AmeriCorps 2026-27 Service Year Competitive Grants

The AmeriCorps 2026-27 Service Year Competitive Grants, offered by the Massachusetts Service Alliance, aim to enhance volunteerism across the state. These grants provide vital funding for organizations to develop or expand AmeriCorps programs, fostering community engagement and service. With options for Cost-Reimbursement, Fixed-Amount, and Education Award Only grants, MSA supports diverse initiatives to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts. This initiative has a proven track record, empowering organizations to address community needs effectively.

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) expands volunteerism and service in Massachusetts by providing individuals and organizations with funding, training, and support, which enables them to strengthen communities and make our Commonwealth a better place to live. We are a dedicated partner of Massachusetts community based organizations of all scopes and sizes, providing tailored resources and support for them to better leverage volunteers and service members to meet their mission. Through our direct support, organizations strengthen their capacity and are better positioned to expand their impact in Massachusetts communities, serving more and doing more. For over 30 years we have had a proven track record of bringing volunteerism and service resources to organizations from Pittsfield to New Bedford and Springfield to Lowell. We seek to understand and address the changing needs of Massachusetts and are committed to an equitable, inclusive and just allocation of resources i the Commonwealth.
MSA offers three* types of AmeriCorps Operating Grants to support AmeriCorps programming:
*NOTE: In general, all new programs MUST apply for a Cost-Reimbursement grant. In very rare cases, MSA will award a Fixed or EAP grant to a new program. If you are interested in a Fixed or EAP grant, you must contact MSA directly to discuss your specific situation at least 3 weeks before the application deadline.
Cost Reimbursement Grants MSA funds grants that support fully developed plans to establish a Massachusetts AmeriCorps program or to support, expand, or replicate an existing program. Grant awards are renewed annually for a total of three years, subject to annual review and availability of federal appropriations. Programs seeking funding beyond three years must reapply as a recompeting applicant. The maximum award amount a program can request for an operating 4 grant is $25,000 per Member Service Year (MSY). One MSY is equivalent to 1,700 hours of service. Programs should be prepared to adjust their budgets if a different level is requested. Fixed-amount Grants Most grants are cost reimbursement grants; however, in some cases, MSA may offer applicants the opportunity to be considered for a full-cost fixed-amount grant. Applicants applying for a fixed amount grant are allowed to request up to the same cost per MSY as operating grants. Fixed amount grants do not require the same level of financial reporting or matching requirements as cost-reimbursement grants, but funds may only be drawn in proportion to hours served by AmeriCorps Members.Education Award Only Program (EAP) Grants In addition, applicants may also request fixed amount grants for Education Award Only (EAP) or Professional Corps Programs. The funding allowed for these programs is significantly less than what is available to full-cost grants and is set at a maximum level of $1,000 per Member Service Year (MSY).

Eligibility

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