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AmeriCorps

How to Bring AmeriCorps To Your Community

AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, engages more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive, results-driven service. In return for one or two years of service, AmeriCorps members earn an education award that helps finance college or pay back student loans.

AmeriCorps members help meet critical public safety, educational, homeland security, human, and environmental needs. Since 1994, more than 250,000 men and women have served in AmeriCorps. They have tutored and mentored children, built affordable housing, cleaned parks and streams, and helped communities respond to disaster.

Here in West Virginia, AmeriCorps members have made equally important contributions to communities. Each year, the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service accepts applications for AmeriCorps grants. Three types of grants are available from the Commission, AmeriCorps State Formula and Competitive grants and AmeriCorps Education Only Award grants, each are described below.

The AmeriCorps*State program provides funds to support at least ten people devoted exclusively to turning the hopes and dreams of a community into a reality.

AmeriCorps funds support a team of people who commit to a year of community service. Nonprofit organizations, religious groups, higher education institutions, and state and local governments are eligible to apply for project grants in the areas of public safety, the environment, education, homeland security, and human needs. Priority will be given in the areas of disaster preparedness, economic development, and building learning communities.

AmeriCorps grants benefit the program, the community and the members. Programs funded receive up to $12,600 per member to support a three-year project that produces measurable benefits for the community. In exchange for service in a program, AmeriCorps members earn education awards to help finance higher education or repay student loans. It's a tremendous win-win for the community - important services are provided under the grants, and AmeriCorps participants get money for education.

For more information on AmeriCorps*State funds call 1-800-WV-HELPS or email Joyce Brown or Lewis Honaker. See the West Virginia Programs link for a listing of current programs with contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions about AmeriCorps*State

1. What if my organization only needs a few members?
   AmeriCorps*State programs must support a minimum of ten members. If your organization is not in need of ten members and just needs a few or even one member you may want to consider other national service programs such as VISTA. For a complete listing of other national service programs visit www.nationalservice.org.
2. Who can apply for AmeriCorps*State grants?
   Nonprofit organizations, religious groups, higher education institutions, state and local governments, or any collaboration of these groups may apply. The grants are only available to organizations, an individual may not apply.
3. What's the process for applying?
   There is a two step process.  A short concept paper is required to start, to make sure your program idea is a good fit for AmeriCorps.  The concept paper is due on January 18, 2008.  If your idea is appropriate for AmeriCorps, the full application for funding is due in March of 2008.
4. If funded, what is the organization required to do?
   Funded programs are required to appoint a program director to oversee the program. The program is expected to recruit and train members, as well as provide supervision. Substantial record keeping and financial reporting is required.
5. Are there any matching requirements?
   Yes, the program must provide a cash match from non-federal sources of 15% of member support costs. A 33% match of program support costs is also required, some of which may be in-kind. If you are unable to meet these matching requirement you may wish to consider other national service programs, such as the AmeriCorps Education Award program described below.

Are you looking for ways to recruit and retain motivated volunteers? The AmeriCorps Education Awards Program may be your answer. The AmeriCorps Education Award Program allows organizations to offer volunteers and others who perform direct service the chance to earn an education award of up to $4,725 in exchange for their time and effort.

The education award can be used to pay for college, graduate school, or vocational school, or to repay federally insured student loans. To be eligible for the education award, these volunteers become AmeriCorps members and make a formal commitment to serve and strengthen their community.

The opportunity to earn an AmeriCorps education award is the perfect incentive to recruit and motivate volunteers, staff, and program participants. The AmeriCorps members help organizations get things done, accomplish objectives, and meet the needs of clients and communities. Moreover, in addition to the education awards, the Commission grants up to $400 per full-time member that can be used to pay for supplies, transportation, staff, or any other costs associated with the project.

The Education Awards Program is only available to organizations, not to individuals. Nonprofits, state or local government agencies, institutions of higher education, and schools can apply for education awards that are then made available to program participants.

If funded, programs are expected to appoint a program director to oversee the program and provide supervision and training to members. Programs must support at least five full time members or the equivalent, who must be working in the areas of economic development, building learning communities, disaster preparedness and response, homeland security, the environment, pubic safety, education, or other human needs. There are no matching requirements for this grant.

For more information and application guidelines, contact:

Joyce Brown or Lewis Honaker
West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service
P.O. Box 11778
Charleston, WV 25339
1-800-WV-HELPS or (304) 558-0111
jbrown@mail.state.wv.us or lhonaker@mail.state.wv.us