On July 15, 2016, The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced the awarding of $402 million in AmeriCorps grants, including over $7.0 million that will go towards supporting over 3,500 Jumpstart Corps members in California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, DC.
National Service Agency Announces $402 Million in AmeriCorps Funding
July 15, 2016 — The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today announced $402 million in AmeriCorps funding to put AmeriCorps members on the ground to address critical issues in communities across the U.S.
The federal investment includes AmeriCorps competitive grants totaling $228 million, which will provide 44,554 Americans the opportunity to serve through AmeriCorps in more than 346 organizations across the country. AmeriCorps members will work in communities to strengthen education, provide disaster services, foster economic opportunity, assist veterans and military families, preserve the environment, and expand health services. A complete list of awards can be found here.
“AmeriCorps provides organizations the support to meet critical needs in communities around the nation,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS. “AmeriCorps members are improving the lives of millions of citizens and making a powerful and lasting impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation. We salute these AmeriCorps members for standing up and serving our country.”
The 2016 AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive due to the strong demand by organizations competing for AmeriCorps resources. The competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families, disaster services, and an initiative for governors and mayors. Organizations receiving grants include Habitat for Humanity, Teach For America, YouthBuild, City Year, and hundreds of other nonprofits, community and faith-based groups, universities, school districts, and local agencies.
AmeriCorps is a public-private partnership, and every AmeriCorps grantee leverages significant outside resources to operate their program. The $402 million in federal funding will leverage an additional investment of $626 million from the private sector, foundations, and other sources, strengthening community impact and increasing the return on taxpayer dollars.
CNCS is making available up to $174 million in education scholarships for AmeriCorps members serving under these grants. After completing a full term of service, members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,775 to pay for college or to pay back student loans.
“While they serve others, AmeriCorps members also expand opportunity for themselves – gaining the skills, experience, and college money to help jumpstart their careers,” said Bill Basl, director of AmeriCorps. “We are looking for men and women of all ages who want to serve and make a difference for their country.”
No comments yet.