2010-2011 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Application:

2010_americorps_kansas_application_instructions_americorps_state_formula (PDF)
2010_americorps_kansas_application_instructions_americorps_state_formula (Microsoft Word)

Match:
Please note that an AmeriCorps grant requires in-kind and/or cash match.  Each program must apply for funding every year.  The first year you are funded the match level is 24% overall.  This level of match remains the same for the next two years.  After three years of being funded the match incrementally increases as follows:  year four 26%; year five 30%; year six 34%; year seven 38%; year eight 42%; year nine 46%; year 10 and up 50% .

AmeriCorps Program:
Please be cognizant of the fact that you will be applying to run an AmeriCorps program.  The program receives funding for the purpose of recruiting AmeriCorps members and meeting a proven community need via the service of these members; as well as providing for the continuous development of the members. 

Potential applicants may wish to review the Program Start Up Guide to get an overall picture of the process.  In planning out a proposed program year be aware that a program director will need to be designated/hired. 

The program director will be expected to attend four quarterly meetings and communicate regularly with the Kansas Volunteer Commission.  They will be responsible for providing training for their members and site supervisors, and will generally oversee the program, being sure it is in compliance with relevant federal regulations.  Further they will report to the KVC on a quarterly basis both on a programmatic and fiscal basis (though fiscal reporting is often delegated to fiscal personnel).  The program's progress will be reported upon directly in relationship to performance measures which the program will create. 

Civic Engagement
In AmeriCorps it is important to remember that a program is aiming to make a positive impact on a local community AND the program's own members.  An AmeriCorps member ideally will end their service a better person and stronger American citizen, with a lifelong commitment to community service.  Strong programs will have an emphasis on fostering civic engagment.  Civic engagement, is, in a sense, a feeling of connection with the local community and nation.  It can include, among other things, participation in activities such as volunteerism, academic service-learning, community service, voting and encouraging others to vote, etc.  Planned member development should focus on fostering civic engagement with their members.  You may read more about civic engagement here.

Competitive Funded Grants
(Closed)  (This type of funding is only available to programs sent forward to a national competition by the Kansas Volunteer Commission; most programs are all funded from a formula block grant that the KVC receives.)  The NOFO is provided here only as a point of reference for interested readers:
2010_notice_of_federal_funding_opportunity (PDF)
2010_notice_of_federal_funding_opportunity (Microsoft Word)

Provisions/Regulations
All AmeriCorps programs must operate in compliance with federal regulations and provisions, as well as OMB Circulars and requirements of the Kansas Volunteer Commission:
 AmeriCorps Provisions and Federal Regulations

Who can apply
State and local nonprofit organizations, community and faith-based organizations, educational institutions, state and local governments, territories, may apply.

Selection Criteria
Program Design, Organizational Capacity, Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy
- Successful applicants must prove, via objective sources, there is a local unmet community need.  They will then propose a program design, utilizing AmeriCorps members' service that will meet that need.  In addition the applicant must be able to show that the host fiscal agent has the capability of running a federally funded program.  Finally, a reasonable and cost effective proposed budget which complies with the application's guidelines must be submitted.

Information about AmeriCorps
  americorps_101
  americorps_201
 
Information regarding eGrants
All AmeriCorps*Kansas grant applicants must submit their application online through eGrants (http://www.nationalservice.org/egrants/). Instructions for how to apply appear in the RFP. Please contact our office, 785-368-6207 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , if you have any questions, or contact the eGrants Help Desk at 888-677-7849 or 202-606-7506 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

eGrants is an online grant application and administration system through the Corporation for National and Community Service. All programs seeking funding through the KVC must first download the AmeriCorps*Kansas Nofo and Application documents, then submit their application through eGrants, per the instructions, at http://www.nationalservice.org/egrants/.

eGrants Help Web Site
https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/webhelp/!SSL!/WebHelp/eGrants.htm 

FAQs 

five_preliminary_considerations_for_starting_an_americorps_program

What is the timeline of the application process?
There are two types of applications with two different windows of opportunity, competitive and formula.  Competitive applications are those that are selected by the KVC to go into a national competition for funding; versus formula funding applicants which is strictly a statewide competition.  The competitive window closed November 17, 2009.
 
Formula applicants must submit their applications into eGrants in April 8, 2010 ,no later than 4 p.m. Central Standard Time.  Formula award announcements will be take place in early June, with specific date to be determined.

Can for-profit organizations host AmeriCorps members?
No, federal regulations prohibit AmeriCorps members from providing a direct benefit to for-profit businesses.
 

The application talks about a 3 year cycle, do I need to apply every year?
Yes, although the application describes a three year cycle you will need to apply every year.  What is more, although you may broadly plan for three year cycle the performance measure targets you pick to prove your success must apply to each individual year.   

BUDGET

What's the limit on the total amount I can request?

The main limit to the total amount would be that you can only have $13,000 per Member Service Year (MSY).  The term MSY and how to calculate it is explained in the application. (There are other limits within the budget itself, such as the 5% administrative cap.) Obviously another limitation would be the amount of match you are able to provide. 

If I am approved for funding will I get the full amount I proposed?

There may be budget adjustments.  The Kansas Volunteer Commission reserves the right to partially fund programs and request budget changes. 

Is cost per Member Service Year a factor in consideration of an application for funding?

Generally, a lower cost per MSY will make your program more attractive but it is not the only factor in determining funding.

FISCAL AGENT AS APPLICANT

Can we be a fiscal agent and contract with a non-profit to provide program support?

Yes, but this must be made clear in the application. The Organizational Capability section of the application will give you an opportunity to outline your ability to be a fiscal agent; your strengths and experiences with other federal grants.

HOST SITES

What if we aren’t sure which sites we will be working with yet?

You may still apply and outline your plans.  However, bear in mind that it will be very important to have the sites to carry out your program as planned.  If a site falls through after you receive your award you could end up not being able to place all members.  Confirmed sites will make your application more competitive.  

Do we have to keep the same sites throughout the three year grant cycle?

No, we recognize that changes may occur however any changes must still comply with your program design.

MEMBERS

Does it matter if I want part time members instead of full time?

No, however the type of members you propose must fit the program design (i.e., can you accomplish what you propose with only part time members?). You can also have different types of member slots (full time, half time, etc.) in your program.  Remember, though, that full time members have to have a minimum living allowance of $11,800 and have to be provided health insurance.

When do enrollment periods for members end?

It depends on when you start your program.  Most programs start August 1st or September 1st and end the following July 31st or August 31st, respectively.  The enrollment periods (start date/end date) for members must be within the program year.  Programs set a final enrollment date for each slot type during contract negotiations. All members must be enrolled with an adequate amount of time to complete their terms by the end of your program year, regardless of when you enroll them so plan accordingly.

Does the KVC offer any assistance with grant writing?
Yes, please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions about your applications.   Full scale review of applications will not take place until after the application has been officially submitted.

Jonathan Loppnow,  AmeriCorps*Kansas Program Officer
Kansas Volunteer Commission
Kansas State Department of Education
120 SE 10th Ave
Topeka, KS 66612
785.368.6232 (phone)
785.368.6284 (fax)