Michigan Receives $25 million investment in AmeriCorps funding to strengthen communities

LANSING – The Michigan Community Service Commission today announced a $25 million investment in AmeriCorps for Michigan.

Michigan has received $14.8 million in AmeriCorps funding and based on AmeriCorps’ unique model, the grants will leverage an additional $10.2 million in matching funds from the private sector, foundations and other sources, increasing the return on the federal funds, and bringing the total investment to $25 million.

It will support the work of nearly 950 AmeriCorps members as they tackle some of the state’s toughest challenges, including disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, education, health and public safety.

“AmeriCorps volunteers continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on some of Michigan’s most pressing challenges,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Chairman Robert Kolt. “Their service will foster civic engagement, improve lives and help build a more resilient state. At the same time, AmeriCorps members will gain valuable experience and skills they can carry into Michigan’s workforce.”

AmeriCorps funds will support 20 Michigan organizations through 22 program subgrants and three planning grants to expand their reach and impact in Michigan communities.

Organizations receiving grants include:

• Albion College
• At Bat, Inc.
• Child & Family Services of Northwestern MI
• City of Ann Arbor
• City Year
• Community Economic Development Association of MI
• Crim Fitness Foundation
• Family Scholar House
• Ferris Wheel Innovation Center (dba 100K Ideas)
• Hannan Center
• Hope Network
• Ingham County
• Kids Food Basket
• MI Afterschool Association
• MI College Access Network
• MI State University
• Teach for America
• United Way of Genesee County
• Urban Neighborhood Initiatives
• Wayne State University

During the last program year, AmeriCorps volunteers served 61,100 youth in education, helped nearly 1,100 individuals with financial and job readiness, provided health services to over 5,000 individuals, provided environmental stewardship education to 1,800 people and addressed a variety of other issues throughout the state.

The AmeriCorps agency will provide an additional $4.6 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for AmeriCorps members. Upon completion of a full-time term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an education award of $7,395, or a pro-rated amount for less than full-time service, that they can use to cover the cost of college or pay back student loans.

These investments build on previous AmeriCorps funding – like the $1.5 million awarded to the Albion College AmeriCorps program since 2020.

“Last year AmeriCorps funding enabled more than 75 Albion College students to put their education into action by serving alongside local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations,” said Albion College AmeriCorps Director Lindsey Knowlden. “With renewed funding for the coming year, our AmeriCorps members will continue supporting programs that families across Albion rely on, from helping children build math skills and supporting older adults as they navigate technology to growing and distributing fresh food. This investment expands the capacity of our community partners while empowering students to develop leadership and professional skills, discover the profound impact they can have beyond the classroom, and deepen their commitment to serving their communities.”

Learn more about Michigan’s AmeriCorps efforts at Michigan.gov/volunteer.