[AmeriCorps](https://americorps.gov)

April 30, 2026: Full application submission deadline

$100,000–$500,000 per award for a one-year period; cost share/matching required

Supports State Service Commissions to strengthen volunteer engagement and infrastructure to address critical community needs.

Only State Service Commissions are eligible to apply; matching funds required.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports State Service Commissions through the Volunteer Generation Fund to enhance their capacity to recruit, train, and retain volunteers addressing critical community needs. The program invests in effective volunteer engagement practices, strengthens the capacity of volunteer connector organizations, and develops strategies to use volunteers to solve pressing local challenges. Funded projects may directly implement activities or make subgrants to community-based entities, including nonprofits, schools, volunteer centers, and faith-based organizations, to boost volunteer infrastructure and impact. --- ## Due Dates - Full application submission deadline: April 30, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time --- ## Funding Amount - Award range: $100,000 to $500,000 per project - Project period: One year - Cost sharing/matching required, starting at 20% in the first year and increasing in subsequent years (up to 50% in the fourth year and beyond) - AmeriCorps may award less than the requested amount depending on available funding and project scope --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Only State Service Commissions as defined by 2 CFR 200.1 or 42 U.S.C. 12511(21) - Applicants must have a valid SAM registration and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - Organizations must not have violated federal criminal statutes, have unpaid federal taxes (unless in an agreement), or be classified as 501(c)(4) organizations that lobby - Subgrants may be made to community-based entities, but only State Service Commissions may apply as the primary applicant --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [eGrants](https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.jsp) - Required documents include: - Standard Form 424 (SF-424) - Narrative sections (Executive Summary, Program Design, Organizational Capability, Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy) - Performance Measures (specific national metrics required) - Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS) - Applications must not exceed 8 double-spaced pages (excluding budget and additional documents) - All applicants must maintain active SAM registration and provide a valid UEI and Employer Identification Number - Late applications are generally not accepted unless extenuating circumstances are documented and submitted within 24 hours of the deadline --- ## Additional Information - Awards are cost-reimbursement grants and subject to federal Uniform Guidance and AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions - Indirect costs may be included, subject to federal caps and documentation - AmeriCorps will host technical assistance calls; participation is strongly encouraged - Priority is given to projects likely to generate measurable increases in volunteer recruitment and retention, especially in underserved communities and priority populations (e.g., youth, veterans, skill-based volunteers) - National Performance Measures must be used, focusing on organizational capacity building and effectiveness --- ## External Links - [Full competition information and resources](https://americorps.gov) - [Grants.gov opportunity listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361547) - [FY 2026 Volunteer Generation Fund Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY26-VGF-Notice.pdf) - [AmeriCorps Partner Funding Opportunities](https://www.americorps.gov/partner/funding-opportunities) - [AmeriCorps Manage Your Grant](https://www.americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/manage-your-grant) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Competition/Program Contact | VolunteerGeneration@americorps.gov | | Technical (eGrants) Support | (800) 942-2677 (Option 3) | | AmeriCorps General Contact | [Contact Page](https://americorps.gov/contact) | ---

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 AmeriCorps Volunteer Generation Fund

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