Apply: FY26 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Funding
Overview
Volunteer NH receives an annual allocation from AmeriCorps (the federal agency) to subgrant to organizations for AmeriCorps-related programming. This allocation (known as “Formula funds”) is meant for Volunteer NH to prioritize grant funding for projects that address New Hampshire-specific issues (as identified in the New Hampshire State Service Plan).
The information below outlines the separate Planning and Program Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO). Applicants must read the NOFOs carefully in order to be in compliance with all requirements.
All grant decisions will be based upon multiple factors, including available funding.
To view last year’s FY25 Notices of Funding Opportunities, please click here.
Important Dates: Planning Grants
| Date | Item | Notes |
| Friday, March 13 (1pm) | (Optional) Virtual Planning Grant Information Session | Click to watch the recording |
| Wednesday, April 1 | Planning Grant Concept Paper Due |
Link to Submit the Concept Paper (Planning Grants must submit a Concept Paper in order to be considered to submit a full Planning Grant application) View instructions on submitting applications using the Volunteer NH Online Application System here |
| Wednesday, April 8 | Volunteer NH Notification of approval or rejection of Concept Paper | Applicants with approved Concept Papers will be invited to submit a full application. |
| Monday, April 20 | Planning Grant Application Training |
Approved organizations will receive the link to register for the training. Training will be required. |
| Tuesday, May 5 | Approved organizations’ applications due by 4pm. | |
| Friday, May 15 | Notification of approval or rejection of funding (along with next steps) | |
| August 1 (Tentative) | Start Date for approved Planning Grants | Date dependent on timely award approval. |
Important Dates: Program Grants
| Date | Item | Notes |
| Wednesday, April 8 | Intent to Apply due (4pm EDT) | Intent to Apply Link |
| Monday, April 13 | Notification of approval to submit full application | |
| Tuesday, May 5 | Applications due by 4pm | See the NOFO for more information. |
| Friday, May 15 | Notification of Approval or Rejection | Clarification requests may accompany notification. |
FY26 Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Planning Grants
An AmeriCorps Planning Grant is awarded by Volunteer NH to eligible organizations to spend up-to one year developing a full AmeriCorps program – including preparing member documents, securing community partners, and deciding the most appropriate member activities. No AmeriCorps members come with this grant.
Maximum Grant Request: $50,000
No past AmeriCorps experience is required to apply for a Planning Grant.
Application Documents & Resources
Applicants must review the above Notice to ensure full understanding of all application requirements.
Program Grants
An AmeriCorps Program Grant is awarded to an organization to operate a program with (typically) a minimum of 5 members serving full-time for a period of 10-12 months in New Hampshire communities (or potentially more AmeriCorps members serving in a less-than-full-time capacity).
Maximum Grant Request: The maximum amount requested is based upon the number and type of members in the program application.
Past Experience Required: All applicants to this competition must have already had experience operating an AmeriCorps program (in NH or elsewhere) or have successfully completed a Planning Grant with Volunteer NH.
If you think your organization is eligible to bypass the Planning Grant requirement, you must submit the Intent to Apply and provide the requested information to help Volunteer NH determine eligibility.
Application Documents & Resources
Applicants must review the above Notice to ensure full understanding of all application requirements.
Questions?
If you have questions, contact the appropriate Volunteer NH Staff Member:
For fiscal questions, contact Finance & Grants Officer, Lesley Rossi (Lesley@volunteernh.org)
For programmatic and all other non-fiscal questions, please contact Senior Program Officer, Andrea Johnston (Andrea@volunteernh.org) with a ‘cc to Program Officer, Emily Planchet (Emily@volunteernh.org)
Not Ready for a Grant Yet?
No problem! If your organization is looking for support but isn’t ready to operate a grant, there are other AmeriCorps resources you can benefit from.
Become an AmeriCorps Program Host Site
If your organization goals and activities align with an already-operating AmeriCorps program, you might be able to host one (or more) AmeriCorps members. Application processes vary, so make sure to reach out to the specific program’s contact. Click here to view current AmeriCorps programs.
Become a Project Site for an AmeriCorps Day of Service.
There are three days of service (in January, March, and September) where AmeriCorps members are asked to serve a half-to-a-full day in in their communities. Does your organization need painting, organizing, filing, or cleaning done? Let us know! Contact info@volunteernh.org to learn more.
Apply for an AmeriCorps NCCC Project
Does your organization have a short-term project (6-8 weeks) that a group 8-12 AmeriCorps members could work full-time on? Then consider submitting a concept paper for an NCCC project! Typical activities can include disaster-recovery, energry conservation, environmental stewardship, infrastructure improvement, and/or urban and rural development, and much more! Contact Alana Svensen (asvensen@cns.gov) to learn more.