AmeriCorps Funding
AmeriCorps is the largest funder of national service in the country, matching organizations, public agencies, and institutions of higher education with individuals seeking to commit their time and labor to activities that address pressing challenges impacting communities.
AmeriCorps offers multiple streams of service, ensuring options for organizations of any size and capacity:  
  • AmeriCorps VISTA offers key capacity-building support for addressing poverty through the placement of talented, passionate individuals.
  • AmeriCorps NCCC offers short-term support for service projects lasting 3 to 13 weeks through regional teams of 18-26 year-olds.
  • AmeriCorps Seniors offers meaningful ways to engage seniors in supporting communities.
  • AmeriCorps State offers grant funding to support the placement of AmeriCorps members who deliver services alongside staff. 

Serve Virginia offers consultations for organizations to determine which stream of service is right for their needs.

AmeriCorps State

Interested in a multi-year and sustainable program that addresses tangible needs and delivers direct services? AmeriCorps State applicants design service programs that engage members in meaningful direct service activities to meet critical community needs in specific focus areasAmeriCorps grants assist these groups in recruiting, training and placing AmeriCorps members.

Sample activities include tutoring and mentoring youth, improving and protecting public green spaces, building homes, and promoting community health and wellness. AmeriCorps members may serve full or part-time positions for up to one year at a time. 

What types of grants are offered?

AmeriCorps planning grants provide resources, technical assistance, and support to develop the framework for an AmeriCorps program to propose for a subsequent operational grant. Awards range from $75,000 to $240,000 to cover the costs and staff time needed to design an AmeriCorps program. Planning grants do not support costs associated with AmeriCorps members in service.

AmeriCorps operational grants support programs that engage members in evidence-based interventions to strengthen communities. Awards may include up to $27,000/MSY (AmeriCorps Member Service Year, equivalent to one full-time term of service), with no limits on the number of MSY.

Who can apply for AmeriCorps State?

Serve Virginia accepts applications for AmeriCorps grants from faith-based organizations, community organizations, higher education institutions, and public agencies in the Commonwealth

How do I apply for AmeriCorps State?

Applications are accepted through the annual RFA below. Interested applicants should review the application and technical assistance resources below and then plan to apply.

Supported with American Rescue Plan funds, Serve Virginia has a one-time opportunity for additional funding available in the 2024-2025 AmeriCorps grant cycle and strongly encourages new planning grant applicants.

2024-2025 Request for Applications (RFA)

The Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2024-2025 AmeriCorps Program Year is now available, launching the application period for this grant cycle for planning and operational grants. Please review the timeline and application resources below before submitting an application. 

Deadline to submit application in eGrants: March 6, 2024, at 11:59pm ET

If you plan to submit an application, please join us for an optional pre-application teleconference will be held on February 13, 2024, from 10:00am-12:00pm ET.Applicants planning to attend the preapplication conference must register by sending an email to michael.jackson@dss.virginia.gov by 9:00am ET on February 12, 2024. In the email the applicant must list organization’s name, the name of attendee’s, attendee’s telephone number and email address. Applicants that have registered will receive the teleconference information no later than 1:00pm ET on February 12, 2024. If you have registered and did not receive the conference information, please forward your initial email to michael.jackson@dss.virginia.gov no later than 2:00pm ET on February 12, 2024.

While we regret that Serve Virginia staff is unable to provide support to individual applicants while the grant is open, you are encouraged to send questions to Michael Jackson at michael.jackson@dss.virginia.gov with the subject line “CVS-24-044, AmeriCorps State Formula Grants.”

2024-2025 Program Year

Dates are subject to change. All current RFAs will be listed on eVA, and applications must meet requirements for the most current RFA.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more or if youare planning to apply.

Technical Assistance

Learn more about AmeriCorps applications with these recorded webinars.

Presentation Topics
All About AmeriCorps
Program Design
Member Mania
Organizational Capacity
Building Your AmeriCorps Budget
All About AmeriCorps Intermediary Models