Michigan AmeriCorps State Grants (Planning and Implementation)

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), the state agency responsible for implementing national service programs in Michigan, has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2026–2027 program year to support new and recompeting AmeriCorps State programs. The MCSC administers these funds with federal backing from AmeriCorps, the national agency that promotes service and civic engagement across the United States. This funding opportunity is specifically for single-state applicants proposing to operate programs exclusively within Michigan and is aimed at supporting projects that place AmeriCorps members in direct service roles that improve communities and build volunteer capacity across a wide range of issue areas. This opportunity provides both Competitive and Formula funding options. Competitive applicants apply through the MCSC and are reviewed first at the state level before being forwarded to the AmeriCorps agency for national-level consideration. If not selected for Competitive funds, applicants may still be eligible for Formula funding through the state’s allocation process, subject to availability. Organizations may apply for Implementation Grants, which fund operational programs ready to launch or continue, or Planning Grants, which support the development of new AmeriCorps programs not yet ready to implement. Program start dates may begin as early as August 2026, with a three-year performance period available, pending annual renewal. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, local and state government agencies (including school districts), Indian Tribes, and nonprofit organizations with at least three years of operational history. Applicants must also be registered in the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). New applicants are required to complete an Organizational Readiness Assessment by February 23, 2026, and submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by the same date. The full application is due in the eGrants system by March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST, along with required supplemental materials via email. Applicants must propose a minimum of 20 AmeriCorps members for the Competitive track unless exempted. A required cash and/or in-kind match of 24% is mandated for the first three years, increasing incrementally to 30% by year ten. Match waiver options are available in specific circumstances. Cost per Member Service Year (MSY) is capped at $25,000 for cost-reimbursement grants. Fixed Amount grants do not require matching funds but are subject to other budgetary rules and limitations. Living allowances for full-time members range from a minimum of $20,400 to a maximum of $40,800, and are mandatory for full-time members in cost-reimbursement grants. Applicants must submit several components including a program narrative, logic model, budget, and performance measures. Additional documentation such as evaluation plans (if applicable), financial management surveys, and labor union concurrence (if relevant) must be submitted by the application deadline. Programs are also expected to comply with all AmeriCorps regulations, including criminal history checks, indirect cost reporting, and participation in national service events. Proposals will be evaluated based on program design (50%), organizational capability (25%), and budget adequacy (25%). AmeriCorps prioritizes projects that serve underrepresented populations, support behavioral health services, engage veterans and their families, promote workforce development, and utilize evidence-based models. The MCSC will provide feedback and technical assistance during the application process, and applicants will receive notification of award status by mid-June 2026, with program operations potentially beginning by August. Questions may be directed to [email protected], and application resources, including templates and instructional documents, are available on the MCSC AmeriCorps Funding page.