Below are some examples of how national service could be funded in different grants or appropriations. In the first section, language was pulled from existing programs and edited to illustrate how national service could be framed within different funding vehicles. The second section provides illustrative examples of adding evaluation language to funding programs to incentivize national service. The final section includes real examples where AmeriCorps or other service programming has been referenced in one federal and three state funding programs.
Appropriation language adapted from AB97 2017
Of the amount appropriated in this item and in Item XXXXX, no less than $X,XXX,XXX each fiscal year for five fiscal years shall be allocated to the California Conservation Corps, certified community conservation corps, and approved National Service programs (AmeriCorps, VISTA, etc.). For XXXX projects to be developed and implemented by the California Conservation Corps, certified community conservation corps, and approved National Service programs (AmeriCorps, VISTA, etc.). Not less than XX percent of these funds shall be in the form of grants to certified local community conservation corps, as defined in Section 14507.5 of the Public Resources Code. Not less than XX percent of these funds shall be in the form of grants to Approved National Service programs.
Appropriation language adapted from AB74 2019 GHG Reduction Programs Technical Assistance Program
$X,XXX,XXX shall be used for National Service grants to community-based organizations, local governments, and tribal governments pursuant to subdivision (X) of Section XXXXX.X of the XXXXXX Code. These grants may be used to provide a local match to National Service Programs (AmeriCorps, VISTA, etc.) to allow National Service Participants to support community needs through service-based initiatives, including activities that engage volunteers, build capacity, and deliver direct service activities through the use of National Service Participants, consistent with XXXX grant guidelines and agreements, in the implementation of subdivision (X) of Section XXXXX.X and Section XXXXX.X. of the XXXXX Code.
Adapted from CEC proposed criteria for evaluating benefits
Identifies how the proposed project will leverage National Service to build long-term engagement through inclusion of National Service programs such as AmeriCorps and VISTA
Adapted from CalTrans ATP program scoring criteria
Service Programs: Use of service members through established service programs including AmeriCorps, California Conservation Corps, or a certified local community conservation corps to support the implementation of applicable projects. Points will be deducted if an applicant does not seek inclusion of service members or if an applicant intends not to utilize service members in a project in which a service program can participate.
Adapted from SGC’s AHSC scoring criteria
(i) Leveraging National Service — X Points Maximum
(1) Up to X points for Projects that leverage National Service programs. Examples of leveraging national service include:
Applicants shall provide the name of the National Service Program they are partnering with, the focus of the national service program, and a written agreement that details the partnership strategy undertaken. The purpose of these National Service partnerships shall be to leverage federal resources, mobilize community benefit outcomes, increase community service activity through the project, and cultivate civic engagement, leadership, and professional opportunities for National Service participants. Note: Projects in which every project component cannot legally implement National Service strategies must include an explanation detailing these barriers in order to receive full points.
America the Beautiful Challenge
Program Priorities
Contribute to Workforce Development: Develop the next generation of conservation professionals, including through support for national service, youth and conservation corps engaged in conservation and climate-related work. Projects that develop the restoration workforce, in particular with AmeriCorps and 21st Century Conservation Service Corps programs, are encouraged.
Project Types
Local Capacity Building – Actions that will improve local capacity to mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters. Includes partnership building, enhancing local resilience staffing support, scoping for future mitigation projects, establishment of resiliency programs such as Firewise communities or CERT programs.
Experiential Maine! - Summer Coastal Ecology program RFAs (RFA 202205074 & RFA 202205075)
“Through this application, the State of Maine, Department of Education (Department) intends to provide funding to educational organizations that specialize in coastal ecology and marine experiences for youth as part of Experiential Maine! – a statewide initiative to increase student access to hands-on, outdoor learning experiences. The funding must be used to develop new programs that provide opportunities for middle and high school students to participate during the summer of 2022. Programming must provide opportunities for students to engage in authentic, interdisciplinary marine/coastal ecology experiences with a focus on innovative design processes, leadership and career development.
The Department is pursuing a whole student framework, to broaden nature-based, experiential opportunities and mitigate the impact of learning loss due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department requests that funding be used to increase involvement from students from low-income families that do not typically have access to marine/coastal ecology experiences due to financial barriers and/or geographic barriers.”
In both RFA’s, AmeriCorps was listed as a specific allowable expense with the following note:
“Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) has a limited number of 300 hour AmeriCorps positions available to applicants for a fee for service. AmeriCorps members bring energy, innovation, and capacity to meet the needs of your organization. MCC facilitates recruitment and provides access to AmeriCorps benefits, payroll, liability coverage, worker’s compensation, and ongoing support to you and your members. Your agency, as an AmeriCorps Host Site, would receive training on supporting AmeriCorps members; provide day-to-day supervision, supplies, and resources required for your program; approve weekly timesheets, and submit final reports.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Agency Workforce and Training Terms
For the purposes of NYSERDA’s workforce development and training solicitations, the following terms apply:
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