AmeriCorps Grant Opportunities
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.
- 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 areas. AmeriCorps 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 provided by Serve Virginia and then apply.
Applicants must create an eGrants account and register for SAM (System for Award Management) before completing their application.
Application Process
Serve Virginia coordinates the AmeriCorps State portfolio across the Commonwealth, supporting grantees from application to implementation. Each year, we share an updated Request for Applications (RFA) for AmeriCorps State programs in Virginia, launching the application period for the annual grant cycle for planning and operational grants. This is typically released at the beginning of the calendar year.
Interested organizations should review the current timeline and application resources below to learn more before planning to submit an application.
