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 2025 for a 12-month program cycle.

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.

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, 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.

MICHIGAN'S AMERICORPS 2025-26 GRANT APPLICATION AND REVIEW TIMELINE

October 14, 2024: Competitive Intent to Apply due (new and recompete applicants)

October 14, 2024: Organization Readiness Assessment due (new applicants)

November 4, 2024: Competitive applications due in eGrants

January 23, 2025: Michigan competitive applications to AmeriCorps agency

February 10, 2025: Intent to Apply due for NEW and RECOMPETE applicants for formula funding

February 10, 2025: Organizational Readiness Assessment due for NEW applicants

February 20, 2025: NEW formula applications due in eGrants

March 12, 2025: RECOMPETE and CONTINUATION formula applications due in eGrants

April 2025: Competitive funding decisions announced *

August 2025: Earliest program start for successful applicants

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

APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR COMPETITIVE FUNDING

2025-26 MI AmeriCorps NOFO and Application Instructions for Competitive Funding

2025-26 MI AmeriCorps Application Attachments

2025-26 MI AmeriCorps Competitive Carry Forward Guidance

2025-26 MI AmeriCorps Competitive Carry Forward Workbook

2025-26 MI AmeriCorps Competitive NOFO Overview Video Recording

2025-26 MI AmeriCorps Competitive NOFO Overview Slides

APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR FORMULA FUNDING

2025-26 MI AmeriCorps NOFO and Application Instructions for Formula Funding

Application Materials for Formula Funding

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

2025-26 ASN Performance Measure Instructions

2025-26 Evaluation Plan Template

Logic Model Template

Budget Narrative Template

2025-26 ASN Operational and Financial Management Survey

APPLICATION RESOURCES

Evidence Exchange

SCALER Tool (to assess readiness to scale effective interventions)

CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index

National Service Criminal History Checks

AmeriCorps Statues and Regulations

Additional information and required documents are available on the AmeriCorps Notice webpage.

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.