NOTICE of FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Federal Agency Name: AmeriCorps Funding Opportunity Title: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 AmeriCorps State and National Native Nation Grants Announcement Type: Initial Announcement Assistance Listing Number: 94.006

Summary Statement: This is an opportunity for Indian Tribes to apply for funding for AmeriCorps members to strengthen communities by serving.

Disclosure: Publication of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not obligate AmeriCorps to award any specific number of grants or to commit any amount of funding. The actual amount, timing, and process of grant funding will be subject to the availability of annual appropriations.

Any award made under this Notice may be terminated by the agency if it no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities.

AmeriCorps publishes this NOFO solely for the aforementioned purpose and does not consider this NOFO to meet the definition of a rule requiring publication or notice under Congressional Review Act (CRA) as codified at 5 U.S.C. §§801- 808, and any subsequent notification provided to Congress does not constitute waiver of this position.

Important Dates

• Applications are due no later than Wednesday, May 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

• Successful applicants will be notified by early July 2026.

• Successful applicants will be issued awards by end of July 2026.

Table of Contents NOTICE of FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A.1. Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding A.2. Funding Priorities A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes National Performance Measures A.4. Program Authority

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B.1. Estimated Available Funds B.2. Estimated Award Amount B.3. Period of Performance B.4. Type of Award B.5. Cost Sharing or Matching

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Other Eligibility Requirements

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1. Ways to Request an Application Package D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) D.4. Submission Dates and Times D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Funding Restrictions D.7. Other Submission Requirements

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1. Selection Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Feedback to Applicants E.4. Transparency in Grantmaking

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3. Use of Material F.4. Continuation Funding Information and Requirements

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

H. OTHER INFORMATION

H.1. Technical Assistance H.2. Re-Focusing of Funding

I. IMPORTANT NOTICES

I.1. Public Burden Statement I.2. Privacy Act Statement

FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A.1. Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations engaging AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is person who does community service through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits.

After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

A.2. Funding Priorities For this funding opportunity, AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration for applicants from organizations that:

Serve Communities:

• Prioritize civic engagement/social cohesion, and youth mental health;

• Education – improving student academic performance in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), serving students who attend Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, Tribal Colleges and Universities and Indigenous Urban Centers, Indigenous Teacher Preparation, and GED support programs, and programming focused on Indigenous or Tribal Data Sovereignty;

• Promote the preservation and teaching of traditional Native languages and cultural practices;

• Promote sustainable food systems and agriculture, habitat preservation;

Indigenous environmental practices; Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Indigenous food sovereignty (seed saving, foraging, etc.);

• Promote Economic Opportunity - including digital skills and increased access to broadband; infrastructure/transportation assistance; financial readiness; training and access to financial resources for home buying; or college; and college access program;

• Promote Healthy Futures - providing health-related services both on and off reservation lands, including building trauma-informed programs, addressing issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) programs to raise awareness;

• Focus on improving the quality of life for veterans, active-duty members of the Armed Forces, and their families by recruiting veterans, military spouses, and their older children into national service;

Benefit AmeriCorps Members

• Enhanced member experience by providing opportunities for skill attainment, personal growth and connection to the community they are serving in support of a lifetime of civic participation; and

• Create workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members, including deliberate training, such as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities, certifications, and hiring preferences or support.

To receive priority consideration, applicants must show the priority area is a significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes. Priority consideration does not guarantee funding.

A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes National

Performance Measures All applications must include at least one aligned performance measure, output, and outcome, that corresponds to the proposed primary intervention. This may be a National Performance Measure or an applicant-determined measure. For more information, refer to the National Performance Measure Instructions.

A.4. Program Authority Awards under this Notice are authorized by the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §12501 et seq.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B.1. Estimated Available Funds AmeriCorps welcomes Native Nation applications. The actual level of funding depends on annual appropriations.

B.2. Estimated Award Amount Award amounts will be different depending on the scope of the projects.

B.3. Period of Performance AmeriCorps plans to make three-year grant awards. AmeriCorps generally makes an initial award for the first year of the three-year period of performance. Applicants must submit a one-year budget. Applicants may propose any project start date that fits their program design. The period of performance may not start before August 1, 2026.

Continuation awards for future years are not guaranteed; they depend upon future appropriations and satisfactory performance.

B.4. Type of Award AmeriCorps makes available different types of grants. The chart below https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2010-title42/html/USCODE-2010-title42-chap129.htm summarizes these grant types and their distinct characteristics.

Grant Types

Cost Reimburseme nt

Fixed Amount

Available Subtypes

Traditional

Full-Cost

Educatio n Award Program, EAP

Professional

Corps***

No Cost Slots

Maximum Cost per MSY* $25,000 $25,00

$800 or $1,000**

$1,000 $0

Type of Slots in the National Service Trust

All slot types

All slot type s

All Slot type s

FT Only

All slot types

Matching Funds Required Waived

No

Budget Submission Required

Yes

Availability of Funds Linked to Enrollment /Retention of Awarded MSYs

Special Requirements

N/A

Must place qualified professionals in communities with an inadequate # of such professionals.

Member salaries/benefits must be paid entirely by organization where member serves.

Financial Reporting Requirements

Available to New Applicants

* Member Service Year (MSY): One MSY is equivalent to a full-time AmeriCorps position, at least 1,700 service hours. Multiple less than full-time positions can be combined to equal one MSY.

** For the Education Award Program, AmeriCorps may provide a maximum of $800 per individual enrolled in an approved national service position. If at least 50 percent of a program’s enrollees are disadvantaged youth, AmeriCorps may provide $1,000 per enrollee, 42 U.S.C. § 12581a.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title42-section12581a&num=0&edition=prelim

***Use Mandatory Supplemental Information (MSI) for further requirements

B.5. Cost Reimbursement Grants Match requirements are waived for this funding opportunity.

B.6. Fixed Price Grants There is no cost share or matching requirement for Fixed Amount grants.

AmeriCorps does not provide all the funds necessary to operate the program.

Organizations should raise the funds needed to operate the program.

B.7 Match Replacement Match Replacement Funds are available for Native Nation cost reimbursement applicants who certify that they are “severely economically distressed communities” as defined by 42 U.S.C. 12645d(b). Match replacement funds are additional AmeriCorps funds up to the amount that would have been contributed by the recipient if the match requirements were not waived. This amount is determined by the year of the program, as follows:

AmeriCorps Funding Year

Years 1,2, and 3

Years 4,5, and 6

Years 7,8, and 9

Years 10 +

Waived Match Requirement/Match Replacement Percentage

24%

26%

28%

30%

Applicants can request up to the maximum amount of their waived match requirement amount, as determined by the year of the program. For example, an applicant in year 4 is requesting $150,000 in AmeriCorps funding. The applicant has a 26% waived match requirement. The applicant may request up to $52,700 in the grantee share as match replacement funding, which is 26% of a $202,700 total grant budget - $150,000 in AmeriCorps funding and $52,700 in cash match replacement funds.

Cost reimbursement applicants indicate the amount of requested match replacement in the Source of Funds section of the budget. The match replacement funds are budgeted in the grantee share of the budget.

Please see the Application Instructions for how to request Match Replacement funds.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1. Eligible Applicants

The following non-Federal organizations are eligible to apply:

• Indian Tribes

In addition to Indian Tribes, as defined in 2 CFR 200.1, tribal organizations that are controlled, authorized, or chartered by Federally recognized Indian Tribes are also eligible to apply directly to AmeriCorps. If an entity applies for an award as a tribal https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1#p-200.1(Indian%20tribe) organization that is controlled or chartered by one or more Indian Tribes, the organization must provide copies or links to documentation that demonstrates that the organization is controlled or chartered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe.

If an entity applies as an organization authorized by a federally recognized tribe, or multiple specific federally recognized tribes, it must submit a resolution or other authorization, adopted by the Tribal Council (or comparable tribal governing body) of each Indian Tribe. The authorization(s) must identify the entity applying for an AmeriCorps award by name as a tribal organization that is authorized by the Indian Tribe(s) for the purpose of applying for AmeriCorps funding (or federal grant funds generally).

New Applicants AmeriCorps encourages organizations that have not received funding from AmeriCorps before to apply, e.g. small community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.

New applicants can apply for Cost Reimbursement, Education Award Program (EAP), and Professional Corps grants but cannot apply for Full Cost Fixed Amount grants.

Types of Applicants Federally recognized Indian Tribes: Applicants that are Indian Tribes apply directly to AmeriCorps.

Threshold Issues Specific types of applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Professional Corps must show that the community where it will place AmeriCorps members has a shortage of professionals in the relevant area, e.g. teachers, medical professionals, etc.

• If service activities require special member qualifications and/or training, such as tutoring programs, the applicant must describe how these requirements will be met.

C.2. Other Eligibility Requirements Even if an organization is otherwise eligible under C.1, an organization is not eligible if:

• It has violated a federal criminal statute.

• It proposes activities that are not allowed under AmeriCorps’ laws, rules, or terms and conditions.

• It has any unpaid federal taxes that are not being paid through an agreement with the relevant tax authority. However, this does not apply if a federal agency decided that a suspension or debarment for the corporation is not necessary. It is described in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. §501 (c)(4) and lobbies.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

This Notice should be read together with the AmeriCorps regulations, Application Instructions, Performance Measure Instructions, and Mandatory Supplemental https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-B/chapter-XXV/part-2522/subpart-F https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopici03.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopici03.pdf https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-grants https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants

Information.

D.1. Ways to Request an Application Package All information from this funding opportunity is available through the AmeriCorps Funding Opportunities webpage. Applicants can also send an email to americorpsgrants@americorps.gov or call (202) 606-7508 for a printed copy of the Notice, Guidance, and Application Instructions.

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.2.a. Application Content Complete applications must include the following elements:

• Standard Form 424 Face Sheet: Automatically generated when applicants complete the data elements.

• Narrative Sections:

o Executive Summary;

o Program Design;

o Organizational Capability;

o Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy; and o Evaluation Summary/Plan.

• Performance Measures.

• Logic Model

• Standard Form 424A Budget.

• Continuation Changes.

• Clarification.

• Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications.

D.2.b. Page Limits Page counts are determined by the number of pages that print out from the grant system.

AmeriCorps strongly encourages applicants to print out the application from the grant system prior to submission to confirm that the application does not exceed the page limit.

• Narratives o Applications must not exceed 11 double-spaced pages for the Narrative.

o The application sections that count towards the page limit include:

SF-424 Face Sheet;

Executive Summary;

https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants https://www.americorps.gov/partner/funding-opportunities https://www.americorps.gov/partner/funding-opportunities mailto:americorpsgrants@americorps.gov https://egrants.cns.gov/cnsmisc/EASSUR.HTM https://egrants.cns.gov/cnsmisc/ECERTS.HTM

Program Design, Organizational Capability, and Cost- Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy narratives.

o The application page limit does not include:

Evaluation Summary/Plan;

Clarification Summary;

Continuation Changes;

Budget, Performance Measures; and Any required additional documents.

• Logic Model o The Logic Model may not exceed eight pages when printed with the application from the “Review” tab in AmeriCorps’ web-based management system.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) All applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete. If an applicant is awarded a grant, it must maintain an active SAM registration throughout the life of the award. Use the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees for more information.

AmeriCorps suggests that applicants finalize a new registration or renew an existing one at least three weeks before the application deadline, to allow time to resolve any issues that may arise. Applicants must use their SAM-registered legal name and physical address on all grant applications to AmeriCorps.

The legal applicant’s name and physical address in the grant system must match exactly the applicant’s SAM-registered information.

Applications must include a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is generated as part of the SAM registration process. AmeriCorps will not make awards to entities that do not have a valid SAM registration and UEI.

Applications must include an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The UEI and EIN must be entered by the organization’s Grantee Administrator as an organization attribute, and this will apply the information to all applications for the organization.

D.4. Submission Dates and Times

D.4.a. Application Submission Deadline Applications are due no later than Wednesday May 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.

Eastern Time.

AmeriCorps may extend the submission deadline. If the deadline is extended, then AmeriCorps will post information on the AmeriCorps’ webpage.

D.4.b. Additional Documents Deadline Additional documents are due by the application submission deadline.

D.4.c. Late Applications All applications received after the submission deadline are late. AmeriCorps will https://sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0029897 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0029897 determine whether to accept a late application on a case-by-case basis. To request consideration of a late application, an organization must:

• Submit a written explanation or justification of the extenuating circumstance(s) that caused the delay, including:

o Timing and specific cause(s) of the delay;

o Ticket number if a request for assistance was submitted to the

AmeriCorps Hotline;

o Information provided to the applicant by the AmeriCorps Hotline; and o Other documentation or evidence that supports the justification.

• Ensure that AmeriCorps receives the written explanation and any other relevant evidence, via email to LateApplications@americorps.gov no later than 24 hours after the application deadline.

Communication with AmeriCorps staff, including an applicant’s regional office staff or applicant’s AmeriCorps Regional Mailbox, is not a substitute for a written explanation. Applicants are required to continue working in the web- based system and with the AmeriCorps Hotline to submit the application.

AmeriCorps will not consider an advance request to submit a late application.

Please carefully review and follow the Late Application guidance and submit your application as soon as possible.

D.5. Intergovernmental Review This Notice is not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

D.6. Funding Restrictions

D.6.a. Award Funding Requirements

1. Member Living Allowance A living allowance is not considered a salary or a wage. Programs are not required to provide a living allowance for members serving in less than full-time terms of service. If a program chooses to provide a living allowance to a member at less than full-time terms of service, it must follow the limits in the table below.

Organizations applying for Cost Reimbursement grants must include the living allowance in the budget, either as AmeriCorps share or grantee share.

Fixed Amount grant applicants must give members a living allowance that follows the minimum and maximum amounts in the chart below and should indicate that amount in the application.

Table: Minimum and Maximum Living Allowance for FY 2026 New and Recompete Competitive Applicants

Slot Types Minimum # of

Hours

Minimum Living

Allowance

Maximum Total Living Allowance

Full-time 1,700 $20,400 $40,800 Three Quarter-time 1,200 n/a $28,560 mailto:LateApplications@americorps.gov https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html

Half-time 900 n/a $20,400 Quarter-time 450 n/a $10,608 Minimum-time 300 n/a $8,568

Table: Minimum and Maximum Living Allowance for FY 2026 Competitive Continuation Applicants in Year 2 or Year 3 of Funding

Slot Types Minimum # of

Hours

Minimum Living

Allowance

Maximum Total Living Allowance

Full-time 1,700 $20,400 $40,800 Three Quarter-time 1,200 n/a $28,560 Half-time 900 n/a $20,400 Reduced Half-time 675 n/a $15,504 Quarter-time 450 n/a $10,608 Minimum-time 300 n/a $8,568 Abbreviated-time 100 n/a $2,448

Exceptions to the Living Allowance Requirements

a. Programs existing prior to September 21, 1993, do not have to offer a living allowance. If an organization chooses to offer a living allowance, it does not have to pay its members the minimum but cannot exceed the maximum.

b. Education Award Program (EAP) Grantees are not required to provide a living allowance. If an organization chooses to offer a living allowance, it does not have to pay its members the minimum but cannot exceed the maximum.

c. Professional Corps Grantees must provide members a living allowance or salary. Organizations must pay members the minimum and can exceed the maximum. Professional Corps member salaries and benefits including childcare cannot be included in the federal share budget request to AmeriCorps.

2. Maximum Cost per Member Service Year The AmeriCorps cost per MSY is determined by dividing the AmeriCorps share of budgeted grant costs by the number of MSYs requested. It does not include childcare or the value of the education award a member may earn.

AmeriCorps is keeping the maximum cost per MSY at the same amount as FY 2025 as a safeguard to ensure the number of members serving remains the same or grows.

Table: Maximum Cost per MSY Grant Program Maximum

Native Nations Program (cost reimbursement) $25,000

Professional Corps competitive Fixed Amount Applicants/Grantees

$1,000*

Full-cost competitive Fixed Amount Grant $25,000

Education Award Program (EAP) Fixed Amount Grant (competitive and formula)

$800 or $1,000**

*AmeriCorps requires Professional Corps programs to cover the operating expenses associated with the AmeriCorps program through -non-AmeriCorps resources. AmeriCorps will only consider operating funds of up to $1,000 per MSY if an applicant is able to show significant organizational financial need.

** For the Education Award Program, AmeriCorps may provide a maximum of $800 per individual enrolled in an approved national service position. If at least 50 percent of a program’s enrollees are disadvantaged youth, AmeriCorps may provide $1,000 per enrollee, 42 U.S.C. § 12581a.

***$18,000 adjusted for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (As of March 2024 CPI was 0.4).

AmeriCorps may 1) treat an applicant as a Professional Corps if they meet the legal requirements for a Professional Corps (even if they did not submit a Professional Corps application); and 2) decide not to provide a grant to an organization that it determines cannot operate effectively without AmeriCorps operating funds.

3. Costs Associated with Evidence Building Activities e.g. performance data collection and management, foundational research, program evaluation, etc.

As noted in 2 CFR § 200.455, costs associated with evidence building activities are allowable expenses or grantee share under AmeriCorps grants. This includes costs related to performance data collection and management, foundational research, program evaluation, and related activities.

D.6.b. Indirect Costs Application budgets may include indirect costs. Based on qualifying factors, applicants may use a Federally approved indirect cost rate if they have one and if not, may use either:

i. the AmeriCorps-Fixed Percentage method (five/ten percent fixed administrative cost option) outlined in AmeriCorps’ Indirect Cost Guidance;

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title42-section12581a&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.455 https://www.americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/OADR-Indirect-Cost-Guidance-022124-508.pdf

ii. a 15 percent de minimis rate of modified total direct costs; or

iii. may claim certain costs directly.

All methods must be applied consistently across all Federal awards.

No more than five percent of award funds may be used to recover indirect costs on AmeriCorps State and National grants under section 121(d) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended and AmeriCorps’ regulations at 45 CFR 2521.95 and 2540.110.”

Use the eGrants Indirect Cost Rate (IDCR) User Instructions to enter the organization’s Federal negotiated indirect cost rate or the de minimis rate information. Applicants should not submit documentation addressing the cost rate agreement via email.

Please note: To request a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, when AmeriCorps is the applicable cognizant agency for an organization’s indirect costs, the applicant must submit a request to IndirectCostRate@americorps.gov. The applicant may also obtain instructions and additional information by contacting the email address above.

D.6.c. Pre-Award Costs Applicants funded under this Notice are approved for pre-award costs for one month prior to the start of their program. See the Mandatory Supplemental Information for more detail. Other Submission Requirements.

D.7. Other Submission Requirements

D.7.a. Electronic Application Submission Applicants must submit applications electronically via AmeriCorps' web-based application system.

The applicant’s authorized representative must be the person who submits the application. The authorized representative must use their own account to sign and submit the application.

Applicants should contact the AmeriCorps Hotline at (800) 942-2677 if they have a problem when they create an account, prepare, or submit the application.

Information about the AmeriCorps Hotline hours are also posted on the AmeriCorps Hotline webpage.

When contacting the AmeriCorps Hotline, be prepared to provide the application ID, organization’s name, and the name of the Notice to which the organization is applying. If the issue cannot be fixed by the deadline, applicants must continue working with the AmeriCorps Hotline to submit via the grant system.

If circumstances make it impossible for an applicant to submit in the grant system, applicants may send a paper copy of the application via overnight carrier to this address below.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.413 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-B/chapter-XXV/part-2521/subject-group-ECFR30615c285e05d4c/section-2521.95 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-B/chapter-XXV/part-2521/subject-group-ECFR30615c285e05d4c/section-2521.95 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-B/chapter-XXV/part-2540/subpart-A/section-2540.110 https://www.americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/AmeriCorps-eGrants-IDCR-User-Instructions.pdf mailto:IndirectCostRate@americorps.gov https://questions.americorps.gov/app/ask https://questions.americorps.gov/app/ask

AmeriCorps ATTN: FY 2026 AmeriCorps State and National Application 250 E Street, SW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20525

Please use a non-U.S. Postal Service carrier to avoid security-related delays.

Applicants must include an explanation and related documents about why they could not submit their application electronically. Applications must be received by the deadline.

All deadlines and requirements in this Notice also apply to paper applications. AmeriCorps does not accept applications submitted via fax or email.

D.7.b Submission of Additional Documents Your application might not receive funding if you do not upload your documents by the application deadline or do not correctly label your documents.

Additional documents for all applicants:

1. Evidence documents. Please refer to the Evidence Base section and Mandatory Supplemental Information for detailed instructions by evidence tier.

2. Labor union concurrence, if applicable.

3. Operational and Financial Management Survey. Submit electronically using the online form. Forms submitted as a PDF, or any other document format may not be accepted.

Additional documents for applicants proposing projects previously funded by AmeriCorps:

Evaluation Plan Summary Form. Applicants who have received three or more years of competitive funding for the same project being proposed should also provide an: Evaluation plan summary form using the template provided in the NOFO page. If applicable, fill the Alternative Evaluation Approach (AEA) request section. Evaluation plan summary forms are not scored and will not be assessed. Applicants approved for funding will be responsible for confirming they meet all evaluation requirements. Only AEA requests (if applicable) will be reviewed for approval after funding decisions are made.

Evaluation Report. Applicants who have received six or more years of competitive funding for the same project being proposed should also provide an Evaluation report. Please submit in Microsoft Word. The evaluation report should include a title page with:

• the AmeriCorps grant number for the project that was evaluated,

• the name of the project,

• the date of completion of the report,

• the evaluator name(s),

• evaluator organization name and, https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=p1D40s6Ns0-nnGhn-VFDEnTxP2OEQLFNjNsVmieA6QVUMFRPWk8xWjZXMlpVUzA3WU9SWjNRV0sxVS4u

• evaluator type (internal or external).

If any of this required information is missing, the applicant may not receive credit for meeting their evaluation requirements.

Additional documents for entities applying on behalf of a Federally Recognized Tribe, new and recompeting:

• Tribal organization eligibility documentation.

Guidance for submitting additional documents:

• Additional documents must be emailed to AdditionalDocuments@AmeriCorps.gov with the following subject line:

“Legal Applicant Name” – “Application ID Number.”

Emails should include:

o Legal applicant name and its point of contact information.

o Application ID number.

o List of documents that are attached to the email by filename, labeling each document type according to the above numbered list.

o Individually attached files that are clearly labeled, and that include the legal applicant name and application ID number within the file name and heading of each document.

To ensure that all required additional documents are considered, please provide each document as a separate single file, labeled appropriately. Please do not send multiple documents in one combined file, and do not send a single document in multiple files.

The email size limit is 35 MB. This limit is inclusive of all attachments associated with each email. Emails that are larger than 35 MB will not be received or reviewed.

If the size of an applicant’s files requires multiple emails, please also include an ordering system in the subject line, such as “(1 of 3)”

• Applicants that do not have any documents to submit must send an email to AdditionalDocuments@AmeriCorps.gov indicating that they are not submitting any additional documents.

Applicants must enter in a web-based system the quantity of each document type that was emailed to AdditionalDocuments@AmeriCorps.gov. After the application deadline, all applicants that have a difference between the number of documents emailed and the number of documents reported in the web-based system will receive an email. This email will request proof that the missing documents were emailed on time to the correct email address. If applicants do not reply to this email, then their evidence documents might not be reviewed.

Do not submit any items that are not requested in this Notice or Application mailto:AdditionalDocuments@AmeriCorps.gov

Instructions. AmeriCorps will not review or return them.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1. Selection Criteria Each applicant must describe a project that will use AmeriCorps members effectively to solve a significant community problem.

Applications must have a well-designed plan with clear justification for the requested funds. Reviewers will assess the quality of applications by using the selection criteria described below and will rate them accordingly.

Prior to issuance, and annually thereafter, awards will be subject to review by one or more AmeriCorps senior officials, or their designees, according to the process described in Executive Order 14332, “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking".

Do not assume all sub-criteria are of equal value.

Categories/Subcategories Percentage

Executive Summary 0 Program Design 50

• Community and Logic Model 20

• Evidence Tier 12

• Evidence Quality 8

• Notice Priority 4

• Member Experience 6

Organizational Capability 25

• Organizational Background and Staffing 15

• Member Supervision 10

Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy 25

• Member Recruitment 8

• Member Retention 9

• Data Collection 8

E.1.a. Executive Summary, 0 percent:

Please fill in the blanks of these sentences to complete the Executive Summary. There are two options for the second paragraph; please choose the appropriate language for your application. Do not deviate from this template:

“The [Name of the organization] will have [Number of] AmeriCorps members in [the locations the AmeriCorps members will serve, e.g. – City, State or State(s)].

AmeriCorps members will [service activities the members will do]. At the end of the https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/12/2025-15344/improving-oversight-of-federal-grantmaking https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2025%2F08%2F12%2F2025-15344%2Fimproving-oversight-of-federal-grantmaking&data=05%7C02%7CLuetkenhaus.Eric%40dol.gov%7C199f1b97f7d34c510dac08ddfc69c82e%7C75a6305472044e0c9126adab971d4aca%7C0%7C0%7C638944253441587068%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6eKBv1pib6aHpNx6wgeqO1Oc9yrb6OwagMBh9PwF07M%3D&reserved=0 first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for [anticipated outcome of project]. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage [number of leveraged volunteers, if applicable] who will be engaged in [what the leveraged volunteers will be doing].

In addition to the AmeriCorps investment, $[amount of local, state, and Federal Funds] in public funding and $[amount of non-governmental funds] in private funding will support the project.”

E.1.b. Program Design, 50 percent:

1. Community and Logic Model, 20 points

The applicant will provide a detailed summary of the community problem and an explanation of how the applicant’s intervention(s) will lead to the outcomes identified in the organization’s Logic Model.

The applicant must describe in the Logic Model The inputs or resources that are necessary to deliver the intervention, including but not limited to:

o Locations or sites in which members will provide services.

o Setting and community condition where the intervention is delivered.

o Number of AmeriCorps members who will deliver the intervention.

o Characteristics of AmeriCorps members, including specific knowledge, skills, and abilities required to implement the intervention.

The core activities that members will deliver as part of the intervention including:

o Length of each activity (e.g., the total number of weeks, sessions or months of the intervention).

o Dosage of each activity (e.g., the number of hours per session or sessions per week).

o Target population for the intervention (e.g., disconnected youth, third graders at a certain reading proficiency level).

The measurable outputs that result from delivering the intervention (i.e., number of beneficiaries served, types and number of activities conducted). If applicable, identify which National Performance Measures will be used as output indicators.

Outcomes that result from the intervention, including meaningful changes in knowledge/skill, attitude, behavior, or condition. If applicable, identify which National Performance Measures will be used as outcome indicators.

Programs should include short, medium, or long-term outcomes. Applicants are not required to measure all components of their Logic Model. The applicant’s performance measures should be consistent with the program’s Logic Model and should represent significant program activities.

Applicants with multiple interventions should include the above information for each intervention in the logic model.

2. Evidence Base, 20 points The assessment of an applicant’s evidence base has two parts. First, the applicant will be assigned to an evidence tier. Second, the quality of the applicant’s https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants evidence, how the evidence aligns with funding priorities (A.2 Funding Priorities) section and how the evidence supports the proposed program.

Evidence Tier, 12 points Each applicant will receive an evidence tier assessment. This is based on the relative strength of the applicant’s evidence base and the likelihood that the proposed intervention will lead to the outcomes identified in the Logic Model narrative.

AmeriCorps values and funds programs at all points along the evidence continuum and expects programs to progress along the evidence continuum over time. Thus, applicants should not be deterred from applying for funding due to their current evidence level. In 2025, the evidence tiers of competing applicants recommended for AmeriCorps State and National funding were as follows: 57% Strong, 11% Moderate, 25% Preliminary, 7% Pre-Preliminary.

To qualify for the Preliminary, Moderate, or Strong evidence tier, applicants may submit up to two evidence documents, plus the evaluation report from their last three-year grant cycle, if applicable. If multiple evidence documents are submitted by the applicant, the most recent – as measured by the date of completion or publication– will be reviewed first, and any documents submitted beyond the allowable number will not be reviewed.

The intervention evaluated in the submitted evidence documents must match the intervention proposed by the applicant in the Community and Logic Model sections of the application. (Use the Mandatory Supplemental Information for a definition of same intervention). Applicants must meet all requirements of an evidence tier to be considered for that tier.

Submitted evidence documents that do not sufficiently match the intervention will not be reviewed or receive any points.

In the Evidence Tier section of the application narrative, applicants must:

• Summarize the study design and key findings of the evidence documents submitted, plus, if applicable, the evaluation report from their last three-year grant cycle; and

• Describe any other evidence that supports their program, including past performance measure data and/or other research studies that inform their program design.

Applicants should provide citations for the studies they describe.

Evidence Quality, 8 points Reviewers will score the quality of an applicant’s evidence and the extent to which it supports the proposed program design.

Standards for scoring in the Preliminary, Moderate, or Strong evidence tiers.

Submitted evidence documents:

• Are of satisfactory methodological quality and rigor for the type of evaluation conducted e.g., adequate sample size and statistical power, https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants internal and/or external validity, appropriate use of control or comparison groups, etc.;

• Describe evaluations that were conducted relatively recently, preferably within the last six years; and

• Show a meaningful and significant positive effect on program beneficiaries or AmeriCorps members in at least one key outcome of interest.

Standards for scoring in the Pre-Preliminary evidence tier:

• The applicant uses relevant evidence, including past performance measure data and/or cited research studies, to inform their proposed program design;

• The described evidence is relatively recent, preferably from the last six years; and

• The evidence described by the applicant indicates a meaningful positive effect on program beneficiaries or AmeriCorps members in at least one key outcome of interest.

3. Notice Priority, 4 points

• Describe whether one or more of the AmeriCorps funding priorities is a significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes. Refer to A.2.

for list of Funding Priorities.

4. Member Experience, 6 points

• Describe how AmeriCorps members will be provided opportunities for skill attainment, personal growth and connection to the community they are serving in support of a lifetime of civic participation.

E.1.c. Organizational Capability, 25 percent:

1. Organizational Background and Staffing, 15 points

• Describe the roles, responsibilities, and structure of the staff that will implement and provide oversight of the program, including but not limited to demonstrating the organization has sufficient policies, procedures, and controls to effectively implement a federal grant.

2. Member Supervision, 10 points

• Describe how AmeriCorps members will receive sufficient guidance and support from their supervisor to provide effective service. That could include but is not limited to structure for member supervision: cadence and format of supervisor/member check-ins, member and supervisor opportunities to assess strengths and opportunities for growth, member training plan, etc.

E.1.d. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, 25 percent:

1. Member Recruitment, 8 points

• Provide a description of budget expenses to support recruitment of AmeriCorps members best suited to serve the community.

2. Member Retention, 9 points

• Provide a description of budget expenses to support retention of

AmeriCorps members. E.g., additional member benefits such as paying above the minimum living allowance, supporting workforce pathways, certifications, coaching for members, resume building, individual benefit as well as community building, network building, member recognition, alumni programming, etc.

3. Data Collection, 8 points

• Provide a description of budget expenses that support data collection and evaluation, including the process for collecting and maintaining high-quality performance data from your organization and community partners, how data will be analyzed, and how this will ensure timely and accurate reporting to AmeriCorps.

E.1.e. Evaluation Plan, 0 percent:

• Required for recompeting applicants If the applicant has previously received three or more years of competitive funding for the same project being proposed, the applicant must submit an evaluation plan summary template (which includes Alternative Evaluation Approach request if applicable) Refer to Additional Documents for instructions for submitting the evaluation plan.

The evaluation plan will not be scored and will not be reviewed unless it includes an Alternative Evaluation Approach request.

All applicants enter N/A in the Evaluation Summary or Plan field of the Narrative.

Any other text entered in this field will not be reviewed.

E.1. f. Amendment Justification, 0 percent:

Enter N/A. This field will be used if the applicant is awarded a grant and needs to amend it.

E.1.g. Clarification Information, 0 percent:

Enter N/A. This field will be utilized should an applicant be funded.

E.1.h. Continuation Changes, 0 percent:

Enter N/A. This field will be used to enter changes in the application narratives in continuation requests.

E.2. Review and Selection Process AmeriCorps will engage reviewers with relevant expertise to assess the eligible applications. The determinations made by AmeriCorps reviewers may be different from what the applicant self-determined upon submission of its application. The stages of the review and selection process follow:

E.2.a. Initial Application Compliance and Eligibility Review AmeriCorps will do an initial compliance and eligibility check before reviewing applications. To pass this check, applicants must:

https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2026-americorps-state-national-native-nations-grants

• Be an eligible organization,

• Be eligible to apply for a Full Cost Fixed Grant,

• Have an active SAM registration, and

• Submit an application by the submission deadline.

Eligibility assessment is intended to ensure that only those applications that are eligible for award are reviewed. However, determinations of eligibility can take place at any point during the application review and selection process. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive an award.

E.2.b. Application Review

Review Reviewers will assess applications based on the Program Design, Organizational Capability, Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, and Evidence Selection Criteria.

AmeriCorps will also assess budget compliance, and review for prohibited activities.

Post-Review Quality Control AmeriCorps staff will review the initial results for fairness and consistency. Some applications may be selected for a Post-Review Quality Control assessment.

E.2.c. Pre-Award Risk Assessment AmeriCorps staff will assess the risks posed by each applicant. Results from this assessment will inform funding decisions. If AmeriCorps determines that an award will be made to an applicant with risks, special conditions may be applied to the award. AmeriCorps may decide to not fund an applicant based on the level of risk.

In assessing risks, AmeriCorps may consider:

1. Due Diligence, including:

• Federal debt delinquency;

• Suspension and debarment;

• Information available through Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-designated sources of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information, such as:

o U.S. Treasury Bureau of Fiscal Services;

o System for Award Management (SAM); and o Do Not Pay.

• Reports and findings from single audits performed under Uniform Administrative Guidance and findings of any other available audits or investigations;

• IRS Tax Form 990;

• Oversight.gov; and

• Public Litigation Records.

2. Operational and Financial Management, including:

• Financial stability; and

• Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS).

3. Past Performance, including:

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://www.oversight.gov/

• Applicant’s record in managing previous AmeriCorps awards, cooperative agreements, or procurement awards, including:

o Timely compliance with applicable reporting requirements;

o Accuracy of data reported;

o Validity of performance measure data reported;

o Conformity to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards;

o Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on award recipients;

o Timely closeout of other awards;

o Extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards; and o Meeting National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) compliance.

4. Other Programmatic Risks, Financial, Organizational, Compliance, and Fraud including:

• Publicly available information, including from the applicant organization's website;

• Amount of funding requested by the organization; and

• Other elements, such as keyword searches for prohibited activities.

E.2.d. Consideration of Integrity and Performance System Information Before to making any award that exceeds $250,000, AmeriCorps must consider information about the applicant from the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov.

Any applicant may comment upon information previously entered by another Federal agency in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM.gov.

AmeriCorps may consider applicant comments when completing its review of risk.

AmeriCorps may also consider other information about any applicant receiving an award, including those under $250,000.

E.2.e. Selection for Funding The review and selection process are designed to:

• Identify how well eligible applications are aligned with the application selection criteria.

• Build a diversified portfolio based on the following strategic considerations:

o AmeriCorps Funding Priorities;

o Meaningful representation of:

rural communities, and innovative community strategies; and o CEO discretion to advance strategic goals.

In selecting applicants to receive awards under this Notice, the Chief Executive Officer will try to include a diverse portfolio of applications based on staff recommendations, alignment with selection criteria, and strategic considerations.

https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home

AmeriCorps reserves the right to adjust or make changes to the review process, if unforeseen circumstances make it impossible, impracticable, or inefficient to conduct the review process as planned.