What is AmeriCorps??
 The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through AmeriCorps. The Virginia Commission for National & Community Service falls under the guidance of the Corporation for National and Community Service and funds agencies and nonprofit organizations throughout the Commonwealth. Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Corporation has made funding available to organizations whose focus includes homeland security. An AmeriCorps program consists of a team of volunteers set up within an organization who commit to a year of part-time or full-time service. For their service to their community, members, or volunteers, receive a monthly living allowance and are eligible for an education award at the end of their service term. The partnership of Virginia Corps with AmeriCorps will ultimately strengthen the effort of homeland security within the Commonwealth. 

Funding Opportunities 
The various AmeriCorps funding opportunities are listed below:

AmeriCoros State
 Who Can Apply: State and local non-profit organizations can apply as a planning grant
 Program Purpose: To engage AmeriCorps members in providing direct service to address unmet community needs.
 
For An Application: VA Commission for National & Community Service, #804.726.7064

 Match Requirement: 15% cash match for AmeriCorps member support cost; 33% cash or in-kind match of the overall operating costs

 Application Deadline: TBA 
 AmeriCorps Education Award
 Who Can Apply: Local non-profit organizations, state and local units of government, national non-profits, multi-state collaborations. Institutions of higher education and state education agencies may apply to the
 
State Commission or directly to the Corporation
 Program Purpose: Same as AmeriCorps State and includes summer programs, and college-based programs

 For An Application: VA Commission for National & Community, #804.726.7064 or Corporation for National and Community Service, #202-606-5000 ext. 417

Match Requirement: Programs cover all costs with the exception of the education awards and up to $400 per full-time equivalent

 Application Deadline: February 2004 (exact date TBA)
 AmeriCorps National Direct
 Who Can Apply: National non-profit organizations that operate in two or more states (such as the American Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity). Programs apply directly to the Corporation for National & Community Service.
 
Program Purpose: Same as AmeriCorp State
 
For An Application: Corporation for National and Community Service #202-606-5000, ext. 163 or go to:
 www.americorps.org/resou rces/04ACNationalAppl icationinstructions. pdf
 Match Requirement: 15% cash match for AmeriCorps member support cost and 33% cash or in-kind match of the overall operating program costs.
 Application Deadline: March 2, 2004 by 5:00 PM