Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 AmeriCorps State and National Grants

The Fiscal Year 2026 AmeriCorps State and National Competitive Grants program provides federal funding to eligible organizations across the United States to engage AmeriCorps members in service activities that strengthen communities and foster civic engagement. Administered by AmeriCorps—the federal agency for national service and volunteering—this funding opportunity is part of the broader AmeriCorps mission to improve lives through direct service initiatives. These grants support programs that are grounded in evidence-based or evidence-informed practices and are designed to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges, from behavioral health and veteran support to workforce development and environmental resilience. AmeriCorps has articulated clear funding priorities for FY 2026, with a focus on underserved and high-need communities, such as those experiencing concentrated poverty, rural or tribal populations, and communities affected by substance use and mental health challenges. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that strengthen families, improve behavioral health outcomes, expand outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, and build bridges between law enforcement and communities. Additional emphasis is placed on workforce development, including pre-apprenticeship programs and job training opportunities that position AmeriCorps members for long-term career success. Faith-based organizations and those seeking to enhance the AmeriCorps member experience through skill-building and community connection are also strongly encouraged to apply. The grant program supports various funding models, including cost-reimbursement and fixed amount grants, each with specific financial and operational requirements. For example, cost-reimbursement applicants must demonstrate the ability to meet a matching funds requirement that begins at 24% for new applicants and increases incrementally. In contrast, fixed amount grants—such as Education Award Programs (EAPs)—do not require matching funds but impose other conditions, such as full coverage of operational costs by the applicant. Programs must provide living allowances for full-time members, within defined minimum and maximum thresholds, and ensure compliance with indirect cost and criminal background check requirements. Eligibility for these grants is broad but specifically includes institutions of higher education, local governments and school districts, nonprofit organizations, Indian Tribes, and state and territorial service commissions. Organizations that intend to serve only one state must apply through the respective State Commission, while those proposing multi-state operations or based in territories without commissions must apply directly to AmeriCorps. All applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM), possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and meet AmeriCorps’ eligibility, fiscal, and compliance standards. Applications are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and successful applicants will be notified by mid-June 2026. Awards are expected to be issued by mid-August 2026, with project start dates no earlier than July 1, 2026. Programs are awarded for a three-year period, with funding provided one year at a time, contingent on future appropriations and satisfactory performance. Applicants are required to submit standard forms, narratives addressing program design and budget adequacy, performance measures, a logic model, and—when applicable—evaluation plans. Additional documentation, including labor union concurrence and financial surveys, must also be submitted by the application deadline. AmeriCorps uses a structured review process to assess applications, including review of the proposed program’s evidence base, design logic, organizational capacity, and cost-effectiveness. Applicants must propose to enroll at least 20 AmeriCorps members unless exempted under specific criteria (e.g., Tribal applicants). Programs must demonstrate alignment with AmeriCorps priorities, contribute to measurable community outcomes, and offer meaningful member experiences. Feedback will be provided to all compliant applicants, and AmeriCorps maintains the right to shift funding in response to disasters or other national priorities. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can contact the AmeriCorps Hotline at 800-942-2677 or email [email protected]. Full program details, including the official Notice of Funding Opportunity and supporting documents, can be found on the AmeriCorps website.

Use AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange and align with priority areas to strengthen application.