What Is AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps, often called the “domestic Peace Corps,” engages Americans in intensive service to meet the nation’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps programs are funded in part with federal funds that come through the Corporation for National and Community Service as indicated in the AmeriCorps funding Notice Of Funding Opportunity.

How Are Georgia State AmeriCorps Programs Funded:  The Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism (GCSV) conducts a competitive AmeriCorps funding process that begins by accepting and reviewing concept papers from non-profit organizations, schools of higher education, and local government agencies. Applicants demonstrating the strongest program design and capacity to manage the program are invited to submit a full AmeriCorps grant proposal that is reviewed and scored by internal and external reviewers.

The road to AmeriCorps Funding…: AmeriCorps grant funding is highly competitive and involves a state and national review and approval of grant applications. The process can be tedious but the rewards are tremendous! Be sure to follow the steps listed below:

1.Learn about AmeriCorps programs. Helpful websites include americorpsga.org and americorps.gov. There are different types of AmeriCorps programs but this funding through GCSV will support AmeriCorps State programs. It may also be helpful to review AmeriCorps Grant requirements.

2012 GCSV Public Meeting Grant Presentation

AmeriCorps Grant Requirements

2. Review the Georgia AmeriCorps Timeline to understand the steps of the funding process and mark due dates!

GEORGIA AMERICORPS 2012-2013 FUNDING TIMELINE

3. Submit Intent to Apply Form by – REQUIRED

*October 14, 2011 – Currently funded competitive programs

*February 20, 2012 – New and re-competing programs

INTENT TO APPLY FORM

4. Review the Concept Paper Application. If you are interested in AmeriCorps funding and are a new or re-competing applicant, you must submit a concept paper to GCSV first. The deadline to submit concept papers is March 2, 2012 by 5:00 pm est.  A review of the concept paper will determine whether your organization will be extended an opportunity to submit a full proposal.

CONCEPT PAPER APPLICATION

5. Complete the Performance Measure Worksheet – All Georgia AmeriCorps concept paper applications must include one aligned performance measure (output and outcome) and one volunteer recruitment performance measure.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE WORKSHEET LINK - Required

                Performance Measure Instructions               

(scroll down to the middle of the page) to review the 2012 National Performance Measures Instructions under the focus area of your proposed program design (disaster, education, capacity building, etc.)

Performance Measures Powerpoint 2012

Performance Measure Resource Page

Training and Technical Assistance Opportunities – Email amieko.watson@dca.ga.gov if you would like to participate in one of the following calls:

Submission of a full AmeriCorps funding proposal will be by invitation only. If you are invited to submit a full AmeriCorps proposal for funding consideration, click here for steps 6-8.

For more information, contact Amieko Watson at amieko.watson@dca.ga.gov or 404-327-6860, and John Turner at john.turner@dca.ga.gov or 404-327-6846.