Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 AmeriCorps State and National Native Nations Grants

FY 2026 ASN Native Nation Operating NOFO

NOTICE of FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Federal Agency Name: AmeriCorps
Funding Opportunity Title: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 AmeriCorps State
and National Native Nation Grants
Announcement Type: Initial Announcement
Assistance Listing Number: 94.006
Summary Statement: This is an opportunity for Indian Tribes to apply for funding
for AmeriCorps members to strengthen communities by serving.
Disclosure: Publication of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not
obligate AmeriCorps to award any specific number of grants or to commit any
amount of funding. The actual amount, timing, and process of grant funding will be
subject to the availability of annual appropriations.
Any award made under this Notice may be terminated by the agency if it no longer
effectuates the program goals or agency priorities.
AmeriCorps publishes this NOFO solely for the aforementioned purpose and does
not consider this NOFO to meet the definition of a rule requiring publication or
notice under Congressional Review Act (CRA) as codified at 5 U.S.C. §§801- 808,
and any subsequent notification provided to Congress does not constitute waiver
of this position.
Important Dates
• Applications are due no later than Wednesday, May 20, 2026, by 5:00
p.m. Eastern Time.
• Successful applicants will be notified by early July 2026.
• Successful applicants will be issued awards by end of July 2026.
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Table of Contents
NOTICE of FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ............................................................ 1
FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE .............................................................................. 3
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................... 3
A.1. Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding .......................................................... 3
A.2. Funding Priorities ..................................................................................................................... 3
A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes National Performance Measures ............... 4
A.4. Program Authority ................................................................................................................... 4
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 4
B.1. Estimated Available Funds ..................................................................................................... 4
B.2. Estimated Award Amount ....................................................................................................... 4
B.3. Period of Performance ............................................................................................................ 4
B.4. Type of Award .......................................................................................................................... 5
B.5. Cost Sharing or Matching ....................................................................................................... 7
C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 8
C.1. Eligible Applicants ................................................................................................................... 8
C.2. Other Eligibility Requirements .............................................................................................. 8
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION ............................................................. 9
D.1. Ways to Request an Application Package ............................................................................ 9
D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission ..................................................................... 9
D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) ............................. 10
D.4. Submission Dates and Times .............................................................................................. 10
D.5. Intergovernmental Review ................................................................................................... 11
D.6. Funding Restrictions ............................................................................................................. 11
D.7. Other Submission Requirements ........................................................................................ 13
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ............................................................................. 15
E.1. Selection Criteria ................................................................................................................... 15
E.2. Review and Selection Process ............................................................................................. 21
E.3. Feedback to Applicants ....................................................................................................... 23
E.4. Transparency in Grantmaking ............................................................................................. 23
F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION ..................................................... 24
F.1. Federal Award Notices ........................................................................................................ 24
F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements ........................................................... 24
F.3. Use of Material ....................................................................................................................... 24
F.4. Continuation Funding Information and Requirements .................................................... 24
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS .................................................................... 25
H. OTHER INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 25
H.1. Technical Assistance ............................................................................................................. 25
H.2. Re-Focusing of Funding ....................................................................................................... 25
I. IMPORTANT NOTICES ......................................................................................................... 25
I.1. Public Burden Statement ..................................................................................................... 25
I.2. Privacy Act Statement ........................................................................................................... 26
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FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
A.1. Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding
AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic
engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people
together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national
service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations
dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.
AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations engaging AmeriCorps
members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen
communities. An AmeriCorps member is person who does community service
through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits.
After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps
Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to
qualified student loans.
A.2. Funding Priorities
For this funding opportunity, AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration for applicants
from organizations that:
Serve Communities:
• Prioritize civic engagement/social cohesion, and youth mental health;
• Education – improving student academic performance in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), serving students who
attend Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, Tribal Colleges and
Universities and Indigenous Urban Centers, Indigenous Teacher
Preparation, and GED support programs, and programming focused on
Indigenous or Tribal Data Sovereignty;
• Promote the preservation and teaching of traditional Native languages
and cultural practices;
• Promote sustainable food systems and agriculture, habitat preservation;
Indigenous environmental practices; Traditional Ecological Knowledge,
and Indigenous food sovereignty (seed saving, foraging, etc.);
• Promote Economic Opportunity - including digital skills and increased
access to broadband; infrastructure/transportation assistance; financial
readiness; training and access to financial resources for home buying; or
college; and college access program;
• Promote Healthy Futures - providing health-related services both on and
off reservation lands, including building trauma-informed programs,
addressing issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
(MMIP) programs to raise awareness;
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• Focus on improving the quality of life for veterans, active-duty members of
the Armed Forces, and their families by recruiting veterans, military spouses,
and their older children into national service;
Benefit AmeriCorps Members
• Enhanced member experience by providing opportunities for skill attainment, personal
growth and connection to the community they are serving in support of a lifetime of civic
participation; and
• Create workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members, including
deliberate training, such as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship
opportunities, certifications, and hiring preferences or support.
To receive priority consideration, applicants must show the priority area is a
significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes. Priority
consideration does not guarantee funding.
A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes National
Performance Measures
All applications must include at least one aligned performance measure, output,
and outcome, that corresponds to the proposed primary intervention. This may be
a National Performance Measure or an applicant-determined measure. For more
information, refer to the National Performance Measure Instructions.
A.4. Program Authority
Awards under this Notice are authorized by the National and Community Service Act of
1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §12501 et seq.
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
B.1. Estimated Available Funds
AmeriCorps welcomes Native Nation applications. The actual level of funding
depends on annual appropriations.
B.2. Estimated Award Amount
Award amounts will be different depending on the scope of the projects.
B.3. Period of Performance
AmeriCorps plans to make three-year grant awards. AmeriCorps generally makes an
initial award for the first year of the three-year period of performance. Applicants must
submit a one-year budget. Applicants may propose any project start date that fits their
program design. The period of performance may not start before August 1, 2026.
Continuation awards for future years are not guaranteed; they depend upon future
appropriations and satisfactory performance.
B.4. Type of Award
AmeriCorps makes available different types of grants. The chart below
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summarizes these grant types and their distinct characteristics.
Cost
Grant Types Reimburseme Fixed Amount
nt
Educatio
Available Subtypes n Award Professional No Cost Slots
Traditional Full-Cost
Program, Corps*
EAP
Maximum Cost per MSY* $800 or
$25,000 $25,00 $1,000 $0
$1,000**
0
Type of Slots in the National
All All All slot types
Service Trust All slot types FT Only
slot Slot
type type
s s
Matching Funds Required
Waived No
Budget Submission
Required Yes No
Availability of Funds
Linked to Enrollment
/Retention of
No Yes No
Awarded MSYs
Must place
qualified
professionals in
communities with
an inadequate #
of such
professionals.
Member
Special Requirements salaries/benefits
N/A N/A N/A
must be paid
entirely by
organization
where member
serves.
Financial
Reporting Requirements Yes No
Available to New
Applicants Yes No Yes
* Member Service Year (MSY): One MSY is equivalent to a full-time AmeriCorps position,
at least 1,700 service hours. Multiple less than full-time positions can be combined to
equal one MSY.
** For the Education Award Program, AmeriCorps may provide a maximum of
$800 per individual enrolled in an approved national service position. If at least
50 percent of a program’s enrollees are disadvantaged youth, AmeriCorps may
provide $1,000 per enrollee, 42 U.S.C. § 12581a.
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*Use Mandatory Supplemental Information (MSI) for further requirements
B.5. Cost Reimbursement Grants
Match requirements are waived for this funding opportunity.
B.6. Fixed Price Grants
There is no cost share or matching requirement for Fixed Amount grants.
AmeriCorps does not provide all the funds necessary to operate the program.
Organizations should raise the funds needed to operate the program.
B.7 Match Replacement
Match Replacement Funds are available for Native Nation cost reimbursement
applicants who certify that they are “severely economically distressed communities”
as defined by 42 U.S.C. 12645d(b). Match replacement funds are additional
AmeriCorps funds up to the amount that would have been contributed by the
recipient if the match requirements were not waived. This amount is determined by
the year of the program, as follows:
AmeriCorps
Funding Year Years 1,2, and 3 Years 4,5, and 6 Years 7,8, and 9 Years 10 +
Waived Match
Requirement/Match
Replacement
Percentage 24% 26% 28% 30%
Applicants can request up to the maximum amount of their waived match requirement
amount, as determined by the year of the program. For example, an applicant in year 4 is
requesting $150,000 in AmeriCorps funding. The applicant has a 26% waived match
requirement. The applicant may request up to $52,700 in the grantee share as match
replacement funding, which is 26% of a $202,700 total grant budget - $150,000 in
AmeriCorps funding and $52,700 in cash match replacement funds.
Cost reimbursement applicants indicate the amount of requested match
replacement in the Source of Funds section of the budget. The match replacement
funds are budgeted in the grantee share of the budget.
Please see the Application Instructions for how to request Match Replacement funds.
C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
C.1. Eligible Applicants
The following non-Federal organizations are eligible to apply:
• Indian Tribes
In addition to Indian Tribes, as defined in 2 CFR 200.1, tribal organizations that are
controlled, authorized, or chartered by Federally recognized Indian Tribes are also
eligible to apply directly to AmeriCorps. If an entity applies for an award as a tribal
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organization that is controlled or chartered by one or more Indian Tribes, the
organization must provide copies or links to documentation that demonstrates that
the organization is controlled or chartered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe.
If an entity applies as an organization authorized by a federally recognized tribe, or
multiple specific federally recognized tribes, it must submit a resolution or other
authorization, adopted by the Tribal Council (or comparable tribal governing
body) of each Indian Tribe. The authorization(s) must identify the entity applying
for an AmeriCorps award by name as a tribal organization that is authorized by the
Indian Tribe(s) for the purpose of applying for AmeriCorps funding (or federal
grant funds generally).
New Applicants
AmeriCorps encourages organizations that have not received funding from
AmeriCorps before to apply, e.g. small community-based organizations, faith-
based organizations, etc.
New applicants can apply for Cost Reimbursement, Education Award Program
(EAP), and Professional Corps grants but cannot apply for Full Cost Fixed
Amount grants.
Types of Applicants
Federally recognized Indian Tribes: Applicants that are Indian Tribes apply directly
to AmeriCorps.
Threshold Issues
Specific types of applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Professional Corps must show that the community where it will place
AmeriCorps members has a shortage of professionals in the relevant area,
e.g. teachers, medical professionals, etc.
• If service activities require special member qualifications and/or training,
such as tutoring programs, the applicant must describe how these
requirements will be met.
C.2. Other Eligibility Requirements
Even if an organization is otherwise eligible under C.1, an organization is not
eligible if:
• It has violated a federal criminal statute.
• It proposes activities that are not allowed under AmeriCorps’ laws, rules, or
terms and conditions.
• It has any unpaid federal taxes that are not being paid through an
agreement with the relevant tax authority. However, this does not apply if a
federal agency decided that a suspension or debarment for the corporation
is not necessary. It is described in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26
U.S.C. §501 (c)(4) and lobbies.
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
This Notice should be read together with the AmeriCorps regulations, Application
Instructions, Performance Measure Instructions, and Mandatory Supplemental
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Information.
D.1. Ways to Request an Application Package
All information from this funding opportunity is available through the AmeriCorps
Funding Opportunities webpage. Applicants can also send an email to
americorpsgrants@americorps.gov or call (202) 606-7508 for a printed copy of the
Notice, Guidance, and Application Instructions.
D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission
D.2.a. Application Content
Complete applications must include the following elements:
• Standard Form 424 Face Sheet: Automatically generated when applicants
complete the data elements.
• Narrative Sections:
Executive Summary;
o
Program Design;
o
Organizational Capability;
o
Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy; and
o
Evaluation Summary/Plan.
o
• Performance Measures.
• Logic Model
• Standard Form 424A Budget.
• Continuation Changes.
• Clarification.
• Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications.
D.2.b. Page Limits
Page counts are determined by the number of pages that print out from the grant
system.
AmeriCorps strongly encourages applicants to print out the application
from the grant system prior to submission to confirm that the application
does not exceed the page limit.
• Narratives
Applications must not exceed 11 double-spaced pages for the Narrative.
o
The application sections that count towards the page limit include:
o
 SF-424 Face Sheet;
 Executive Summary;
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 Program Design, Organizational Capability, and Cost-
Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy narratives.
The application page limit does not include:
o
 Evaluation Summary/Plan;
 Clarification Summary;
 Continuation Changes;
 Budget, Performance Measures; and
 Any required additional documents.
• Logic Model
The Logic Model may not exceed eight pages when printed with
o
the application from the “Review” tab in AmeriCorps’ web-based
management system.
D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
All applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and
maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete. If an
applicant is awarded a grant, it must maintain an active SAM registration
throughout the life of the award. Use the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees for more
information.
AmeriCorps suggests that applicants finalize a new registration or renew an
existing one at least three weeks before the application deadline, to allow time to
resolve any issues that may arise. Applicants must use their SAM-registered
legal name and physical address on all grant applications to AmeriCorps.
The legal applicant’s name and physical address in the grant system must
match exactly the applicant’s SAM-registered information.
Applications must include a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is generated
as part of the SAM registration process. AmeriCorps will not make awards to entities
that do not have a valid SAM registration and UEI.
Applications must include an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The UEI and EIN
must be entered by the organization’s Grantee Administrator as an organization
attribute, and this will apply the information to all applications for the organization.
D.4. Submission Dates and Times
D.4.a. Application Submission Deadline
Applications are due no later than Wednesday May 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Time.
AmeriCorps may extend the submission deadline. If the deadline is extended, then
AmeriCorps will post information on the AmeriCorps’ webpage.
D.4.b. Additional Documents Deadline
Additional documents are due by the application submission deadline.
D.4.c. Late Applications
All applications received after the submission deadline are late. AmeriCorps will
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determine whether to accept a late application on a case-by-case basis. To request
consideration of a late application, an organization must:
• Submit a written explanation or justification of the extenuating
circumstance(s) that caused the delay, including:
Timing and specific cause(s) of the delay;
o
Ticket number if a request for assistance was submitted to the
o
AmeriCorps Hotline;
Information provided to the applicant by the AmeriCorps Hotline; and
o
Other documentation or evidence that supports the justification.
o
• Ensure that AmeriCorps receives the written explanation and any other
relevant evidence, via email to LateApplications@americorps.gov no later
than 24 hours after the application deadline.
Communication with AmeriCorps staff, including an applicant’s regional office staff
or applicant’s AmeriCorps Regional Mailbox, is not a substitute for a written
explanation. Applicants are required to continue working in the web- based system
and with the AmeriCorps Hotline to submit the application.
AmeriCorps will not consider an advance request to submit a late application.
Please carefully review and follow the Late Application guidance and submit your
application as soon as possible.
D.5. Intergovernmental Review
This Notice is not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of
Federal Programs.
D.6. Funding Restrictions
D.6.a. Award Funding Requirements
1. Member Living Allowance
A living allowance is not considered a salary or a wage. Programs are not required
to provide a living allowance for members serving in less than full-time terms of
service. If a program chooses to provide a living allowance to a member at less
than full-time terms of service, it must follow the limits in the table below.
Organizations applying for Cost Reimbursement grants must include the living
allowance in the budget, either as AmeriCorps share or grantee share.
Fixed Amount grant applicants must give members a living allowance that follows
the minimum and maximum amounts in the chart below and should indicate that
amount in the application.
Table: Minimum and Maximum Living Allowance for FY 2026 New and Recompete
Competitive Applicants
Slot Types Minimum Minimum Maximum Total
# of Living Living Allowance
Hours Allowance
Full-time 1,700 $20,400 $40,800
Three Quarter-time 1,200 n/a $28,560
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Half-time 900 n/a $20,400
Quarter-time 450 n/a $10,608
Minimum-time 300 n/a $8,568
Table: Minimum and Maximum Living Allowance for FY 2026 Competitive Continuation
Applicants in Year 2 or Year 3 of Funding
Slot Types Minimum Minimum Maximum Total
# of Living Living Allowance
Hours Allowance
Full-time 1,700 $20,400 $40,800
Three Quarter-time 1,200 n/a $28,560
Half-time 900 n/a $20,400
Reduced Half-time 675 n/a $15,504
Quarter-time 450 n/a $10,608
Minimum-time 300 n/a $8,568
Abbreviated-time 100 n/a $2,448
Exceptions to the Living Allowance Requirements
a. Programs existing prior to September 21, 1993, do not have to offer a
living allowance. If an organization chooses to offer a living allowance, it does not
have to pay its members the minimum but cannot exceed the maximum.
b. Education Award Program (EAP) Grantees are not required to provide a
living allowance. If an organization chooses to offer a living allowance, it does not
have to pay its members the minimum but cannot exceed the maximum.
c. Professional Corps Grantees must provide members a living allowance or
salary. Organizations must pay members the minimum and can exceed the
maximum. Professional Corps member salaries and benefits including childcare
cannot be included in the federal share budget request to AmeriCorps.
2. Maximum Cost per Member Service Year
The AmeriCorps cost per MSY is determined by dividing the AmeriCorps share of
budgeted grant costs by the number of MSYs requested. It does not include
childcare or the value of the education award a member may earn.
AmeriCorps is keeping the maximum cost per MSY at the same amount as FY 2025 as a
safeguard to ensure the number of members serving remains the same or grows.
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Table: Maximum Cost per MSY
Grant Program Maximum
Native Nations Program (cost reimbursement)
$25,000
Professional Corps competitive Fixed Amount
Applicants/Grantees $1,000*
Full-cost competitive Fixed Amount Grant
$25,000
Education Award Program (EAP) Fixed Amount Grant $800 or
(competitive and formula) $1,000**
*AmeriCorps requires Professional Corps programs to cover the operating
expenses associated with the AmeriCorps program through -non-AmeriCorps
resources. AmeriCorps will only consider operating funds of up to $1,000 per MSY
if an applicant is able to show significant organizational financial need.
** For the Education Award Program, AmeriCorps may provide a maximum of
$800 per individual enrolled in an approved national service position. If at least
50 percent of a program’s enrollees are disadvantaged youth, AmeriCorps may
provide $1,000 per enrollee, 42 U.S.C. § 12581a.
*$18,000 adjusted for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban
Consumers (As of March 2024 CPI was 0.4).
AmeriCorps may 1) treat an applicant as a Professional Corps if they meet the
legal requirements for a Professional Corps (even if they did not submit a
Professional Corps application); and 2) decide not to provide a grant to an
organization that it determines cannot operate effectively without AmeriCorps
operating funds.
3. Costs Associated with Evidence Building Activities e.g. performance data
collection and management, foundational research, program evaluation,
etc.
As noted in 2 CFR § 200.455, costs associated with evidence building activities are
allowable expenses or grantee share under AmeriCorps grants. This includes costs
related to performance data collection and management, foundational research,
program evaluation, and related activities.
D.6.b. Indirect Costs
Application budgets may include indirect costs. Based on qualifying factors,
applicants may use a Federally approved indirect cost rate if they have one and if
not, may use either:
i. the AmeriCorps-Fixed Percentage method (five/ten percent fixed
administrative cost option) outlined in AmeriCorps’ Indirect Cost Guidance;
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ii. a 15 percent de minimis rate of modified total direct costs; or
iii. may claim certain costs directly.
All methods must be applied consistently across all Federal awards.
No more than five percent of award funds may be used to recover indirect costs on
AmeriCorps State and National grants under section 121(d) of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990, as amended and AmeriCorps’ regulations at 45
CFR 2521.95 and 2540.110.”
Use the eGrants Indirect Cost Rate (IDCR) User Instructions to enter the
organization’s Federal negotiated indirect cost rate or the de minimis rate
information. Applicants should not submit documentation addressing the cost rate
agreement via email.
Please note: To request a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, when
AmeriCorps is the applicable cognizant agency for an organization’s indirect costs,
the applicant must submit a request to IndirectCostRate@americorps.gov. The
applicant may also obtain instructions and additional information by contacting the
email address above.
D.6.c. Pre-Award Costs
Applicants funded under this Notice are approved for pre-award costs for one month
prior to the start of their program. See the Mandatory Supplemental Information for
more detail. Other Submission Requirements.
D.7. Other Submission Requirements
D.7.a. Electronic Application Submission
Applicants must submit applications electronically via AmeriCorps' web-based
application system.
The applicant’s authorized representative must be the person who submits the
application. The authorized representative must use their own account to sign and
submit the application.
Applicants should contact the AmeriCorps Hotline at (800) 942-2677 if they have a
problem when they create an account, prepare, or submit the application.
Information about the AmeriCorps Hotline hours are also posted on the
AmeriCorps Hotline webpage.
When contacting the AmeriCorps Hotline, be prepared to provide the application
ID, organization’s name, and the name of the Notice to which the organization is
applying. If the issue cannot be fixed by the deadline, applicants must continue
working with the AmeriCorps Hotline to submit via the grant system.
If circumstances make it impossible for an applicant to submit in the grant system,
applicants may send a paper copy of the application via overnight carrier to this
address below.
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AmeriCorps
ATTN: FY 2026 AmeriCorps State and National Application
250 E Street, SW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20525
Please use a non-U.S. Postal Service carrier to avoid security-related delays.
Applicants must include an explanation and related documents about why they
could not submit their application electronically. Applications must be received by
the deadline.
All deadlines and requirements in this Notice also apply to paper
applications. AmeriCorps does not accept applications submitted
via fax or email.
D.7.b Submission of Additional Documents
Your application might not receive funding if you do not upload your documents by
the application deadline or do not correctly label your documents.
Additional documents for all applicants:
1. Evidence documents. Please refer to the Evidence Base section and
Mandatory Supplemental Information for detailed instructions by
evidence tier.
2. Labor union concurrence, if applicable.
3. Operational and Financial Management Survey. Submit electronically using
the online form. Forms submitted as a PDF, or any other document format
may not be accepted.
Additional documents for applicants proposing projects previously funded by
AmeriCorps:
Evaluation Plan Summary Form. Applicants who have received three or more years of
competitive funding for the same project being proposed should also provide an: Evaluation
plan summary form using the template provided in the NOFO page. If applicable, fill the
Alternative Evaluation Approach (AEA) request section. Evaluation plan summary forms are
not scored and will not be assessed. Applicants approved for funding will be responsible for
confirming they meet all evaluation requirements. Only AEA requests (if applicable) will be
reviewed for approval after funding decisions are made.
Evaluation Report. Applicants who have received six or more years of competitive
funding for the same project being proposed should also provide an Evaluation
report. Please submit in Microsoft Word. The evaluation report should include a
title page with:
• the AmeriCorps grant number for the project that was evaluated,
• the name of the project,
• the date of completion of the report,
• the evaluator name(s),
• evaluator organization name and,
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• evaluator type (internal or external).
If any of this required information is missing, the applicant may not receive credit for
meeting their evaluation requirements.
Additional documents for entities applying on behalf of a Federally Recognized
Tribe, new and recompeting:
• Tribal organization eligibility documentation.
Guidance for submitting additional documents:
• Additional documents must be emailed to
AdditionalDocuments@AmeriCorps.gov with the following subject line:
“Legal Applicant Name” – “Application ID Number.”
Emails should include:
Legal applicant name and its point of contact information.
o
Application ID number.
o
List of documents that are attached to the email by filename,
o
labeling each document type according to the above numbered
list.
Individually attached files that are clearly labeled, and that include the
o
legal applicant name and application ID number within the file name
and heading of each document.
To ensure that all required additional documents are considered, please
provide each document as a separate single file, labeled appropriately. Please
do not send multiple documents in one combined file, and do not send a single
document in multiple files.
The email size limit is 35 MB. This limit is inclusive of all attachments
associated with each email. Emails that are larger than 35 MB will not be
received or reviewed.
If the size of an applicant’s files requires multiple emails, please also include
an ordering system in the subject line, such as “(1 of 3)”
• Applicants that do not have any documents to submit must send an email
to AdditionalDocuments@AmeriCorps.gov indicating that they are not
submitting any additional documents.
Applicants must enter in a web-based system the quantity of each document type
that was emailed to AdditionalDocuments@AmeriCorps.gov. After the application
deadline, all applicants that have a difference between the number of documents
emailed and the number of documents reported in the web-based system will
receive an email. This email will request proof that the missing documents were
emailed on time to the correct email address. If applicants do not reply to this
email, then their evidence documents might not be reviewed.
Do not submit any items that are not requested in this Notice or Application
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Instructions. AmeriCorps will not review or return them.
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
E.1. Selection Criteria
Each applicant must describe a project that will use AmeriCorps members
effectively to solve a significant community problem.
Applications must have a well-designed plan with clear justification for the
requested funds. Reviewers will assess the quality of applications by using the
selection criteria described below and will rate them accordingly.
Prior to issuance, and annually thereafter, awards will be subject to review by one or
more AmeriCorps senior officials, or their designees, according to the process
described in Executive Order 14332, “Improving Oversight of Federal
Grantmaking".
Do not assume all sub-criteria are of equal value.
Categories/Subcategories Percentage
Executive Summary 0
Program Design 50
• Community and Logic Model 20
• Evidence Tier 12
• Evidence Quality 8
• Notice Priority 4
• Member Experience 6
Organizational Capability 25
• Organizational Background and Staffing 15
• Member Supervision 10
Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy 25
• Member Recruitment 8
• Member Retention 9
• Data Collection 8
E.1.a. Executive Summary, 0 percent:
Please fill in the blanks of these sentences to complete the Executive Summary. There
are two options for the second paragraph; please choose the appropriate language
for your application. Do not deviate from this template:
“The [Name of the organization] will have [Number of] AmeriCorps members in [the
locations the AmeriCorps members will serve, e.g. – City, State or State(s)].
AmeriCorps members will [service activities the members will do]. At the end of the
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first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for [anticipated
outcome of project]. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage [number
of leveraged volunteers, if applicable] who will be engaged in [what the leveraged
volunteers will be doing].
In addition to the AmeriCorps investment, $[amount of local, state, and Federal
Funds] in public funding and $[amount of non-governmental funds] in private
funding will support the project.”
E.1.b. Program Design, 50 percent:
1. Community and Logic Model, 20 points
The applicant will provide a detailed summary of the community problem and an
explanation of how the applicant’s intervention(s) will lead to the outcomes identified in
the organization’s Logic Model.
The applicant must describe in the Logic Model
 The inputs or resources that are necessary to deliver the intervention,
including but not limited to:
Locations or sites in which members will provide services.
o
Setting and community condition where the intervention is delivered.
o
Number of AmeriCorps members who will deliver the intervention.
o
Characteristics of AmeriCorps members, including specific knowledge,
o
skills, and abilities required to implement the intervention.
 The core activities that members will deliver as part of the intervention including:
Length of each activity (e.g., the total number of weeks, sessions or
o
months of the intervention).
Dosage of each activity (e.g., the number of hours per session or
o
sessions per week).
Target population for the intervention (e.g., disconnected youth, third
o
graders at a certain reading proficiency level).
 The measurable outputs that result from delivering the intervention (i.e.,
number of beneficiaries served, types and number of activities conducted). If
applicable, identify which National Performance Measures will be used as
output indicators.
 Outcomes that result from the intervention, including meaningful changes
in knowledge/skill, attitude, behavior, or condition. If applicable, identify
which National Performance Measures will be used as outcome indicators.
Programs should include short, medium, or long-term outcomes. Applicants
are not required to measure all components of their Logic Model. The
applicant’s performance measures should be consistent with the program’s
Logic Model and should represent significant program activities.
Applicants with multiple interventions should include the above information for
each intervention in the logic model.
2. Evidence Base, 20 points
The assessment of an applicant’s evidence base has two parts. First, the applicant
will be assigned to an evidence tier. Second, the quality of the applicant’s
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evidence, how the evidence aligns with funding priorities (A.2 Funding Priorities)
section and how the evidence supports the proposed program.
Evidence Tier, 12 points
Each applicant will receive an evidence tier assessment. This is based on the relative
strength of the applicant’s evidence base and the likelihood that the proposed
intervention will lead to the outcomes identified in the Logic Model narrative.
AmeriCorps values and funds programs at all points along the evidence continuum
and expects programs to progress along the evidence continuum over time. Thus,
applicants should not be deterred from applying for funding due to their
current evidence level. In 2025, the evidence tiers of competing applicants recommended
for AmeriCorps State and National funding were as follows: 57% Strong, 11% Moderate, 25%
Preliminary, 7% Pre-Preliminary.
To qualify for the Preliminary, Moderate, or Strong evidence tier, applicants may
submit up to two evidence documents, plus the evaluation report from their last
three-year grant cycle, if applicable. If multiple evidence documents are submitted
by the applicant, the most recent – as measured by the date of completion or
publication– will be reviewed first, and any documents submitted beyond the
allowable number will not be reviewed.
The intervention evaluated in the submitted evidence documents must match the
intervention proposed by the applicant in the Community and Logic Model
sections of the application. (Use the Mandatory Supplemental Information for a
definition of same intervention). Applicants must meet all requirements of an
evidence tier to be considered for that tier.
Submitted evidence documents that do not sufficiently match the intervention will
not be reviewed or receive any points.
In the Evidence Tier section of the application narrative, applicants must:
• Summarize the study design and key findings of the evidence documents
submitted, plus, if applicable, the evaluation report from their last three-
year grant cycle; and
• Describe any other evidence that supports their program, including past
performance measure data and/or other research studies that inform their
program design.
Applicants should provide citations for the studies they describe.
Evidence Quality, 8 points
Reviewers will score the quality of an applicant’s evidence and the extent to which it
supports the proposed program design.
Standards for scoring in the Preliminary, Moderate, or Strong evidence tiers.
Submitted evidence documents:
• Are of satisfactory methodological quality and rigor for the type of
evaluation conducted e.g., adequate sample size and statistical power,
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internal and/or external validity, appropriate use of control or comparison
groups, etc.;
• Describe evaluations that were conducted relatively recently, preferably
within the last six years; and
• Show a meaningful and significant positive effect on program
beneficiaries or AmeriCorps members in at least one key outcome
of interest.
Standards for scoring in the Pre-Preliminary evidence tier:
• The applicant uses relevant evidence, including past performance
measure data and/or cited research studies, to inform their proposed
program design;
• The described evidence is relatively recent, preferably from the last six years; and
• The evidence described by the applicant indicates a meaningful positive
effect on program beneficiaries or AmeriCorps members in at least one
key outcome of interest.
3. Notice Priority, 4 points
• Describe whether one or more of the AmeriCorps funding priorities is a
significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes. Refer to A.2.
for list of Funding Priorities.
4. Member Experience, 6 points
• Describe how AmeriCorps members will be provided opportunities for skill
attainment, personal growth and connection to the community they are serving
in support of a lifetime of civic participation.
E.1.c. Organizational Capability, 25 percent:
1. Organizational Background and Staffing, 15 points
• Describe the roles, responsibilities, and structure of the staff that will implement
and provide oversight of the program, including but not limited to
demonstrating the organization has sufficient policies, procedures, and controls
to effectively implement a federal grant.
2. Member Supervision, 10 points
• Describe how AmeriCorps members will receive sufficient guidance and support
from their supervisor to provide effective service. That could include but is not
limited to structure for member supervision: cadence and format of
supervisor/member check-ins, member and supervisor opportunities to assess
strengths and opportunities for growth, member training plan, etc.
E.1.d. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, 25 percent:
1. Member Recruitment, 8 points
• Provide a description of budget expenses to support recruitment of AmeriCorps
members best suited to serve the community.
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2. Member Retention, 9 points
• Provide a description of budget expenses to support retention of
AmeriCorps members. E.g., additional member benefits such as paying
above the minimum living allowance, supporting workforce pathways,
certifications, coaching for members, resume building, individual benefit as
well as community building, network building, member recognition, alumni
programming, etc.
3. Data Collection, 8 points
• Provide a description of budget expenses that support data collection and
evaluation, including the process for collecting and maintaining high-quality
performance data from your organization and community partners, how
data will be analyzed, and how this will ensure timely and accurate reporting
to AmeriCorps.
E.1.e. Evaluation Plan, 0 percent:
• Required for recompeting applicants
If the applicant has previously received three or more years of competitive funding
for the same project being proposed, the applicant must submit an evaluation plan
summary template (which includes Alternative Evaluation Approach request if
applicable) Refer to Additional Documents for instructions for submitting the evaluation
plan.
The evaluation plan will not be scored and will not be reviewed unless it includes
an Alternative Evaluation Approach request.
All applicants enter N/A in the Evaluation Summary or Plan field of the Narrative.
Any other text entered in this field will not be reviewed.
E.1. f. Amendment Justification, 0 percent:
Enter N/A. This field will be used if the applicant is awarded a grant and needs to amend
it.
E.1.g. Clarification Information, 0 percent:
Enter N/A. This field will be utilized should an applicant be funded.
E.1.h. Continuation Changes, 0 percent:
Enter N/A. This field will be used to enter changes in the application
narratives in continuation requests.
E.2. Review and Selection Process
AmeriCorps will engage reviewers with relevant expertise to assess the eligible
applications. The determinations made by AmeriCorps reviewers may be different from
what the applicant self-determined upon submission of its application. The stages of the
review and selection process follow:
E.2.a. Initial Application Compliance and Eligibility Review
AmeriCorps will do an initial compliance and eligibility check before reviewing
applications. To pass this check, applicants must:
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• Be an eligible organization,
• Be eligible to apply for a Full Cost Fixed Grant,
• Have an active SAM registration, and
• Submit an application by the submission deadline.
Eligibility assessment is intended to ensure that only those applications that are
eligible for award are reviewed. However, determinations of eligibility can take
place at any point during the application review and selection process. Applicants
that are determined to be ineligible will not receive an award.
E.2.b. Application Review
Review
Reviewers will assess applications based on the Program Design, Organizational
Capability, Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, and Evidence Selection Criteria.
AmeriCorps will also assess budget compliance, and review for prohibited activities.
Post-Review Quality Control
AmeriCorps staff will review the initial results for fairness and consistency. Some
applications may be selected for a Post-Review Quality Control assessment.
E.2.c. Pre-Award Risk Assessment
AmeriCorps staff will assess the risks posed by each applicant. Results from this
assessment will inform funding decisions. If AmeriCorps determines that an award
will be made to an applicant with risks, special conditions may be applied to the
award. AmeriCorps may decide to not fund an applicant based on the level of risk.
In assessing risks, AmeriCorps may consider:
1. Due Diligence, including:
• Federal debt delinquency;
• Suspension and debarment;
• Information available through Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-
designated sources of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial
integrity information, such as:
U.S. Treasury Bureau of Fiscal Services;
o
System for Award Management (SAM); and
o
Do Not Pay.
o
• Reports and findings from single audits performed under Uniform
Administrative Guidance and findings of any other available audits or
investigations;
• IRS Tax Form 990;
• Oversight.gov; and
• Public Litigation Records.
2. Operational and Financial Management, including:
• Financial stability; and
• Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS).
3. Past Performance, including:
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• Applicant’s record in managing previous AmeriCorps awards,
cooperative agreements, or procurement awards, including:
Timely compliance with applicable reporting requirements;
o
Accuracy of data reported;
o
Validity of performance measure data reported;
o
Conformity to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards;
o
Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other
o
requirements imposed on award recipients;
Timely closeout of other awards;
o
Extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended
o
prior to future awards; and
Meeting National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) compliance.
o
4. Other Programmatic Risks, Financial, Organizational, Compliance, and Fraud
including:
• Publicly available information, including from the applicant organization's
website;
• Amount of funding requested by the organization; and
• Other elements, such as keyword searches for prohibited activities.
E.2.d. Consideration of Integrity and Performance System Information
Before to making any award that exceeds $250,000, AmeriCorps must consider
information about the applicant from the designated integrity and performance
system accessible through SAM.gov.
Any applicant may comment upon information previously entered by another
Federal agency in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible
through SAM.gov.
AmeriCorps may consider applicant comments when completing its review of risk.
AmeriCorps may also consider other information about any applicant receiving an
award, including those under $250,000.
E.2.e. Selection for Funding
The review and selection process are designed to:
• Identify how well eligible applications are aligned with the application
selection criteria.
• Build a diversified portfolio based on the following strategic considerations:
AmeriCorps Funding Priorities;
o
Meaningful representation of:
o
 rural communities, and
 innovative community strategies; and
CEO discretion to advance strategic goals.
o
In selecting applicants to receive awards under this Notice, the Chief Executive Officer
will try to include a diverse portfolio of applications based on staff recommendations,
alignment with selection criteria, and strategic considerations.
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AmeriCorps reserves the right to adjust or make changes to the review
process, if unforeseen circumstances make it impossible, impracticable, or
inefficient to conduct the review process as planned. AmeriCorps reserves
the right to re-focus program dollars under this Notice in the event of disaster or
other compelling needs.
AmeriCorps reserves the right to award applications in an amount less than the requested
level of funding.
An applicant denied any portion of funding may request reconsideration of a
funding decision within 5 business days of receiving notice of their denial.
Reconsideration will only be granted if there is clear and substantial error. Any
reconsideration of denied applications is entirely subject to the agency’s
discretion.
E.2.f. Applicant Resolution
After the application review process, before any grant awards are issued,
AmeriCorps may ask an applicant for additional information to address any
application compliance or risk issues. If an applicant does not respond promptly to
these requests, then the applicant may be denied funding.
AmeriCorps will ask all grantees for a written compliance implementation plan that
includes notification of waste, fraud, and abuse to the agency’s Office of Inspector
General.
E.3. Feedback to Applicants
Each compliant applicant will receive feedback from the review of its application.
E.4. Transparency in Grantmaking
AmeriCorps is committed to transparency in grant-making. A list of all approved
applications for new and re-competing applications will be published on
AmeriCorps Funded Grants within 90 business days after all grants are awarded.
Further information about funded grants and subgrants is also available in
USASpending.gov.
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F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
F.1. Federal Award Notices
AmeriCorps will make awards following the selection announcement. AmeriCorps
anticipates announcing the results of this funding opportunity by early July 2026
depending on the availability of congressional appropriations. All applicants,
successful or not, will be notified of funding decisions via email.
F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
F.2.a. Uniform Guidance
All awards made under this Notice must follow the Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, in 2
CFR Parts 200 and 2205.
F.2.b. Requests for Monitoring or Payment Integrity Information
AmeriCorps will request information from grantees to ensure compliance with
legal requirements, including the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019. If
grantees do not respond promptly to these requests then their funds may be
placed on manual hold, reimbursement only status, or other restrictions as
appropriate.
F.2.c. AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions
All grants must follow the FY 2026 AmeriCorps General Terms and Conditions,
and the FY 2026 Program-Specific Terms and Conditions for the particular
program (when applicable). These Terms and Conditions contain mandatory
compliance and reporting requirements, and applicants should review these
instructions prior to any Notice of Grant Award. Current versions of the
AmeriCorps General and Program-Specific Terms and Conditions for each of its
programs is available on the AmeriCorps Manage Your Grant webpage.
F.2.d. National Service Criminal History Check Requirements
The National Service Criminal History Check, NSCHC, is a specific screening
procedure established by law to protect the beneficiaries of national
service. Use 45 CFR 2540.200– 2540.207 and National Service Criminal
History Check Resources for complete information and FAQs.
F.3. Use of Material
To ensure that materials generated with AmeriCorps funding are available to the
public and readily accessible to recipients and non-recipients, AmeriCorps
reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to obtain, use, modify,
reproduce, publish, or disseminate publications and materials produced under the
award, including data, and to authorize others to do so per 2 CFR 200.315.
F.4. Continuation Funding Information and Requirements
Organizations that have current AmeriCorps State and National awards that will be
in program Year 2 or Year 3 in FY 2026 are considered continuation applicants.
Continuation applicants must submit an application to be eligible to receive
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funding for the FY 2026 program year. Continuation applicants must follow the
requirements for continuation application content as outlined in the Application
Instructions.
Please use the Application Instructions for information on use of prior year unexpended
funds.
To be approved for continuation funding, recipients must be in good
standing. AmeriCorps reserves the right to award applications in an amount less than
the requested level of funding.
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
For more information, email AmericorpsGrants@americorps.gov.
H. OTHER INFORMATION
H.1. Technical Assistance
AmeriCorps will host technical assistance calls to answer questions about the
funding opportunity and the web-based system. AmeriCorps strongly encourages
all applicants to participate in these sessions. Information for these technical
assistance calls is available on the AmeriCorps’ Funding Opportunities website.
Resources applicants need to effectively manage their grant award and training and
technical assistance materials are found on the Manage Your Grant webpage.
H.2. Re-Focusing of Funding
AmeriCorps reserves the right to re-focus program dollars under this Notice in the
event of disaster or other compelling needs.
I. IMPORTANT NOTICES
I.1. Public Burden Statement
Public reporting burden for collection of information under this Notice of
Funding is estimated to average six hours per submission, including reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing the
application and reporting forms. AmeriCorps informs people who may respond
to this Notice of Funding that they are not required to respond unless the OMB
control number and expiration date are current valid. Use 5 CFR
1320.5(b)(2)(i).This collection is approved under OMB Control #: 3045-0047,
Application Instructions, State and National Competitive, New and Continuation,
Expiration Date: September 30, 2026.
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I.2. Privacy Act Statement
The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C §552a, requires that we notify applicants that the
information requested under this Notice of Funding is collected pursuant to 42
U.S.C. §12592 and 12615 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 as
amended, and 42 U.S.C. §4953 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 as
amended.
Purposes and Uses - The information requested is collected for the purposes of
reviewing grant applications and granting funding requests. Routine uses may
include disclosure of the information to Federal, state, or local agencies pursuant
to lawfully authorized requests. assistance.
Effects of Nondisclosure - The information requested is voluntary; however, to be a
recipient of this grant program, disclosure of personal or sensitive information is
required to receive federal benefits.
Produced and published at US taxpayer expense
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