AmeriCorps 101 Key AmeriCorps Grant Terminology for Reviewers

1. AmeriCorps 101Key AmeriCorps Grant Terminology for Reviewers 2014 AmeriCorps External Review Training

2. Training Objectives • Describe CNCS’s AmeriCorps programs • Define basic AmeriCorps grant concepts and terminology • Identify AmeriCorps’ six Focus Areas • Describe the differences between the categories of AmeriCorps grant opportunities

3. Preview of Assessment Questions (Multiple Choice) • Which AmeriCorps program serves as a full-time residential program for men and women, ages 18-24, who are serving in short-term projects across the country? (Short Answer) • List the six AmeriCorps Focus Areas

4. AmeriCorps Programs

5. AmeriCorps is an Umbrella that Consists of Three Programs AmeriCorps NCCC AmeriCorps Vista AmeriCorps State and National

6. AmeriCorps Focus Areas • Environmental Stewardship Veterans and Military Families Healthy Futures Disaster Services Education Economic Opportunity

7. AmeriCorps Terms and Concepts

8. AmeriCorps Terms and Concepts (cont.)

9. Who are AmeriCorps Members? • Individuals enrolled for a specific term of service with an AmeriCorps program • Members are not volunteers or employees • Some AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance, health insurance, and child care assistance to support them during their term of service • AmeriCorps members receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successfully completing a term of service • All AmeriCorps members are subject to criminal history checks

10. Member Terminology • Member Service Year (MSY): One Member Service Year is equivalent to one full-time AmeriCorps member (not always equivalent to one person—see slot type below). AmeriCorps funds are contingent on the number of MSYs requested by the program. • AmeriCorps member term/slot type: There are five types of AmeriCorps member terms or slots: full time, half time, reduced half time, quarter time, and minimum time. (i.e. Two members with half-time slots can comprise one MSY.) The total MSYs a program requests depends on the number and type of slots/AmeriCorps member positions included in a particular program design.

11. AmeriCorps State & National Grants • Requires an applicant to propose an AmeriCorps program • Applicants submit an application explaining their program’s: • Program Design • Organizational Capability • Cost Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy • Other important submissions include a detailed budget, performance measures, and/or additional documents • As an External Reviewer, you will assess the Program Design.

12. AmeriCorps Program Design • Design/structure of AmeriCorps programs vary • Not prescriptive or cookie-cutter • Members can provide their service with the organization receiving the AmeriCorps grant, or Members could be placed at community organizations by the grant recipient • Members can serve as a team on a single project, or Members could be placed individually or in small groups on various projects • Members serve as teachers, health care providers, police officers, engineers, or other professionals in communities where there is an inadequate number of such professionals

13. Categories of Funding for 2014 AmeriCorps Review • AmeriCorps State Grants • National Direct Grants • Education Award Programs (EAP) Fixed Amount Grants • Professional Corps Grants • US Territories and Indian Tribe Grants

14. AmeriCorps State • State grants address needs within one state • Single state programs must contact their State Service Commission to apply for AmeriCorps funding • AmeriCorps National grant programs address community needs in at least two states

15. National Direct Grants • National grants address needs in a multi-state area • Grantee has relationships with entities in different states that will operate the local programs

16. Education Award Programs • Funded directly by CNCS or through State Commissions • Are separate fixed-amount type grants • May enroll less-than-full-time members in addition to full-time members • Receives minimal financial support from the AmeriCorps grant and has fewer fiscal reporting requirements

17. Professional Corps Grants • Grants are awarded to organizations that propose to operate a Professional Corps program in a single or multiple states

18. US Territories and Indian Tribe Grants • Indian Tribes Program • Per CNCS’ legislation, a minimum of 1% of funds for AmeriCorps programs is set aside for Tribal applicants • Indian Tribes can also submit applications for any of the other grant programs. • States and Territories w/out Commissions • Applicants from these locations can apply directly to CNCS • CNMI • US Virgin Islands

19.  Wrap Up • Describe CNCS’s AmeriCorps program • Define basic AmeriCorps grant concepts and terminology • Identify AmeriCorps’ six Focus Areas • Describe the differences between the categories of AmeriCorps grant opportunities

20. Assessment • To check for understanding  and to verify that you have completed this orientation session, please complete the Assessment at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/americorps101