09/11/2024 | Press release | Archived content
The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (Volunteer Iowa) is pleased to announce a Request for Applications for Iowa AmeriCorps State programs to operate in 2025-2026.
Iowa AmeriCorps State is a national service program that involves individuals ("members") providing service to address critical needs in their communities. AmeriCorps members also mobilize community volunteers and strengthen the capacity of the organizations they serve. In exchange for a term of service, members typically receive a living allowance and other benefits from the sponsor organization while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn an education award to help pay for education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, to pay for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans. Individuals may serve in AmeriCorps from age 17 and up.
Iowa AmeriCorps State engages the energy and idealism of the citizens of Iowa in meeting the most vital education, economic opportunity, health, environmental, disaster preparedness, public safety, and veterans' needs in our communities. Iowa's AmeriCorps State portfolio currently consists of over 20 programs with more than 800 members serving in full- or part- time positions. These programs operate throughout the state to address critical community needs.
For the 2025-2026 application process, Volunteer Iowa particularly seeks programs that address the following priorities, drawn from Iowa's State Service Plan:
AmeriCorps, the federal agency that oversees all AmeriCorps programs, has established the following funding priorities for this competition:
Applicants for this funding will need to reference the Request for Applications (RFA) posted to the AmeriCorps State grants pageof the Volunteer Iowa website. Applications will be accepted only from organizations seeking funding to operate a program wholly within the state of Iowa (multi-state applicants apply directly to the Corporation for National and Community Service). Multi-state AmeriCorps National Direct applicants that intend to place members in Iowa must consult with Volunteer Iowa regarding these intended placements using the process and link provided in the RFA.
Key Dates & Deadline
Deadlines for submission of the required Pre-Application and Final Application are listed below. Please note that several other listed dates (marked with *) are anticipated dates only and may be updated throughout the grant application and review period. If you are interested in:
This competition is open to all eligible applicants, both those that are new to AmeriCorps and those who are current AmeriCorps State and National program sponsors. Nonprofits, local governments, state agencies, educational institutions, and Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for an Iowa AmeriCorps State program. Eligible nonprofits include those recognized as nonprofit corporations through the state of Iowa, those with 501(c)3 status, and those with 501(c)4 and 501(c)6 status that do not engage in lobbying activities (as defined under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995).
Volunteer Iowa funds several types of operating grants for AmeriCorps programs and planning grants. AmeriCorps grants engage at least eight (8) full-time equivalent AmeriCorps members and may utilize one of two funding mechanisms: cost reimbursement programs that cover budgeted AmeriCorps program costs on a reimbursement basis and fixed-amount grants that provide funds based on a per-member award that is earned as members are enrolled and complete their service terms. AmeriCorps State planning grants do not provide AmeriCorps member funding but instead provide organizations with funds to pay for the staff/consultant time needed to develop plans for and prepare to launch an AmeriCorps program.
AmeriCorps grants vary greatly in award amount, but all operational grants include limits on the maximum amount of funding that can be awarded per member, up to $25,000/full-time member for competitive grants.
No matter the funding level or grant type, substantial cash and in-kind match is required from the applicant. Most programs must match at least 24% of the total budget during each of the first three years of funding, with match requirements increasing incrementally after year three.
Volunteer Iowa is the state service commission for the state of Iowa and administers Iowa AmeriCorps State grants. Volunteer Iowa strives create an Iowa where all citizens are empowered through service to meet community challenges and make lives better. Volunteer Iowa works to fulfill this vision by funding and supporting programs, projects, and activities focused on service and volunteerism. These include AmeriCorps State, the Volunteer Generation Fund, the Volunteer Iowa AmeriCorps VISTA program, and Iowa MENTOR (the Iowa Mentoring Partnership).
Volunteer Iowa partners with the AmeriCorpsfederal agency (also known as the Corporation for National and Community Service or CNCS) to fund and administer Iowa AmeriCorps State programs. Established in 1993, AmeriCorps engages more than a million Americans each year in service to their communities by providing a way to solve community problems. The federal AmeriCorps agency plays a crucial role supporting the American culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility. AmeriCorps has three primary national service initiatives: AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Seniors, and the Volunteer Generation Fund.
Disclosure: Publication of this Funding Opportunity Announcement does not obligate Volunteer Iowa or AmeriCorps (the Corporation for National and Community Service or CNCS) to award any specific number of grants or to obligate any particular amount of funding. The actual level and timing of grant funding will be subject to the availability of annual federal appropriations.