AmeriCorps Funding

ServeOhio provides grants to organizations that demonstrate they will engage AmeriCorps members to provide a service intervention that addresses a critical need in Ohio. We offer two funding competitions each year - a formula funding competition in the spring and a competitive funding competition in the fall.

Notice of Funding Opportunities

FY22 Ohio AmeriCorps Formula Notice of Funding Opportunities
Application Deadline: April 6, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. EST

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Operational Grants
Application Instructions for Operational Grants - includes detailed budget instructions
Planning Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity and Instructions
Performance Measure Instructions
Mandatory Supplemental Information
Operational and Financial Management Survey - required for all New, Renewal and Planning Grant applicants
Organizational Management Readiness Assessment - required for Planning Grant applicants
Application Timeline
Intent to Apply - not required

For general questions about AmeriCorps grants or to RSVP for a webinar, please contact Mary Cannon, Director of AmeriCorps.

Current and Previous Technical Assistance Webinars

January 28, 2022 - Introduction to AmeriCorps
February 11, 2022 - Application Overview slides and recording
February 25, 2022 - Grant Workshop: Application Content, Performance Measures & eGrants slides and Budget slides
- Grant Workshop recording of all sessions here.

October 8, 2021 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm - Application Overview
October 22, 2021 from 8:30am to Noon - Grant Workshop presentation slides and budget slides

Applicant Resources

eGrants - AmeriCorps Application System
Best Practices for Demonstrating Evidence - AmeriCorps Presentation
AmeriCorps Logic Model Template
Evaluation Plan Template

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: ServeOhio does not place individual AmeriCorps members with organizations. ServeOhio provides competitive grants for programs to design, implement, and manage a state AmeriCorps program. It is the responsibility of the successful grantee to recruit and manage AmeriCorps members.

Who is eligible to apply?

Nonprofit Organizations

Community/Regional/Statewide
Faith-based
Secular

Government

State/County/Local
Education
Districts, Collaborative, Higher Education

Does my program fit into an AmeriCorps funding priority?

Education
Veterans and Military Families
Disaster Services
Economic Opportunity
Environmental Stewardship
Healthy Futures

What Grants are available?

Planning Grant - Utilize resources to develop an AmeriCorps program which will engage AmeriCorps members to address community needs in AmeriCorps and/or ServeOhio priority areas. Planning grants are only available in the spring (Formula) grant competition.
Operational Grant – Sound program design and implementation strategy identified; clearly articulated member responsibilities, activities, training, supervision, evaluation, organizational history and capacity, sustainability plans, and fund management.
Fixed-Amount – grantees will receive an award for specific amount per Member Service Year (MSY); no match required and no approved budget. New applicants are not eligible to apply for a Fixed-Amount grant.
Education Award Program (EAP) – awarded a small funding grant and uses their own resources for the members’ living allowance and program costs.

Is AmeriCorps the right fit?

Run the numbers

Does my organization have the organizational, technological and fiscal capacity to manage a federal grant?
Does my organization have the resources to match the federal funds (cash and in-kind)?
Does my organization have the resources to manage a program for 30-60 days before receiving reimbursement?
Can my organization support, at minimum, 10 Member Service Years (MSY)? 1 MSY equals 1 full-time (FT) term of service for 1700 hours.

Secure Commitments

Receive commitment letters from organizations willing to partner for an AmeriCorps program (these are for organizational use only, not for submitting with the grant application).

Do the Research

Does my organization address compelling needs in education, veterans/military families, disaster services, economic opportunities, environmental stewardship, healthy futures or capacity building?
Would this program support my organization’s mission and strategic plan or the needs of my community?

Meet with Potential Partners

Will this program offer services not already offered in the community?
Are there other community organizations wanting an AmeriCorps program or an existing AmeriCorps program in my community?

What is the AmeriCorps selection criteria?

Evidence that identify needs exist in targeted communities;
AmeriCorps is adding unique value;
Interventions are evidence-based or evidence-informed with measurable community impact;
Provides powerful service experience with increased community impact;
Links need with intervention and anticipated outcomes.

Organizational Capability

Sound organizational structure;
Ability to ensure compliance with AmeriCorps rules and regulations;
Record of accomplishment as an organization;
Success in securing community support.

Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy

Aligned with program narrative;
Does not exceed maximum cost per MSY.