AmeriCorps Missouri State and National Competitive Grants

The AmeriCorps Missouri State and National Competitive Grants program, administered by the Missouri Community Service Commission (ServMO), provides funding opportunities for organizations aiming to address critical community needs through national service and volunteerism. Operated in alignment with the broader mission of AmeriCorps, the program supports initiatives that bring together individuals committed to public service, aiming to improve lives and strengthen communities across Missouri and the nation. AmeriCorps members serve in a variety of roles, from disaster recovery to education, receiving benefits such as a living allowance and an education award upon successful completion of service. This grant opportunity is part of a federal-state partnership, where funding is contingent on allocations from the federal AmeriCorps agency. AmeriCorps prioritizes projects that address key issue areas including disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and public health. Additionally, the program seeks to enhance the experience and retention of AmeriCorps members, promote workforce pathways, and support faith-based and evidence-based interventions. Grants can be structured as cost reimbursement or fixed amount awards, including traditional, Education Award Program (EAP), and Professional Corps models. Eligible applicants include a wide range of non-federal entities such as Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, local governments (including school districts), nonprofit organizations, and state or territory commissions. For first-time applicants, the minimum match requirement is 24%, increasing over time. Fixed amount grants do not require a match but applicants are still responsible for program costs beyond AmeriCorps’ contribution. New applicants are encouraged to apply for planning grants prior to operational grants. The program mandates a minimum of 10 Member Service Years (MSY) and provides detailed requirements on living allowances and indirect cost structures. Applications must be submitted via email to ServMO@ded.mo.gov by December 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST. Applicants must also submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) by December 1, 2025, using the designated survey link. Required components include narrative sections (Executive Summary, Program Design, Organizational Capability, Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy, and Evaluation Summary), a logic model, performance measures, budget template, and additional documentation based on applicant type. Technical Assistance workshops for new and returning applicants will be held on December 9, 2025, and the last day to submit questions is December 5, 2025. Applications will be assessed based on Program Design (50%), Organizational Capability (25%), and Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (25%). Successful applicants will undergo compliance, risk assessment, and selection stages before receiving award notifications in June 2026. Funding will be disbursed in July/August 2026 for projects starting between July 1 and October 1, 2026. The grant follows a three-year award model with an annual renewal process dependent on performance and appropriations. The program is expected to recur annually, with future NOFOs likely around November.

Align with priority funding areas to strengthen competitiveness; ensure strong evidence base; use national performance measures; consult ServMO for state-specific expectations; include clear member supervision and training plans.