FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 29, 2024

Funding will assist local communities with economic opportunity and environmental conservation, among other pressing needs 

Washington, DC – AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteerism, announced the 2025 State and National Grants Competition is now open for applications from organizations who wish to host AmeriCorps members beginning in the summer of 2025. 

Eligible applicants include State Service Commissions, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, local governments, and Native Nations. Funding from this competition will support tens of thousands of Americans as they complete terms of service in their communities, addressing urgent needs like education, housing and food insecurity, economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. 

"AmeriCorps State and National is a unique partnership with governor-appointed State Service Commissions that leverages federal investment and national service for local impact," said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. "The 2025 grants competition will deploy tens of thousands of AmeriCorps members to deepen the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to alleviating poverty, advancing racial equity and expanding opportunity to communities of greatest need."

“We are pleased to share this funding opportunity with the public, and we encourage all organizations who believe they can make a positive impact in their communities," said Sonali Nijhawan, Director, AmeriCorps State and National. "I am delighted that this competition represents a continued focus on the member experience, climate, education, youth mental health, bridge building and second chance programs.”

This year’s competition prioritizes organizations that serve communities through civic bridge building, strengthening climate resiliency and investing in youth mental health. Competitive programs will share evidence demonstrating that their projects will improve the quality of life for people from underserved communities, people living in areas where there is concentrated poverty, or people who have been historically disconnected from resources. 

In addition to community impact, applicants will also be asked to describe how their program will benefit participating AmeriCorps members. Excellent applications will demonstrate how the organization is prepared to support its members – through professional development and providing a competitive benefits package – just like their members are supporting their communities. 

These grants represent a federal investment across all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, that will be matched with local resources to meet our country’s most pressing needs. AmeriCorps State and National programs strengthen the fabric of our nation by building partnerships and recruiting and training the next generation of public service professionals. 

The application deadline is Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Successful applicants will likely be notified in April of 2025, and funding will be released in July. More details can be found on the funding page and in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. 

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.