Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 AmeriCorps Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

The AmeriCorps Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service grant program is a federal funding opportunity designed to support organizations in mobilizing volunteers to address critical community needs while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. AmeriCorps, established as the federal agency responsible for national service initiatives, administers this program as part of its broader mission to strengthen communities, improve lives, and promote civic engagement. The MLK Day of Service, observed annually on the third Monday in January, is positioned as a national day of volunteerism, encouraging individuals and organizations to commit to ongoing service beyond a single day. The purpose of this funding is to support projects that bring people together in meaningful service activities that address pressing local challenges. Funded initiatives are expected to organize volunteer-driven events that either occur on MLK Day or within approximately one week of the holiday. These projects should not only provide immediate community benefits but also foster long-term volunteer engagement. AmeriCorps emphasizes programming that serves economically disadvantaged communities, addresses urgent needs, and incorporates strategies for volunteer recruitment, training, and retention. Projects are also expected to align with evidence-based volunteer engagement practices, including structured onboarding, supervision, and recognition. Funding under this opportunity is provided through cost-reimbursement grants, with AmeriCorps contributing up to 30 percent of the total program budget. Applicants are required to provide a 70 percent match, which may include both cash and in-kind contributions. Award amounts are expected to range from 100000 to 500000 dollars, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed activities. Grants are anticipated to span a three-year period of performance, although funding is awarded initially on a one-year basis with continuation contingent upon appropriations and satisfactory performance. Eligible applicants include a wide range of non-federal entities such as nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and state service commissions. Applicants must meet federal eligibility requirements, including maintaining an active System for Award Management registration and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. Organizations must also demonstrate compliance with federal regulations and must not have outstanding legal or financial disqualifications, such as unpaid federal taxes or violations of federal criminal statutes. The application process requires submission through the AmeriCorps eGrants system and includes several key components: a Standard Form 424, an executive summary, and narrative sections covering program design, organizational capability, and budget adequacy. Applications are limited to eight double-spaced pages for core narrative sections. Additional required documents include an Operational and Financial Management Survey and, where applicable, documentation for Tribal eligibility. Applicants must ensure all materials are submitted by the stated deadline, as late submissions are generally not accepted without documented extenuating circumstances. Applications are evaluated based on program design, organizational capacity, and cost-effectiveness, with program design carrying the greatest weight. Reviewers assess how well the proposed project uses volunteers to meet community needs, aligns with the goals of the MLK Day of Service, and demonstrates a sustainable approach to volunteer engagement. AmeriCorps also conducts risk assessments and considers past performance, financial stability, and compliance history. Successful applicants are expected to report on volunteer engagement metrics and project outcomes, including both episodic and ongoing volunteer participation. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is May 4, 2026, with award notifications anticipated in July 2026 and funding issued in August 2026. AmeriCorps provides technical assistance resources and maintains a dedicated contact email for applicant inquiries. This funding opportunity is issued annually, reflecting its alignment with the recurring MLK Day of Service, and organizations are encouraged to plan for future cycles of participation and sustained community impact.

Align program design strongly with community needs and volunteer engagement strategies; demonstrate clear infrastructure for volunteer retention and measurable outcomes; ensure budget aligns precisely with narrative