FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 22, 2022

National service agency seeks organizations and programs that address education, COVID-19 response, economic opportunity and more  

WASHINGTON, D.C.– AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, announced the 2023 American Rescue Plan Planning Grants for local governments, nonprofit organizations, faith, tribal and community-based organizations to develop evidence-based programs.

Each year, the AmeriCorps State and National program places hundreds of millions of federal dollars in local communities to address their most pressing needs. The 2023 notice of federal funding will prioritize evidence-based programs; educational opportunity and economic mobility in communities facing persistent unemployment; social cohesion and civic engagement; quality of life services for veterans and military families; environmental stewardship and climate change, and services for rural communities. 

“The AmeriCorps State and National planning grants offer an opportunity for organizations to develop innovative solutions to national challenges,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “Thanks to investments from the American Rescue Plan, we have made some of the largest awards in agency history while ensuring national service is accessible to communities of all sizes and backgrounds.” 

AmeriCorps American Rescue Plan planning grants provide support to organizations as they develop a new AmeriCorps program. Grant recipients are awarded up to $240,000 for a 12-month planning period.

This announcement follows AmeriCorps State and National’s historic award of more than $580 million grants in June which will prepare students for college, revitalize cities, connect veterans to jobs, fight the opioid epidemic, rebuild communities following disasters, preserve public lands, strengthen education, foster economic opportunity, and more. Additionally, the 2023 State and National Grants Competition, which will fund AmeriCorps member positions, is open through Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

The planning grants application deadline is Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time; successful applicants will be notified in January 2023.Read more details about the grant criteria and technical assistance opportunities, including how to submit an application.

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 250,000 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.

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.