Funds Available 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 2023 for a 12-month program cycle.

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 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.

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

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.

AmeriCorps State Competitive Grants: AmeriCorps State competitive applications are submitted to the MCSC. Eligible applications are reviewed at the state level and then sent to AmeriCorps (federal level) where they are selected for funding or returned to the state for further consideration under the formula grant process.

AmeriCorps State Formula Grants: The State of Michigan receives an annual formula allocation of funds from AmeriCorps. The MCSC determines which applications receive formula grants in Michigan. The formula application process welcomes new applications. The MCSC conducts a separate grantmaking process for formula funds.

Public Health AmeriCorps (PHA): This funding has two main goals: 1) To help meet public health needs of local communities by providing needed capacity and support in state and local public health settings and advancing more equitable health outcomes for communities who are currently or historically underserved. 2) Provide pathways to good, quality public health-related careers by providing exposure through onsite experience, training, and more, with a focus on recruiting AmeriCorps members who reflect the communities in which they will serve. Single-state applicants proposing to operate in Michigan must apply for PHA funding through the MCSC.

Michigan Climate Corps (MICC): This funding will support a layered strategy to address climate change, protect the environment for future generations, and build the next generation of climate leaders for Michigan. The MICC will fund AmeriCorps programs in collaboration with the MCSC and other state and local partners.

The MCSC funds both operating and planning grants.

Operating grants are for programs that support fully developed plans to establish a new Michigan's AmeriCorps program or to continue or expand an existing program. Operational 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.

Planning grants allow a grantee to develop a program design and write an application for an operating grant. The MCSC 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.

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 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. Any applicant proposing fewer members must first consult with the MCSC. Applicants should evaluate their present infrastructure and capacity when considering program size.

The maximum cost per MSY (Member Service Year = full-time equivalent member slot) varies by funding type. See individual NOFOs for more information.

Is there a match requirement?

Yes, with the exception of Public Health AmeriCorps, all grantees are required to contribute cash and/or in-kind match. Match can be non-AmeriCorps cash and/or in-kind contributions. A first-time successful applicant is required to match at 24 percent for the first three-year funding period. Starting with year four, the match requirement gradually increases every year to 50 percent by year ten.

What are the responsibilities of operating a Michigan’s AmeriCorps Program?

Responsibilities include:

Designating a full-time program director to run the program.
Recruiting, selecting, placing, training, and supervising members.
Selecting and supporting member service sites.
Monitoring members and service sites for compliance.
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, visit www.americorps.gov.

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

MICHIGAN'S AMERICORPS 2023-24 GRANT APPLICATION AND REVIEW TIMELINE

September 14, 2022: Competitive, PHA, and MICC NOFOs released

September 21, 2022: Information webinar for MICC applicants |10:30 a.m.

TBD: NOFO call for Competitive and PHA applicants

October 3, 2022: Review of MICC Concept Form submissions begins

October 12, 2022: Competitive and PHA Intent to Apply due (new and recompete applicants)

October 31, 2022: MICC Concept Form submissions due

November 2, 2022: Competitive and PHA applications due in eGrants

December 1, 2022: MICC operational & planning grant applications due in eGrants