FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 25, 2022

Grants will help engage more than 84,000 community volunteers during national Days of Service

WASHINGTON, D.C.– AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, announced more than $3 million awarded to support volunteer initiatives that foster civic engagement and unity during September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance and Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service in 2023.

Congress charged AmeriCorps with leading volunteer initiatives across the nation that bring people together through service. On September 11th and throughout the year, volunteer projects honor those who serve our country and join with them to address the needs of their local communities and rekindle the spirit of unity and service that swept the nation after that tragic day. On Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service, people across the country come together make local communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream.

"Days of Service offer Americans the opportunity to unite with their neighbors to take action on challenges big and small,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “This 9-11 Day of Service and Remembrance and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we call Americans to demonstrate our shared values by working together in service to achieve more than we can accomplish alone."

These grants will support the recruitment and coordination of more than 84,000 volunteers in 11 states and territories across the nation. Projects include a variety of projects from packaging food with local food banks and assembling toiletry kits at community shelters to coordinating blood donations. See a full list of projects and grantees.

While these grants are designated for 2023, Americans can honor the 2022 9/11 Day of Service and remember the fallen by serving in their local communities. On Aug. 23, AmeriCorps released a new September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance public service announcement, A Day to Remember, calling on Americans to come together in service to help our communities and honor those who stepped up in 2001. For local volunteer opportunities that will make a difference and bring communities together to unite through service, visit AmeriCorps.gov/911Day.

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.