Federal Agency Announces $572 Million in AmeriCorps Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today announced $572 million in AmeriCorps funding to help national and local organizations, faith-based groups, and educational institutions respond to the most critical issues facing communities in the U.S. This funding will engage Americans in service across all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The federal investment includes competitive grants totaling $253 million, which will support more than 44,700 Americans in AmeriCorps service. An additional $137 million was provided to Governor-appointed state service commissions, which in turn will be awarded to state-based organizations to support more than 15,000 additional AmeriCorps members. A complete list of awards can be found here.

“Building on America’s strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps can change lives, improve communities, and build a stronger nation,” said Chester Spellman, director of AmeriCorps. “With this new funding, each of this year’s grant recipients will help make this dream a reality. I salute all the AmeriCorps members for their dedication, and thank all those who make their service possible.”

In total, this funding will provide approximately 60,000 Americans the opportunity to step up and serve their communities through AmeriCorps. This class of AmeriCorps members will prepare students for college, reduce crime and revive cities, connect veterans to jobs, rebuild communities following disasters, preserve public lands, strengthen education, foster economic opportunity, and more.

CNCS is making available up to $180 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 approximately $6,000 to pay for college or to pay back student loans.

AmeriCorps is a public-private partnership, and every AmeriCorps grantee leverages significant outside resources to operate their program. The $572 million in federal funding will leverage an additional investment of $723 million from the private sector, foundations, and other sources, strengthening community impact and increasing the return on taxpayer dollars.

The 2018 AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive, with strong demand by organizations seeking AmeriCorps resources. The competitions – including the 2018 AmeriCorps State and National Competition, the 2018 AmeriCorps Tribal Competition, and the 2018 Targeted Priority Competition -- prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, opioid and substance misuse, veterans and military families, disaster services, and initiatives to build safer communities.

A growing body of research shows that service has an effect on more than just the communities served, but also on the members themselves. AmeriCorps alumni credit their year of service for developing leadership skills that bridges divides solves problems, and opens doors to opportunities that advance their careers and education. In addition, research shows that alumni gain skills and are exposed to experiences that communities and employers find valuable.

Public, private, and nonprofit sector employers have demonstrated their commitment to hiring AmeriCorps alumni, signing on to be an Employer of National Service. Launched by CNCS in 2014, the initiative builds a talent pipeline connecting AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni with more than 500 leading employers including Disney; Farmers Insurance; MasterCard; United Way Worldwide; the City of Philadelphia, the State of Montana, and NASA.

Since 1994, more than 1 million AmeriCorps members have provided more than 1.4 billion hours of service and earned more than $3.6 billion in education scholarships, more than $1 billion of which has been used to pay back student debt. Organizations are currently recruiting for AmeriCorps members to begin service this fall. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join.