state UW_Template_022704 19
South Carolina AmeriCorps Programs 2012-13 United Way of Anderson County City Year Columbia Claflin University Charleston Co School District United Way of Greenville County Teach for America Lancaster County School District Spartanburg School District One Spartanburg School District Seven Trident United Way WINGS for Kids United Way of Florence County 20
Eligible Applicants Educational institutions Government or state entities Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status (public or private) Native American tribes Organizations that have been convicted of a federal crime are disqualified UW_Template_022704 21
Program and Grant Size Aim for at least 10 FTE AmeriCorps Members, and no more than 50 AmeriCorps members (part time or full time) for year 1 Target grant request at $13,300/FTE Grant size is determined by program size Grant size may be limited based on funding availability Current grants range from $130,118 to $325,768 Grants are awarded on a 3-year cycle but must re-apply for continuation status every year. Program year runs August 1- July 31 UW_Template_022704 22
Member Terms of Service Members may serve: Full Time or Part Time 1700, 900, 675, 450, or 300 hours Members must complete a term of service within 365 days. Members may serve additional terms, up to the equivalent of two full terms of service UW_Template_022704 23
Program Models Determined by the applicant and based on community need Single site or multi-site Local, regional, or statewide Fixed Amount or Cost Reimbursement UW_Template_022704 24
Member Benefits Living Allowance 1700 hour positions receive a minimum of $12,100 Part time members may receive a prorated living stipend or none at all Health care and child care for full time positions only Education Award ranges from $1,175 - $5,550 per term UW_Template_022704 25
Match Requirements First three years of funding: 76% grant/ 24% grantee Fourth year and beyond: Increases incrementally to 50/50 by year 10 UW_Template_022704 26
Demonstrating Impact All programs must collect data and account for impact and outcomes Programs are strongly encouraged to utilize the National Performance Measures referenced in the application instructions Applicant-determined performance measures must be based on evidence-based best practices Applications that do not include performance measures will not be considered for funding UW_Template_022704 27
Grantee Responsibilities Designate a full time Program Director Recruit, select, train, and supervise members Select and support member service sites Coordinate additional days of service to honor 9/11 and MLK Day Submit quarterly progress reports and monthly expenditure reports Participate in monthly Program Director meetings with Commission staff Participate in an annual site visit and audit of program by Commission staff UW_Template_022704 28
Application Process (Before you apply, read the NOFO carefully.) 1) Register for one of three technical assistance workshops in February. 2) Applications are due via egrants on April 1 at 5pm EST and will include: Program Narrative (no more than 26 pages) Budget and Budget Narrative Latest Financial Audit Funding announcements made late June 2013 after internal and external review. UW_Template_022704 29