Iowa Community Corps AmeriCorps Program

The Iowa Community Corps AmeriCorps Application is administered by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services as part of a statewide initiative connected to the national AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federally supported service program that engages individuals in structured service terms to address critical community needs. Through this initiative, selected host sites receive AmeriCorps member placements rather than direct monetary grants, and members receive a living allowance and education award directly from the AmeriCorps program. The Iowa Community Corps specifically focuses on strengthening community health access by embedding trained service members into local organizations. The purpose of this opportunity is to expand the capacity of community-based organizations and local government agencies to address social determinants of health. Host sites partner with the program to design service roles that align with community needs, particularly in areas such as food security, resource navigation, and youth mental health. Members serve as Community Health Workers, helping individuals connect to healthcare, food assistance, and other essential services. These roles are designed to both provide direct services and build long-term organizational capacity through systems improvement and community engagement. Funding under this program is structured as member placements rather than traditional grant awards, and there is no stated limit on the number of placements or total funding range. Host sites are required to contribute a match fee to support member benefits, with amounts varying depending on the service term selected. Allowable activities include direct service such as outreach, education, and resource distribution, as well as indirect service such as capacity building and volunteer coordination. However, strict restrictions apply, including prohibitions on political, religious, and fundraising activities, and members may not replace existing staff or volunteers. Eligibility is broad and includes community-based organizations, nonprofit entities, local government agencies, and other service providers capable of hosting AmeriCorps members. Examples include community health clinics, food pantries, libraries, churches, and public health agencies. Selected host sites must provide supervision, submit required reports, approve timesheets, and ensure compliance with program requirements. Supervisors are also required to participate in orientation and ongoing training, reflecting the structured and compliance-driven nature of the program. The application process requires organizations to first review the official program description document and then submit their application through the WebGrants system. While specific application components are not fully detailed in the provided materials, applicants are expected to propose service roles aligned with program priorities and demonstrate their ability to supervise and support AmeriCorps members. There is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent, and the process appears to be a single-stage submission. The timeline for this opportunity includes an application deadline of June 30, 2026, with award announcements expected on July 20, 2026. The performance period runs from approximately late September 2026 through August 31, 2027, with a broader project window beginning July 20, 2026. Selected host sites will collaborate with the program to recruit members prior to the start date. The opportunity is not listed as recurring, and no future cycles are explicitly described. Program oversight is provided by a designated program officer who serves as the primary point of contact for applicants.

Ensure strong alignment with priority service areas such as food security, resource navigation, and youth mental health; clearly demonstrate organizational capacity to supervise and support AmeriCorps members