People Power
Ready to get things done for your organization and community? Government agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations can partner with existing AmeriCorps programs or apply for grants to become their own program in Rhode Island. Contact ServeRI for assistance navigating your options and join our community of changemakers.
Partnerships
Multi-state and local AmeriCorps projects act as intermediaries and partner with host sites to supervise AmeriCorps members. ServeRI maintains a list of RI programs and potential multi-state partners.
ServeRI AmeriCorps Grants
In the ServeRI annual grant competition, organizations identify their community needs and design an AmeriCorps program that will leverage people power as a solution.
AmeriCorps Regional Resources
Through the Office of the Northeast Region, AmeriCorps administers AmeriCorps Seniors, AmeriCorps NCCC, and AmeriCorps VISTA. Follow the link to learn more or reach out to ri@cns.gov.
Become a Program
If you want to become an AmeriCorps program, here's what you need to know:
Applying to become an AmeriCorps program requires a grant application from a nonprofit organization, school district (LEA), institution of higher education, local or state government agency, or Native American Tribe. The grant application will include a narrative section that describes the community problem, the proposed service activities, and the outcomes for individuals or the community – a change in knowledge, behavior, or condition. ServeRI asks applicants to not only address a community need, but to develop a plan to train and support AmeriCorps participants, called members, to transition to future careers or educational opportunities. The application also includes a budget that outlines how many AmeriCorps members the program is requesting and other program expenses. AmeriCorps programs are required to secure a certain percentage of matching funds of the amount they are requesting from AmeriCorps. , and they are required to request of a minimum of 10 AC members. The organization is strongly encouraged to hire a full-time Program Director to manage the AmeriCorps program operations and the grant requirements.
An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.
