Serve DC - The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism has announced a plan to distribute AmeriCorps funds granted to the agency through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA.) The funds, which are available to current AmeriCorps sub-grantees, will assist programs in the process of helping individuals and communities cope with the economic downturn, and provide necessary services that will support the rebuilding process. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009.
The Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that houses AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and Senior Corps was awarded $200 million in Recovery Act funding; $89 million of those funds were designated for current AmeriCorps*State sub-grantees.
To allocate funds, Serve DC – The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism, held a grant competition for current AmeriCorps sub-grantees, providing them with the opportunity to apply for $57,203 in formula funding (set aside for Washington, DC programs only,) and $39 million in competitive funding (available for competition nation-wide.) Formula funding decisions were made by Serve DC and competitive applications were forwarded to the Corporation for National and Community Service for final decision after being vetted for eligibility.
One current sub-grantee applied for formula funding, requesting $55,827.00, to supplement funds that the agency was unable to raise due to the ailing economy. The funds will ensure that the program is able to successfully implement 2008-2009 services without interruption or cutback.
Six current sub-grantees presented applications for competitive funding; the request totaled $1.06 million. The applications that were sent forward for final approval covered subject-matter including:
- Expansion of work force development and academic enrichment programs for high school students
- Expansion of programming in District of Columbia Public Schools
- Expansion of programmatic capacity
- Matching funds for current and pending programs
More information about the allocation of Recovery Act funding is available at www.recovery.dc.gov. For questions, please contact M. Rene Arnold or call (202) 727-7931.
About Serve DC: Serve DC’s mission is to strengthen and promote the District of Columbia's spirit of service through partnerships, national service and volunteerism.