Funding For New and Recompeting Michigan's AmeriCorps Programs

Funding For New and Recompeting Michigan's AmeriCorps Programs

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) anticipates the availability of funds to support new and recompeting Michigan's AmeriCorps programs to start in the fall of 2022 for a 12-month program cycle.

New applicants are encouraged to take the "Is My Organization Ready for an AmeriCorps Grant?" assessment and review the Hosting an AmeriCorps Program slides. 

Why should my organization apply for a Michigan's AmeriCorps program?

Michigan's AmeriCorps provides people-power. Funds provided through Michigan's AmeriCorps support a team of members who provide direct service to build or improve communities and generate volunteers to support their efforts.

Michigan's AmeriCorps grants are not for the purchase of program supplies or materials, nor can they be used to fund or replace existing staff. The Michigan's AmeriCorps funding is intended for recruiting, placing, and supporting individuals to get things done in communities.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Educational institutions (local school districts, intermediate school districts, colleges and universities, etc.), local government entities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations that have their 501(c) 3 status and have been in existence for at least three years are eligible to apply for a Michigan's AmeriCorps program.

CAN I PARTNER WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO APPLY FOR A MICHIGAN'S AMERICORPS PROGRAM?

Yes. You are encouraged to partner with other organizations in your community or throughout the state to apply for AmeriCorps funding. One organization must serve as the legal applicant and fiduciary. When partnering with other organizations, the MCSC encourages you to seek organizations that share a similar mission or focus on similar issues.

WHAT TYPES OF GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE?

The MCSC administers both competitive and formula funding from the federal AmeriCorps Agency to single-state applicants proposing to operate in Michigan.

The MCSC funds operating and planning grants. Operating grants are for programs that support fully developed plans to establish a new Michigan's AmeriCorps program or to support, expand, or replicate an existing program. Staff may determine that a planning grant is more appropriate for an organization that demonstrates promise but is not ready to fully implement a program. Grant awards will cover a period that includes one year of operation. Grants may be renewed for two additional years, subject to annual review and the availability of federal appropriations. 

IS THERE A MINIMUM PROGRAM AND/OR GRANT SIZE?

Programs must be large enough to achieve a demonstrable impact on the communities served.  While the actual size of each program may vary depending on the size of the communities in which it operates, the design of the program, and other factors, applicants are required to apply for at least ten (10) full-time equivalent AmeriCorps members. Applicants should evaluate their present infrastructure and capacity when considering program size. 

Grant requests may vary in size depending on the type and scope of the proposed program. Applicants are allowed flexibility in developing their budgets, within federal and state limitations. 

IS THERE A MATCH REQUIREMENT?

Yes. Substantial cash and in-kind matches are required from the applicant. All program costs require at least a 24% cash and in-kind match during each of the first three years of funding, with match requirements increasing incrementally after year three. Programs reach a maximum 50% minimum match level during the 10th year of funding. Programs may use other non-AmeriCorps federal funds as part of their match, with prior approval.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF OPERATING A MICHIGAN'S AMERICORPS PROGRAM?

Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting, selecting, placing, training, and supervising members.
• Designating a full-time program director to run the program.
• Selecting and supporting member service sites.
• Submitting quarterly progress reports, monthly expenditure reports, and semi-annual federal financial reports.
• Participating in monthly training and technical assistance meetings or calls for program directors.
• Participating in statewide and regional member events and activities.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AMERICORPS?

For additional information about AmeriCorps, go to www.americorps.gov.

New applicants are encouraged to take the "Is My Organization Ready for an AmeriCorps Grant?" assessment and review the Hosting an AmeriCorps Program slides. 

For specific questions about Michigan's AmeriCorps, please contact LEO-MIAmeriCorps@michigan.gov.

How do I get a copy of the application guidelines?

The 2022-23 Michigan's AmeriCorps application guidelines and related materials are available below. 

 

2022-23 APPLICATION MATERIALS

2022-23 Michigan's AmeriCorps Funding FAQ (11/12/2021) - Check back often for updated versions of the FAQs as new information is shared!

2022-23 National Performance Measure Instructions 

Logic Model Template 

Budget Narrative Template 

2022-23 COMPETITIVE FUNDING APPLICATION MATERIALS

2022-23 Michigan's AmeriCorps Competitive NOFO & Application Instructions

2022-23 AmeriCorps Competitive NOFO T/TA Presentation Slides

2022-23 Michigan's AmeriCorps Competitive Application Checklist

2022-23 FORMULA FUNDING APPLICATION MATERIALS

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions regarding Michigan's AmeriCorps or the application process, please contact LEO-MiAmeriCorps@michigan.gov.

 

MICHIGAN'S AMERICORPS APPLICATION TIMELINE FOR 2022-23 APPLICANTS

September 2021: Competitive NOFO released

October 14, 2021: NOFO call for applicants at 10:00 a.m. Eastern (contact LEO-MiAmeriCorps@michigan.gov for meeting link)

November 15, 2021: Competitive applications due in eGrants

November 19, 2021: Formula NOFO released

January 13, 2022: Due for new applicants: Intent to Apply (link in NOFO), Readiness Assessment and Financial Management Survey (email to LEO-MIAmeriCorps@michigan.gov)

February 1, 2022: New applications due in eGrants

February 2022: Peer review of new applications

February 17, 2022: New applicants notified if invited to submit full application

March 14, 2022: Formula & Planning Grant applications due in eGrants

May/June 2022: Competitive funding announcements made*

July/August 2022: Formula funding announcements made

*Applicants not selected to receive competitive funding may be considered for formula funding.