AmeriCorps

PURPOSE
The AmeriCorps program provides eligible applicants with the human resources for addressing their most pressing civic problems, while giving individuals an opportunity to serve their communities in exchange for an education stipend.

ATHORIZATION
42 U.S.C. § 12511 et seq.

ELIGIBLE AREAS
Statewide.

PROGRAM BENEFITS/ELIGIBLE USES
The Missouri Community Service Commission (MCSC) administers the program in the areas of education, human needs, public safety, and the environment. Programs typically begin in the Fall of each year. AmeriCorps members/participants may commit to a one-year term of service. At the successful completion of that service, the participant receives an education award ($4,725 for full time service).

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Any not-for-profit organization, unit of local or state government, school, college, or university can apply for AmeriCorps funding.

FUNDING LIMITS
Missouri receives a formula allotment of approximately $1.5 million annually from the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Missouri Community Service Commission encourages applicants to structure programs no larger than 16 full-time equivalent AmeriCorps members, or federal budgets of about $200,000.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The MCSC accepts applications each Spring and reviews each application according to published criteria. Funding decisions are made in the Spring on a competitive basis.

Preference for new programs will be given to areas of the state that are currently unserved or underserved, including the Bootheel Region, South

Central Region and all counties north of the Missouri River. In addition, preference will be given to areas whose school districts have lost or are in danger of losing their accreditation.

CONTACT
Missouri Department of Economic Development
Division of Business and Community Services
Missouri Community Service Commission
301 West High Street, Room 770
P.O. Box 118
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-7488 Fax: 573-526-0463
E-mail: americorps@ded.mo.gov
Web site: www.movolunteers.org