FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec 17, 2009

Dear Colleagues:

I want to share two important developments on national service funding.

First, President Obama has signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, marking the final step in determining our Fiscal 2010 budget. This law provides $1.149 billion for the Corporation for National Service and its programs, fully funding the President's request.

Second, last night, the House of Representatives passed the Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010. The legislation, as posted on the House Appropriations Committee website, includes $200 million to support up to 25,000 AmeriCorps member positions and corresponding Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards. The funding breaks down as follows:

  • AmeriCorps State/National Grants: At least $90 million (for existing grantees)
        
  • AmeriCorps VISTA: Up to $30 million
        
  • National Service Trust: $68 million
        
  • Salaries and Expenses: $7 million

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act demonstrated that national service is an effective way to both engage Americans in intensive national service – including many from high unemployment groups – and direct that service to addressing critical problems in economically distressed communities. AmeriCorps members funded by the Recovery Act are providing vital services to people facing unemployment, poverty, or other challenges by offering job counseling and placement services, providing foreclosure prevention and financial counseling, weatherizing homes, strengthening food banks, supporting health care and independent living services, and more. The Corporation's swift implementation of the Recovery Act – swearing in the first AmeriCorps VISTA members two months after enactment and making AmeriCorps State and National grants a month later – allowed us to get help quickly to individuals and communities in need.

Here is link to bill language and explanatory statement from the House Appropriations Committee. The Senate is expected to consider this bill in January. We will keep you posted on further developments.

Nicola Goren
Acting CEO
Corporation for National and Community Service

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.