AmeriCorps Formula Traditional

The AmeriCorps Formula Traditional program, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), is a state-managed implementation of the federally authorized AmeriCorps State and National (ASN) program, regulated under 45 CFR Part 2522. The program is designed to promote national service and volunteerism as mechanisms to address pressing community challenges. AmeriCorps engages individuals in community service through structured programs that provide both direct services and capacity-building efforts in underserved areas. These members, through their service, receive a living allowance and are eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of their service term. IDHS implements this program under Illinois statutory authority (20 ILCS 505) and administrative rules (77 Ill. Adm. Code 2250), aiming to strengthen communities by funding organizations that recruit and manage AmeriCorps members. These members deliver evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions in core service areas including education, economic opportunity, healthy futures, and veteran support. The grants support organizations addressing unmet local needs through well-defined and measurable outcomes. Funded programs operate no more than 12 months and must recruit the appropriate number of service members while ensuring that each has the opportunity to complete the required service hours. Applicants must be non-Federal entities as defined in 2 CFR 200.1, including Indian Tribes, higher education institutions, local governments, school districts, and nonprofits. Applicants must have an active SAM registration and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to receive funding. IDHS and AmeriCorps encourage applications from organizations that have not previously received AmeriCorps funding. All applicants must be registered and prequalified through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, and any subrecipients must also meet GATA requirements at the time of application. Applications are submitted through AmeriCorps’ eGrants web system. Applicants are encouraged to begin early, drafting content offline before inputting into the portal. The authorized representative of the applying entity must use their own account to submit the application. Additional required documents include evaluation briefs, OFMS surveys, conflict of interest disclosures, and evaluation reports for applicants with long funding histories. These documents must be submitted via email to IDHS-Serve Illinois, following precise instructions including naming conventions and email subject line formatting. Technical assistance is available via the AmeriCorps Hotline. Program evaluation and reporting are essential. Applicants are expected to track performance against required measures, submit periodic programmatic and financial reports, and retain records until at least December 31, 2031. Program oversight includes IDHS reviews, AmeriCorps audits, and monitoring visits. Funding is merit-based and contingent on eligibility review, budget approval in CSA, and return of the signed Notice of State Award (NOSA). Awards are contingent upon compliance with AmeriCorps’ rules regarding recruitment, service hours, national service days, and member recognition events. All members must receive service materials and proper supervision. Funding fluctuates annually, with a documented increase from $4.82 million in FY 2023 to $10.41 million in FY 2025. Applicants are required to provide matching funds starting at 24% in years 1–3, escalating to 30% by year 10. The program restricts the use of funds for certain categories without prior approval, such as entertainment, capital expenditures, and personal use items. Programs must comply with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E cost principles. This recurring program issues awards annually, and previous recipients include notable organizations like the Academy for Urban School Leadership, Reading & Math Inc., and Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County.

Start eGrants application early; follow precise email instructions for document submission; verify authorized representative has submission authority