Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 AmeriCorps Volunteer Generation Fund

94.021 Volunteer.Generation.Fund.NOFO

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Federal Agency Name: AmeriCorps
Funding Opportunity Title: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Volunteer Generation Fund
Competition
Announcement Type: Initial Announcement
Assistance Listing Number: 94.021
Summary Statement: This is a funding opportunity for State Service Commissions to apply
for funding for Volunteer Generation Fund to build capacity to generate more volunteers to
strengthen communities.
Disclosure: Publication of this Notice does not obligate AmeriCorps to award any specific
number of grants or to commit any particular amount of funding. The actual level, 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 not later than Thursday, April 30,2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Time.
• AmeriCorps anticipates notifying successful applicants in July 2026.
• AmeriCorps anticipates issuing awards in August 2026.
Table of Contents
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................ 3
A.1. Purpose of Volunteer Generation Fund Funding .............................................................. 3
A.2. Funding Priorities ................................................................................................................... 4
A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes ....................................................................... 4
A.4. Program Authority ................................................................................................................. 5
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION................................................................................................. 5
B.1. Estimated Available Funds .................................................................................................... 5
B.2. Estimated Award Amount ..................................................................................................... 5
B.3. Period of Performance .......................................................................................................... 5
B.4. Type of Award ........................................................................................................................ 5
C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION............................................................................................................. 6
C.1. Eligible Applicants ................................................................................................................. 6
C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching ..................................................................................................... 6
C.3. Other Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................. 6
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION ................................................................... 6

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D.1. Address to Request an Application Package ..................................................................... 7
D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission ................................................................... 7
D.2.a. Application Content .............................................................................................................................. 7
D.2.b. Page Limits ............................................................................................................................................. 7
D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) .............................. 8
D.4. Submission Dates and Times ............................................................................................... 8
D.4.a. Application Submission Deadline ...................................................................................................... 8
D.4.b. Additional Documents Deadline ........................................................................................................ 8
D.4.c. Late Applications ................................................................................................................................... 9
D.5. Intergovernmental Review .................................................................................................... 9
D.6. Funding Restrictions .............................................................................................................. 9
D.6.a. Award Funding Requirements ............................................................................................................ 9
D.6.b. Indirect Costs ....................................................................................................................................... 10
D.6.d. Pre-Award Costs .................................................................................................................................. 10
D.7. Other Submission Requirements ...................................................................................... 10
D.7.a. Electronic Application Submission in eGrants ............................................................................... 10
D.7.b. Submission of Additional Documents ............................................................................................. 11
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 11
E.1. Selection Criteria ................................................................................................................. 11
E.1.a. Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 12
E.1.b. Program Design (50 percent): ........................................................................................................... 12
E.1.b. Organizational Capability (35 percent): ........................................................................................... 13
E.1.c. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (15 percent): ............................................................... 13
E.2. Review and Selection Process ........................................................................................... 13
E.2.a. Initial Application Compliance and Eligibility Review .................................................................... 14
E.2.b. Application Review .............................................................................................................................. 14
E.2.d. Pre-Award Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................... 14
E.2.e. Consideration of Integrity and Performance System Information................................................ 15
E.2.f. Selection for Funding ........................................................................................................................... 15
E.2.f. Applicant Resolution ............................................................................................................................ 16
E.3. Feedback to Applicants ...................................................................................................... 16
E.4. Transparency in Grant-making .......................................................................................... 16
F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION .......................................................... 17
F.1. Federal Award Notices ....................................................................................................... 17
F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements .......................................................... 17
F.2.a. Uniform Guidance ................................................................................................................................ 17
F.2.b. Requests for Monitoring or Payment Integrity Information .......................................................... 17
F.2.c. AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions ................................................................................................... 17
F.2.d. National Service Criminal History Check Requirements................................................................ 17
F.2.e. Official Guidance ................................................................................................................................. 17
F.3. Use of Material ..................................................................................................................... 17
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS ............................................................................ 18
H. OTHER INFORMATION ................................................................................................................... 18
H.1. Technical Assistance ........................................................................................................... 18
H.2. Re-Focusing of Funding ..................................................................................................... 18
I. IMPORTANT NOTICES ...................................................................................................................... 18

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APPENDIX I ............................................................................................................................................. 19
AmeriCorps Focus Areas ........................................................................................................... 19
FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
A.1. Purpose of Volunteer Generation Fund 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 helps make
service a cornerstone of our national culture.
Through AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Seniors, and the Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF),
AmeriCorps has helped to engage millions of citizens in meeting community and national
challenges through service and volunteer action. Authorized by the Edward M. Kennedy
Serve America Act in 2009, this fund expands the role of AmeriCorps in strengthening the
nation’s volunteer infrastructure. The Volunteer Generation Fund supports organizations to
boost the impact of volunteers on critical community needs and rebuilding the volunteer
infrastructure.
The Volunteer Generation Fund focuses on investments in volunteer engagement practices
that strengthens entity’s ability to increase recruitment and retention of volunteers to meet
critical community needs through service. AmeriCorps seeks to fund effective approaches
that expand volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to
recruit and retain skill-based volunteers, and develop strategies to use volunteers effectively
to solve community problems.
Applicants that receive funding under this Notice may directly carry out the activities
supported under the award or may carry out the activities by making subgrants to
community-based entities, supporting volunteer generation at these entities.
Subgrants to community-based entities must include one or more of the following:
• Recruit, manage, or support volunteers to a community-based entity such as a
volunteer coordinating agency, a nonprofit resource center, a school district, a
volunteer training clearinghouse, an institution of higher education, or a collaborative
partnership of faith-based and community-based organization.
• Provide technical assistance and support to strengthen the capacity of local
infrastructure organizations, address areas of national need, and expand the number
of volunteers nationally.
• Address activities consistent with the priorities set by the state’s national service plan.

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A.2. Funding Priorities
AmeriCorps will target our investments toward communities where the need is greatest,
particularly those with populations that face poverty. These steps will enable more Americans
than ever to strengthen the communities that need it most across the nation through their
service.
AmeriCorps’ priorities for this funding opportunity are:
• Programs that are likely to generate significant, measurable improvements in the
number of volunteers generated and retained from specific demographic groups
such as faith communities, youth service, generational/family volunteering, veteran
and military family, skill-based volunteering or senior volunteering.
• Initiatives that specifically recruit, train and deploy volunteers as a strategy to
address a clearly identified pressing community need. Initiatives should consider
best practices in volunteer engagement such as:
Recruitment and Cultivation: Surveying new volunteers to understand their
o
interests and matching them with appropriate roles;
Training and Orientation: A clear plan for providing orientation and training,
o
which is directly correlated with a volunteer's sense of belonging and
organizational commitment;
Supervision and Support: Strategies for providing regular feedback and
o
showing appreciation, as these practices are significantly related to a
volunteer’s intent to continue serving with the organization.
• Activities that specifically recruit skill-based and pro-bono volunteers. Applicants
should utilize strong volunteer position descriptions that clearly define roles,
expectations, and the value the volunteer will gain from the experience.
To receive priority consideration, applicants must show that the priority area is a significant
part of the program focus and intended outcomes and must include a high-quality program
design. Proposing programs that receive priority consideration does not guarantee funding.
A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes
National Performance Measures
AmeriCorps expects applicants to use National Performance Measures as part of a
comprehensive performance measurement strategy that relies on both performance and
evaluation data to learn from their work and make tactical and strategic adjustments to
achieve their goals.
Applicants are required to use the specific performance measures outlined in this Notice. For
more information, please refer to the National Performance Measures Instructions.
All applicants are required to use the following National Performance Measures:
• G3-3.4 (output): Number of organizations that received capacity building services
AND

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• G3-3.10A (outcome): Number of organizations that increased their effectiveness,
efficiency, and/or program scale/reach. *
*In the Described Instrument section of measure G3-3.10A, applicants must specifically
describe how they will measure organizational effectiveness, efficiency, or program
scale/reach with respect to volunteer recruitment or management.
Applicants may optionally select additional performance measure(s), either National
Performance Measures or applicant determined performance measures, to describe the type
and amount of activities carried out by volunteers managed and/or generated through their
program. All performance measures must align with the 2026 VGF Performance Measure
Instructions, as part of the Application Instructions. Note: the number of volunteers
recruited/coordinated/supported by your grant, and the number of hours served by these
volunteers, will be reported via standard Performance Data Elements and should not be
included as performance measures.
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.) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as
amended (42 U.S.C. §4950 et seq.).
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
B.1. Estimated Available Funds
AmeriCorps expects a highly competitive AmeriCorps grant competition. Given limited
funding, AmeriCorps may prioritize funding for traditionally underserved geographies.
B.2. Estimated Award Amount
Award amounts will vary as determined by the scope of the projects. AmeriCorps expects to
make awards in the range of $100,000 to $500,000.
AmeriCorps reserves the right to award applications in an amount less than the requested
level of funding.
B.3. Period of Performance
AmeriCorps anticipates issuing awards to successful applicants in August 2026.
AmeriCorps anticipates making one-year grant awards. Applications for funding must be
based on a one-year period of performance and a one-year budget. While AmeriCorps
anticipates awarding one-year grant actual awards period will vary because of program
requirements, the availability of future appropriations, or specific circumstances of an
individual application.
B.4. Type of Award
Volunteer Generation Fund grants will be awarded on a cost reimbursement basis if an
application is successful.

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C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
C.1. Eligible Applicants
The following non-Federal entities (all of which are defined in 2 CFR 200.1 or 42 U.S.C.
12511(21)) are eligible to apply:
• state service commissions
Applicants must have a valid SAM registration and Unique Entity Identifier to receive an
award. See Section D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
for more information.
C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Applicants are required to match funds equal to a percentage of their total requested one-
year program budget (AmeriCorps Share plus the Grantee Share equals the total program
budget). The applicant’s match (Grantee Share) can be cash and/or in-kind contributions.
Applicants must indicate whether the match is proposed or secured. Applicants must
demonstrate the ability to meet the percentage match requirement at the time of application
submission. See Section D.6. Funding Restrictions for more information.
Match requirements increase with each year and are as follows:
• 20 percent in the first year
• 30 percent in the second year
• 40 percent in the third year
• 50 percent in the fourth year and any later year in which a recipient receives a VGF
grant.
C.3. 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 Volunteer Generation Fund regulations (45 CFR
2520-2522 and 45 CFR 2540.200) and the Application Instructions.

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D.1. Address to Request an Application Package
All information associated with this funding opportunity is available through the AmeriCorps
Funding Opportunities webpages. Applicants should refer to AmeriCorps Funding
Opportunities webpage. Applicants can also send an email to
VolutneerGeneration@americorps.gov 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 (SF-424) Face Sheet: This is automatically generated when
applicants complete the data elements in the eGrants system.
• Narrative Sections:
Executive Summary: This is a brief description of the proposed program.
o
Executive Summaries must match the template as provided in Section E.1.a of
the Notice. Executive Summaries of all awarded applications will serve as the
basis for congressional notifications and press. For this reason, Executive
Summaries must follow the template.
Program Design
o
Organizational Capability
o
Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy
o
• Performance Measures
D.2.b. Page Limits
Applications may not exceed 8 double-spaced pages as according to the pages printed out
from eGrants. The application sections that count toward the page limit are the:
• SF-424 Face Sheet;
• Executive Summary; and
• Program Design
• Organizational Capability
• Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy
The application page limit does not include the Budget, Performance Measures, or any
required additional documents. Text entered in the clarification or continuation sections of
the narrative will not be read or reviewed. These sections may be used after the review
process concludes.
Please note that the length of the application as a word processing document may differ from
the length of the document printed out from eGrants. The character limits in eGrants do not
align with page limits set in the Notice. AmeriCorps strongly encourages applicants to
print out the application from the “Review and Submit” tab in eGrants prior to
submission in order to confirm that the application does not exceed the page limit.
AmeriCorps will not consider the results of any alternative printing methods when
determining if an application complies with the page limit. Reviewers will also not consider

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material that is over the page limit, even if eGrants allows applicants to enter and submit
additional text.
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. See the
SAM Quick Guide for Grantees.
SAM registration must be renewed annually. 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 eGrants 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. The UEI and Employer
Identification Number 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.
If an applicant has not fully complied with these requirements by the time AmeriCorps is
ready to make a federal award, AmeriCorps may determine that the applicant is not qualified
to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to
another applicant.
D.4. Submission Dates and Times
D.4.a. Application Submission Deadline
Applications are due not later than Thursday, April 30, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
AmeriCorps will not consider applications submitted after the deadline, except as noted in
Section D.4.c. Late Applications. AmeriCorps reserves the right to extend the submission
deadline. AmeriCorps will post a notification in the event of an extended deadline on
AmeriCorps’ website.
D.4.b. Additional Documents Deadline
Additional documents are due by the application submission deadline. See Sections D.4.a.
Application Submission Deadline and D.7.b. Submission of Additional Documents for more
information.

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D.4.c. Late Applications
All applications received after the submission deadline published in this Notice of Thursday,
April 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time are presumed to be non-compliant. To overcome
this presumption, the applicant must:
• submit a written explanation or justification of the extenuating circumstance(s) that
caused the delay, including:
the timing and specific cause(s) of the delay
o
the ticket number if a request for assistance was submitted to the AmeriCorps
o
Hotline
any information provided to the applicant by the AmeriCorps Hotline
o
any other documentation or evidence that supports the justification
o
• ensure that AmeriCorps receives the written explanation or justification and any other
evidence that substantiates the claimed extenuating circumstance(s), via email to
LateApplications@americorps.gov no later than 24 hours after the application
deadline as stated in the Notice.
Communication with AmeriCorps staff, including an applicant’s AmeriCorps regional office
staff or applicant’s AmeriCorps Regional Mailbox, is not a substitute for a written explanation
or justification of the extenuating circumstance that caused the delay as outlined above.
Applicants are required to continue working in eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application
system, and with the AmeriCorps Hotline to submit the application. AmeriCorps will
determine whether or not to accept a late application on a case-by-case basis.
AmeriCorps will not consider an advance request to submit a late application. Please
carefully review and follow the guidance in this section 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
Awards under this Notice are subject to cost share or matching requirements. The amount of
funding AmeriCorps provides will be limited to 15 percent of the total allowable costs for the
funded activity, as determined under 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles.
There are also limitations on the use of Federal funds to recover indirect costs. As provided in
2 CFR 200.306(c), unrecovered indirect costs may be included as part of an applicant’s cost
sharing or matching requirements.
Applicants who will function as pass-through entities must include in their subawards terms
and conditions that will ensure that the pass-through entity’s award under this Notice will
comply with the cost share and matching requirements. See 2 CFR 200.331(a)(2)-(4) and 2
CFR 200.74.

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D.6.b. Indirect Costs
Application budgets may include indirect costs. Based on qualifying factors, applicants may
either use a Federally approved indirect cost rate or a 10 percent de minimis rate of modified
total direct costs, or may claim certain costs directly, as outlined in 2 CFR 200.413. States and
local governments, may use previously-approved indirect cost allocation plans. All methods
must be applied consistently across all Federal awards. Applicants that have a Federal
negotiated indirect cost rate must enter that information in the Organization section in
eGrants. No more than five percent of award funds may be used to recover indirect costs on
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.
The instructions for how to enter the organization’s indirect cost rate are located
here: eGrants Indirect Cost Rate User Instructions. Applicants should not submit
documentation addressing the indirect 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.d. Pre-Award Costs
Pre-award costs, where authorized, are allowed after receiving written approval from
AmeriCorps.
D.7. Other Submission Requirements
D.7.a. Electronic Application Submission in eGrants
Applicants must submit applications electronically via eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based
application system. AmeriCorps recommends that applicants create an eGrants account and
begin the application at least three weeks before the deadline. Applicants should draft the
application as a Word document, then copy and paste the text into the appropriate eGrants
field no later than 10 days before the deadline.
The applicant’s authorized representative must be the person who submits the application.
The authorized representative must use their own eGrants account to sign and submit the
application. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for this official representative to
sign must be on file in the applicant’s office.
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.
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 resolved by the deadline,
applicants must continue working with the AmeriCorps Hotline to submit via eGrants.
If circumstances make it impossible for an applicant to submit in eGrants, applicants may
send a paper copy of the application via overnight carrier below. Applicants must include a

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written explanation and any other documentation or evidence that support their inability to
submit their application electronically.
AmeriCorps
ATTN: FY26 Volunteer Generation Fund Application
250 E Street, SW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20525
Please use a non-U.S. Postal Service carrier to avoid security-related delays. 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
Applicants are required to submit the following additional documents by the application
submission deadline:
1. All applicants regardless of funding level are required to submit an Operational and
Financial Management Survey (OFMS). Please submit the OFMS using the link to the
online form, where you will be required to submit your response electronically. Forms
submitted as a Word document, PDF, or any other document format may not be
accepted.
Failure to submit the required additional documents, following the email instructions in this
section, by the deadline may have a negative effect or on the determination of the
application’s eligibility to advance for review.
Do not submit any items that are not requested in this Notice. AmeriCorps will not
review or return them.
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
E.1. Selection Criteria
Each applicant must describe a project that will build capacity to use volunteers to meet the
needs of a community.
Applications should include a well-designed plan with clear and compelling justifications for
receiving the requested funds. Reviewers will assess the quality of applications by using the
selection criteria described below and will rate them accordingly. They will also consider the
weights assigned to each criterion.
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".
Categories/Subcategories Percentage
Executive Summary 0
Program Design 50

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• Goals and Objectives 25
• Program Impact 25
• Notice Priority 0
Organizational Capability 35
• Program Management 20
• Organizational Capability 15
Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy 15
E.1.a. Executive Summary
Please fill in the blanks of these sentences to complete the Executive Summary.
Do not deviate from the template below.
[1. Name of the State Service Commission] will utilize [2. amount of federal funds
requested] to build capacity of [3. type of organization, group or agency] in [4. State] by
[5. type of activity] volunteers to address [6. Primary Focus Area]. The [# of volunteers]
will serve [7. type of community/population served by volunteer intervention] to meet
[8. community need].
Applicants must provide:
1. Name of State Service Commission
2. Amount of AmeriCorps funding requested
3. Types of organizations receiving capacity building services
4. State being served
5. Capacity building activities volunteers will engage in
6. Primary Focus Area as selected in eGrants
7. Total number of volunteers engaged
8. Community or population who will be served by volunteer interventions
9. Community need to be met
A sample Executive Summary might look like:
The ABC State Service Commission will utilize $300,000 to build capacity of non-profits
in ABC by training volunteers in disaster preparedness and response. The 300
volunteers will serve rural, veteran and military family, and other communities across the
state to meet the need for increasing disaster resilience.
E.1.b. Program Design (50 percent):
E.1.b.i. Goals and Objectives (25 percent)
Reviewers will assess the extent to which applicants:
• Explain convincingly how program design builds capacity to engage more volunteers
to meet the identified community need. Explain how program design aligns with the
purpose and priorities listed in the Notice.
E.1.b.ii. Program Impact (25 percent)

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Reviewers will assess the extent to which applications:
• Demonstrate the proposed project will likely have a notable, positive impact on the
community need.
• Demonstrate the proposed project will likely have a notable increase in volunteers
generated to meet the community need identified.
• Describe objectives and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project that are
clearly specified and measurable.
• Describe a plan to measure and collect data on National Performance Measure
outcomes and outputs and data performance elements.
Notice Priority (0 percent)
• The proposed program fits within one or more of the AmeriCorps funding priorities
and meets all of the requirements within that bullet/section as outlined in Section
A.2 Funding Priorities .
E.1.b. Organizational Capability (35 percent):
Reviewers will consider the extent to which applicants:
• Describe the roles, responsibilities, and structure of the staff that will implement and
provide oversight of the project, including but not limited to demonstrating the
organization has sufficient policies, procedures, and controls to effectively implement
a federal grant, including:
the extent to which the organization has an effective mechanism in place to
o
report, without delay, any suspected criminal activity, waste, fraud, and/or
abuse to both the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General and AmeriCorps
and a plan for training staff and participants on these reporting protocols.
the extent to which the organization has sufficient policies, procedures, and
o
controls in place to prevent, detect, and mitigate the risk of fraud, waste,
abuse, and mismanagement, this can include an assessment of appropriate
segregation of duties, internal oversight activities, measures to prevent
timekeeping fraud, etc.
E.1.c. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (15 percent):
Budget will be evaluated based on the following items:
• the budget demonstrates that costs are reasonable, allocable, allowable, and
necessary and conform to the Uniform Guidance
• The budget is clear and in alignment with the program narrative.
• the completeness and reasonableness of the budget
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.

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E.2.a. Initial Application Compliance and Eligibility Review
AmeriCorps will conduct an initial Compliance and Eligibility Review to determine if an
application meets the eligibility requirements published in this Notice and advances to the
next stage of the review process.
An application is compliant if the applicant:
• is an eligible organization
• submitted an application by the submission deadline
• has an active SAM registration,
• submitted an application that complies with the following program-specific
requirements:
Requested a minimum amount of funding (AmeriCorps Share) of $100,000 or
o
greater
Requested no more than the maximum amount of $500,000 for a one-year
o
budget
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
Reviewers will assess applications based on the Selection Criteria (E.1). All reviewers will be
screened for conflicts of interest.
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.d. 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 the following criteria:
1. Due Diligence, including:
• Federal debt delinquency
• suspension and debarment
• information available through Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designated
repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity
information, such as:
U.S. Treasury Bureau of Fiscal Services
o
System for Award Management (SAM)
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

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• IRS Tax Form 990
• Oversight.gov
• Public Litigation Records
2. Operational and Financial Management, including:
• financial stability
• Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS)
3. Past Performance, including:
• an applicant’s record in managing previous AmeriCorps awards, cooperative
agreements, or procurement awards, including:
timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements
o
accuracy of data reported
o
validity of performance measure data reported
o
conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards
o
applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other
o
requirements imposed on award recipients
timely closeout of other awards
o
meeting matching requirements
o
the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to
o
future awards
Meeting National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) compliance.
o
4. Other Programmatic Risks, including:
• publicly available information, including from the applicant organization's website
• amount of funding requested by the organization
E.2.e. Consideration of Integrity and Performance System Information
Before 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.f. 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

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 geographic diversity
 rural communities
 faith-based organizations
 focus areas
innovative community strategies for identified funding priorities
o
CEO discretion to advance strategic goals
o
In selecting applicants to receive awards under this Notice, the Chief Executive Officer will
endeavor to include a diverse portfolio of applications based on staff recommendations,
alignment with selection criteria, and strategic considerations.
AmeriCorps reserves the right to award applications in an amount other than at the
requested level of funding and will document the rationale for doing so.
AmeriCorps reserves the right to adjust or make changes to the review process, if
unforeseen challenges or urgent 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.
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 its application.
E.4. Transparency in Grant-making
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 in July 2026. 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 will be subject to the Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform
Guidance), in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 2205.
F.2.b. Requests for Monitoring or Payment Integrity Information
AmeriCorps will request documentation from award recipients in order to monitor the
grantee and award to ensure compliance with legal requirements, including the Payment
Integrity Information Act of 2019. Failure to make timely responses to these requests may
result in award funds being placed on manual hold, reimbursement only status, or other
remedies may be applied as appropriate.
F.2.c. AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions
All awards made under this Notice will be subject to 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 detailed, mandatory
compliance and reporting requirements. 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 web page.
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.2.e. Official Guidance
AmeriCorps’ active guidance is available on the agency’s guidance webpage. The contents of
these documents do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the
public in any way unless incorporated into a contract or grant agreement. These documents
are intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the
law or agency policies.
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

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others to do so (2 CFR §200.315).
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
For more information, email VolunteerGeneration@americorps.gov.
For technical questions and problems with the eGrants system, call the AmeriCorps Hotline at
(800) 942-2677 Option 3. AmeriCorps Hotline hours are also posted. Be prepared to provide
the application ID, organization’s name, and the name of the Notice to which the organization
is applying.
H. OTHER INFORMATION
H.1. Technical Assistance
AmeriCorps will host technical assistance calls to answer questions about the funding
opportunity and eGrants. 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 you need to effectively manage your award, including eGrants instructions, terms
and conditions, individual match waiver, pre-award requirements, financial reporting
requirements, and training and technical assistance materials are found on the Manage Your
Grant website.
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
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. (See 5 C.F.R. 1320.5(b)(2)(i).) This collection is approved under OMB Control #:
This collection is approved under OMB Control #: 3045-0047 Expiration Date: September 30,
2026.
Privacy Act Statement: The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C §552a) requires that AmeriCorps
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.

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• 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. In some programs, the information may also be provided to
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to determine the existence of any
prior criminal convictions. The information may also be provided to appropriate
Federal agencies and contractors that have a need to know the information for the
purpose of assisting the government to respond to a suspected or confirmed breach
of the security or confidentiality or information maintained in this system of records,
and the information disclosed is relevant and unnecessary for the assistance.
• Effects of Nondisclosure - The information requested is voluntary; however, to be a
recipient of this award program, disclosure of personal or sensitive information is
required to receive federal benefits.
This Notice was produced and published at US taxpayer expense.
APPENDIX I
AmeriCorps Focus Areas
The National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended by the Serve America Act,
emphasizes measuring the impact of service and focusing on a core set of issue areas. In
order to carry out Congress’s intent and to maximize the impact of investment in national
service AmeriCorps has the following Focus Areas:
Disaster Services
Helping individuals and communities prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the
effects of disasters and increase community resiliency.
Economic Opportunity
Improving the economic well-being and security of underserved individuals.
Education
Improving educational outcomes for underserved people, especially children. AmeriCorps is
particularly interested in program designs that support youth engagement and service
learning as strategies to achieve high educational outcomes.
Environmental Stewardship
Supporting communities to become more resilient through measures that conserve land and
water, and improve at-risk ecosystems, especially in underserved households and
communities.
Healthy Futures
Supporting for health needs within communities, including mitigating the impacts of COVID-
19 and other public health crises, access to care, aging in place, and addressing childhood
obesity, especially in underserved communities.

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Veterans and Military Families
Improving the quality of life of veterans and improve military family strength.