The New York State Commission on National and Community Service announces $16.9
million in AmeriCorps grants and $750,000 in Volunteer Generation Fund grants to
strengthen the impact of more than 45 organizations across New York State in tackling
the most pressing challenges facing New York’s communities.
“New York State has always been a leader in the nation regarding service and volunteering.”
said Commission Chair, Susan Stern, “We are proud to be able to enhance the impact
the Commission will have throughout the state by adding the Regional Volunteer Centers
to our list of National Service programming. Together, all national service programs
will work to increase the ability of New Yorkers to help their neighbors in need
and improve the quality of life in New York State for us all. We look forward to
great things!”
AmeriCorps grants will support 2,520 new AmeriCorps members who will serve
from throughout the state, strengthening education, providing disaster services,
assisting veterans and military families, preserving the environment, expanding
health services, and fostering economic opportunity. A complete list of 2011-12
AmeriCorps grants is available by clicking here.
The AmeriCorps grants will go to statewide and local nonprofit organizations, community
and faith-based groups, educational institutions, and local government agencies.
AmeriCorps members supported by these grants are projected to earn Segal AmeriCorps
Education Awards to help pay for college or to pay back student loans. Most of the
AmeriCorps positions announced today will be available starting in the fall. Interested
individuals can learn about available opportunities and submit an online application
by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.
The current year's AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive, due to the strong
and growing demand by organizations seeking AmeriCorps resources and a $23 million
cut in AmeriCorps grant funding from last year's level. On the national level and
in New York State, organizations requested nearly twice the number of grant dollars
and AmeriCorps positions than could be funded.
"The surging demand for AmeriCorps members by organizations across the country is
a testament to the value of this program and the transforming impact AmeriCorps
members have on pressing challenges facing communities,” said John Gomperts, Direct
of AmeriCorps. "AmeriCorps members bring the energy and talent to supercharge nonprofits
so that they can increase their impact. And like serving in the military or the
Peace Corps, being an AmeriCorps member is patriotic act and experience that helps
to form the next generation of leaders in all sectors of society.”
Volunteer Generation Fund grants will support nine Regional Volunteer Centers
in New York State. These Regional Volunteer Centers will increase the number of
New Yorkers who serve in meaningful roles as volunteers dedicated to addressing
important needs in communities throughout the State. More specifically, the Fund
will support efforts that expand the capacity of volunteer organizations to recruit,
manage, support and retain individuals in high quality volunteer assignments, including
those that are aligned with special days of service, including Martin Luther King
Jr. Day and 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. A complete list of 2011-12 Volunteer
Generation Fund grants is available by clicking here.