$13M in Virginia AmeriCorps Funding

Governor McAuliffe today announced nearly $13 million in FY17 funding for Virginia through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). These federal funds will support more than 5,700 people of all ages and backgrounds as they help to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in Virginia. National service members serve through AmeriCorps, VISTA, Foster Grandparents, RSVP and Senior Companion programs at more than 660 locations throughout the state. Members serve in many of Virginia’s most impoverished communities providing vital support to schools, homeless shelters, youth centers, veteran service facilities, and other nonprofit organizations at a time of growing demand for services.

“Virginia’s national service members reflect the Commonwealth’s dedication to service and volunteerism that strengthen our communities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These grants will provide critical resources for our communities in need and give individuals better tools to engage in civic service across the state. As we work to create jobs and build a new Virginia economy, fostering a spirit of service and volunteerism is equally important to a future where every Virginia family can live, work and thrive here in our Commonwealth.”

As part of this public-private partnership approach, CNCS requires grantees to leverage additional resources to strengthen community impact and increase the return on the federal investment. For the coming year, the local cash and in-kind match will provide an additional $7 million to support national service in Virginia. In addition, AmeriCorps members who complete a full year of service can earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $5,775.

Recently the Virginia Service Commission, located at the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Office on Volunteerism and Community Services announced the following portfolio of Virginia AmeriCorps programs for 2016/17: