Funds Available For New and Recompeting Michigan's AmeriCorps Programs

MICHIGAN'S AMERICORPs 2026-27 PLANNING GRANT OPPORTUNITY GRANT

Michigan’s AmeriCorps planning grants are awarded for one or more of the following purposes:

To design and develop an AmeriCorps State program;
To explore the feasibility of expanding an existing AmeriCorps program;
To research AmeriCorps streams of service and determine the best fit for an organization’s needs;
To develop resources that would benefit Michigan’s AmeriCorps network of programs.

Deadline: The MCSC is accepting applications for planning grants on a rolling basis.

APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR PLANNING GRANTS

2026-27 MI AmeriCorps Planning Grant RFP and Instructions

2026-27 MI AmeriCorps Planning Grant Application Attachments

2026-27 MI AmeriCorps Budget Narrative Template

2026-27 ASN Operational and Financial Management Survey

MICHIGAN'S AMERICORPS 2027-28 GRANT APPLICATION AND REVIEW TIMELINE

The Michigan Community Service Commission anticipates the availability of funds to support new and recompeting Michigan's AmeriCorps programs to start in the fall of 2027 for a 12-month program cycle.

Oct. 26, 2027: Competitive Intent to Apply due (new and recompete applicants)

Oct. 26, 2027: Organization Readiness Assessment due (new applicants)

Nov. 9, 2027: Competitive applications due in eGrants

Jan. 13, 2027: Michigan competitive applications submitted to AmeriCorps agency

July 2027: Earliest program start for successful applicants

TBD: Formula funding application instructions coming soon

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

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

Michigan's AmeriCorps provides people power. Michigan's AmeriCorps provides funds to 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 government entities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations that 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 AmeriCorps State grants with federal funding from the AmeriCorps Agency to single-state applicants proposing to operate in Michigan.

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.

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. MCSC conducts a separate grantmaking process for formula funds.

The MCSC funds both planning and implementation grants.

Implementation Grants: Support fully developed plans to establish a new Michigan's AmeriCorps program or to continue or expand an existing program.

Planning Grants: Allow grantees to develop a program design and write an application for an implementation 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.

Cost Reimbursement Grants: The grant recipient is reimbursed for actual, documented expenses incurred up to the approved grant amount.

Fixed Amount Grants: Provide a set federal funding rate per Member Service Year (MSY) without requiring detailed operational budgets or match tracking.

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:

Competitive funding: at least 20 member slots of any type
Formula funding: at least ten MSY. Any applicant proposing fewer members must first consult with the MCSC.

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, all grantees are required to contribute cash and/or in-kind match. (Years 1-3: 24% | Years 4-6: 26% | Years 7-9: 28% | Years 10+: 30%)

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.

APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR COMPETITIVE FUNDING

2027-28 MI AmeriCorps NOFO and Application Instructions for Competitive Funding

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

2027-28 MI AmeriCorps Application Attachments

2027-28 ASN Performance Measure Instructions

2027-28 Evaluation Plan Template