The application due date has been extended for the Fiscal Year 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Competition. Applications are now due no later than Wednesday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m. E.T. The required match has also been changed to a minimum of 10 percent of total project costs for all applicants.

All modifications to the competition materials are highlighted within the updated Notice of Funding Opportunity. Please review the amended Notice and other documents carefully and take note of the changes.

Table of Contents

About RSVP
Application Deadline
Competition Documents
Funding Priorities
Training and Technical Assistance Resources

AmeriCorps Pre-Award Requirements and Other Resources

About RSVP

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. While serving, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers improve their own lives by staying active and civically engaged. To read the statute that regulates the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program, view the Uniform Guidance § CFR 200 and RSVP Federal Regulations.

Application Deadline

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Successful applicants will be issued awards by end of March 2025.

Competition Documents

Fiscal Year 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Notice of Funding Opportunity (Updated September 5, 2024)
Appendix A: AmeriCorps Seniors Grant Application Instructions (Updated September 5, 2024)
Appendix B: AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Performance Measure Instructions
Appendix C: Terms and Definitions
Appendix D: Training and Technical Assistance Resources
Appendix E: Federal Share, Unduplicated Volunteer, and Match Calculators for RSVP Competition (Updated September 5, 2024)
Applicant Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS)
Budget Narrative Sample (Posted August 10, 2024)
Work Plan Samples (Posted August 20, 2024)

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP programming is designed to meet community needs. Applicants may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and activities to be completed by volunteers to address that need. In addition, AmeriCorps is interested in programming that addresses agency priorities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:

  • Supporting older adults and their caregivers: Caregiver respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for custodial grandparents.
  • Helping older adults re-enter the workforce: Job readiness support, mentoring, training, and removing barriers to employment.
  • Preventing and mitigating fraud and scams: Digital navigators and other methods to prevent and mitigate financial fraud, abuse, and exploitation.
  • Reducing the number of people who are unhoused: Provide affordable housing, support the unhoused, and addressing housing needs.
  • Supporting local climate change initiatives: Energy efficiency, waste management, and ecosystem restoration.
  • Supporting behavioral health initiatives: Reduce isolation, improve mental health, offer peer support, provide support, and use harm reduction methods.

Training and Technical Assistance Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

FY 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Competition FAQ (Updated September 23, 2024)

Training and Technical Assistance Schedule

Enhance your knowledge and skills with our upcoming training sessions. 

(Updated September 20, 2024) All training and technical assistance events have been completed. Use the links below to be directed to the recordings and presentation slides.   

Training and Technical Assistance Recordings

Recordings and presentation slides for all trainings will be posted within seven days of the event.

FY 2025 RSVP Competition: What's New (Updated August 26, 2024)

Stay updated on the latest changes and updates in the Fiscal Year 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP competitions to ensure you're well-prepared for the upcoming cycle. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.


Recording (From July 24, 2024) 
Presentation Slides

Priorities and Selection Criteria (Updated August 26, 2024)

Understand the key priority areas and selection criteria for the Fiscal Year 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Notice of Funding Opportunity to align your application with the program’s priorities. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.


Recording (From August 6, 2024)
Presentation Slides

Best Practices in Budget Development (Updated August 13, 2024)

Join AmeriCorps Seniors and the Office of Grant Administration to learn best practices in budget development, ensuring your proposal stands out. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

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Presentation Slides
Budget Narrative Sample

Using Narratives and Work Plans to Make Your Case (Updated August 29, 2024)

Learn to create compelling narratives and detailed work plans that highlight community needs, volunteer activities, and project impact for the Fiscal Year 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Competition. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

 
Recording (From August 6, 2024)
Presentation Slides
Work Plan Samples

Introduction to AmeriCorps Seniors (Updated August 22, 2024)

Discover AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, explore funded programs, and see how these initiatives meet community needs through inspiring volunteer activities. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.


Presentation Slides

Tour of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (Updated August 16, 2024)
Get an insider's look at the Fiscal Year 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Notice of Funding Opportunity and learn how to maximize your application. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.


Presentation Slides

General Q&A (Updated September 28, 2024)

Participate in a live General Q&A session with AmeriCorps Seniors staff to address all your general inquiries about the FY2025 RSVP Notice of Funding Opportunity. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.


Presentation Slides

Budget Q&A (Updated September 20, 2024)

Join a live Q&A session with staff from AmeriCorps Seniors and the Office of Grant Administration to get answers to your budget-related questions for the FY2025 RSVP Notice of Funding Opportunity. 


Presentation Slides

Work Plans and Performance Measures Q&A (Updated September 11, 2024)

Attend a live Q&A session with AmeriCorps Seniors staff to get clarity on programming, performance measures, and work plans for the FY2025 RSVP Notice of Funding Opportunity application. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.


Presentation Slides

Program Development: Critical Questions for Success (Posted July 23, 2024)

Get essential tips and best practices for crafting a competitive application, understanding grant requirements, creating compelling narratives, and demonstrating community impact. Free Litmos account required. Create your account today. Then click the below image to get started. 

Thumbnail with two older American women standing on the step outside of a door laughing.

Submitting Your Application in eGrants (Pre-recorded)

Learn to navigate eGrants in this step-by-step webinar, ensuring a smooth and efficient application submission. Please note that the application submission deadline is incorrect in the recording and presentation slides. The application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.


Presentation Slides

AmeriCorps Pre-Award Requirements and Other Resources

This list outlines the essential pre-award requirements you must meet and other resources to consider when submitting an AmeriCorps grant application:

  • Applicant Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS) - All new and recompeting applicants regardless of funding level are required to submit an OFMS with every new and recompeting application an organization submits to AmeriCorps. The form needs to be completed fully, a response for every question. If there are additional comments needed to explain certain responses, please utilize the ‘preparer’s comments’ section.
    • The OFMS must be submitted as an MS Form Survey through the link above. All other formats, including Word Document and PDF, will not be accepted.
  • Budget Narrative Sample (Posted August 10, 2024) - This document demonstrates the features of a compliant budget. Note: This is a sample and is not intended for replication. 
  • Due Diligence Review Process and Compliance – Applicants will find information to help them understand the pre-award due diligence checks in this training. This content will help applicants obtain due diligence compliance and remain compliant throughout the grant life.
  • Indirect Cost Guidance - This guide is designed to provide AmeriCorps applicants and grantees with the foundational knowledge necessary to effectively manage, and consistently allocate and apply indirect costs associated with AmeriCorps awards.
  • eGrants Indirect Cost Rate (IDCR) Instructions – Instructions for how to enter the organization’s indirect cost rate are located on this page. Applicants should not submit documentation addressing indirect cost rate agreement via email.
  • National Performance Measurement Core Curriculum - AmeriCorps expects all applicants and grantees to use National Performance Measures as part of a comprehensive performance measurement strategy that relies on both performance and evaluation data to learn from their work and make tactical and strategic adjustments to achieve their goals.
  • National Service Criminal History Check – National Service Criminal History Checks (NSCHC) is a baseline screening requirement established by law to protect the beneficiaries of national service.
  • SAM Registration – Your System for Award Management (SAM) registration must be active at the time of the application deadline. 
  • Terms and Conditions – Current versions of the AmeriCorps General and Program-Specific Terms and Conditions for each of its programs is available. Terms and Conditions for the FY 2025 RSVP awards will be posted at a later date.
  • Work Plan Samples (Posted August 20, 2024) - The below are two sample RSVP work plans, one of which is designated for a funding priority, that show the elements of a complete work plan. Note: These are samples and are not intended for replication.

Further information

Program Type
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP
Status
Open
CFDA number
94.002
Contact Email
RSVPCompetition@americorps.gov