AmeriCorps Formula Fixed

The AmeriCorps Formula Fixed program is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services through its Office of Community and Positive Youth Development and the Serve Illinois Commission. This program operates as part of the broader AmeriCorps State and National initiative, which is a federally funded effort designed to improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote civic engagement through structured national service. The funding is provided as a federal pass-through grant and is intended to support organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in community-based service projects that address critical needs across Illinois. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enable eligible organizations to identify unmet community needs and address them through evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions. Programs funded under this opportunity are expected to focus on key issue areas such as education, economic opportunity, healthy futures, and support for veterans. Funded organizations will recruit, train, and manage AmeriCorps members who carry out direct service or capacity-building activities. These members may receive a living allowance and, upon successful completion of service, earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used for higher education or student loan repayment. The total estimated program funding is 500000 dollars, with approximately three awards anticipated. Individual awards are expected to range from 100000 to 150000 dollars. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity, and indirect costs are not allowable under the grant, although organizations must still complete an indirect cost rate election through the state system. The grant period is expected to begin no earlier than September 1, 2026, and run through August 31, 2027, with the possibility of up to two additional one-year renewals based on performance, funding availability, and compliance with reporting requirements. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad and includes non-federal entities such as nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, local governments, state governments, and tribal organizations. Applicants must meet several prequalification requirements, including registration in SAM.gov, possession of a Unique Entity Identifier, and good standing with relevant oversight bodies. Additional restrictions apply, including prohibitions on organizations with certain federal violations, unpaid federal tax liabilities, or lobbying activities under specific tax classifications. The application process requires submission of a complete application package via email, including a Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, a program narrative, a detailed budget, and supporting documentation. The program narrative is a critical component and must include sections such as an executive summary, program design and logic model, evidence base, organizational capacity, and cost effectiveness. Applications are evaluated through a merit-based review process on a 100-point scale, considering factors such as program design, evidence quality, organizational capability, and budget adequacy. While review panel scores are important, final funding decisions are made by the department and may consider additional strategic factors. Key dates for this opportunity include an application opening date of May 13, 2026, and a submission deadline of June 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST. A technical assistance session is scheduled for May 20, 2026, but attendance is optional. Awards are anticipated to be announced around August 15, 2026. Selected applicants will be required to comply with extensive reporting, performance monitoring, and administrative requirements throughout the grant period, including quarterly performance and financial reporting, participation in trainings, and adherence to federal and state regulations governing grant management.

Focus heavily on evidence-based program design and clearly align logic model with outcomes; ensure all required documents are complete as incomplete applications are not reviewed; demonstrate organizational capacity and strong member supervision structure