1. 1 Michigan’s AmeriCorps 2006-2007 Application Process

2. 2 CNCS Federal Agency that administers All National Service Programs AmeriCorps Learn and Serve Senior Corps Special Initiatives and Days of Service www.nationalservice.gov

3. 3 Michigan Community Service Commission Our mission is to build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.

4. 4 Michigan Community Service Commission Administers the Following Programs: Michigan’s AmeriCorps Learn and Serve – Michigan Mentor Michigan Governor’s Service Awards Citizen Corps

5. 5 Agenda Overview of AmeriCorps Available Funding Application Process Questions

6. 6 What is AmeriCorps? National Service Program (Domestic Peace Corps) Programs focus on community needs in one of four areas: Education, Environment, Public Safety, Homeland Security, or Human Needs Members serve in programs and provide direct service to address community need. Program goals include: Needs and Service Activities Strengthening Communities Participant Development

7. 7 AmeriCorps at the National Level Administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Established in 1993 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve each year nationwide Different AmeriCorps Programs AmeriCorps State: Michigan’s AmeriCorps AmeriCorps*VISTA AmeriCorps National Direct AmeriCorps NCCC

8. 8 Where AmeriCorps Funding Comes From Federal legislation reauthorizes funds to National Service Programs, including AmeriCorps The CNCS administers the federal dollars as mandated in legislation Applicants from all states compete for a pool of dollars Programs meeting national priorities given preference Michigan receives set amount of dollars Based on population Programs meeting state priorities given preference

9. 9 AmeriCorps at the State Level The MCSC is the administrative agent for Michigan’s AmeriCorps.

10. 10 Michigan’s AmeriCorps Facts 21 programs in Michigan in 05-06 Over 900 members serving Members serve between 1700 hours and 300 hours over 12 months Each program must have the equivalent of 10 full-time members

11. 11 What to expect… AmeriCorps is…. People power A team of members addressing a compelling need A way to leverage local & federal resources AmeriCorps is not… A staffing program A one person team Cheap labor A way to fund your organization A bricks & mortar grant

12. 12 Funds Available for 2006-2007 Amount of funding has not yet been determined Expecting $1.2 Million to fund programs Selected programs will begin Fall 2006

13. 13 Program Models Program Design is determined by applicant Single Site Model Multi-site Model Local, Regional, Statewide Education Award Only Model

14. 14 Funding Priorities Mentoring Early Childhood Education/Development Service to Schools Not Making AYP Health/Physical Fitness Engaging Baby Boomers in Service *Funding not exclusive to priority areas

15. 15 Program and Grant Size Programs must request a minimum of 10 full-time members or equivalent (FTE) Target average federal cost per FTE should not exceed $12,600. Grant size is determined by size of the program. Grant size may be limited based on funding availability

16. 16 Eligible Applicants Educational institutions Government/State Entities Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)3 status Must be in existence for at least 3 years.

17. 17 Match Requirements Program Operational Costs require at least a 33% cash or in-kind match. Member Support costs require at least 15% non-federal cash match. First three years of funding: Member Support 85/15% (MCSC/Grantee) Program Operation 67/33% (MCSC/Grantee) Fourth year and beyond Match increase subject to Federal and State policy

18. 18 Prohibited Activities Members are prohibited from engaging in: Lobbying, religious instruction, advocacy, and some fundraising Other prohibited activities detailed in application guidelines

19. 19 Member Eligibility, Recruitment & Selection Members are recruited, selected and trained by each individual program. Must be at least 17, possess high school diploma / GED (or agree to work towards it) or equivalent, and be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident alien. Meet any additional qualifications as determined by the program.

20. 20 Member Terms of Service Members serve Full time (1,700 hours within a 9 to 12 month period), Half Time (900 hours), Reduced Half Time (675 hours), Quarter Time (450 hours), or Minimum time/summer-only (300 hours). Members must complete term of service within 12 months. Members can serve additional terms, but will only receive 2 education awards.

21. 21 Who is AmeriCorps? Michigan’s AmeriCorps member statistics based on a 2002-2003 statewide survey: Average member age is 28 Gender breakdown: 75% Female, 25% Male Educational level Some College: 51% Bachelor’s Degree: 22% High School Diploma/GED: 19% Master’s Degree/Higher: 5% Less than high school: 1%

22. 22 Who is AmeriCorps? Ethnic breakdown: White: 57% African American: 34% Hispanic/Latino: 3% Asian Pacific Islander: 3% Other: 2% Native American/Alaskan Native: 1% Reasons for joining Michigan’s AmeriCorps Help People: 57% Get Education Award: 36% Work with diverse groups: 34% Interest in a specific issue: 16% Explore future Jobs: 10%

23. 23 Who is AmeriCorps? How applicants heard about AmeriCorps Internet: 28% Members/Program Directors: 17% Flyer/Poster: 17% AmeriCorps Alumni: 8% Church: 5% College/University: 4% Full-time vs. Part-time members Full-time:65% Less than full-time: 35%

24. 24 2005-2006 Michigan’s AmeriCorps Grantees American Red Cross Baraga-Houghton- Keweenaw ISD Catholic Family Services Char-Em ISD City Year Detroit Connect Michigan Alliance The Guidance Center MSU Extension 4-H Good Samaritan Ministries Ionia County ISD Jumpstart Michigan Marquette-Alger RESA Michigan Habitat for Humanity Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program University of Michigan Michigan Campus Compact Michigan Primary Care Association Camp Fire USA Communities in Schools Boys and Girls Club Volunteer Muskegon!

25. 25 Member Benefits Living Stipend Full-Time (min./max.) $10,900- $21,800 Other member living stipends prorated Federal funds cover up to 85% of minimum living allowance Health Care (FT Only) Child Care (FT Only) Training

26. 26 Educational Award Levels $4,725 full-time $2,362 part-time $1,800 reduced half-time $1,250 quarter-time $1,000 minimum time/summer only

27. 27 Programs must develop and track service outcomes that: Are specific and measurable Are not already provided with existing funds or volunteers Do not duplicate the functions of existing workers, or displace paid employees Michigan’s AmeriCorps Needs and Service Activities

28. 28 Requirements for Tutoring Programs  Apply to all programs with academic focus  Curriculum must be high-quality and research based  Tutors must have high school diploma or equivalent  Pre- and in-service tutor training required  Appropriate member supervision by individuals with tutoring expertise  Identify strategies/tools to assess student progress and measure student outcomes

29. 29 Participant Development Citizenship: Develop lifelong ethic of service. Training: Supervision & Training must be provided. Required Hours: Up to 20% of member hours can be devoted to training. Opportunities: Provide Leadership opportunities for members and encourage personal growth.

30. 30 Strengthening Communities Programs strengthen communities by: Mobilizing Community Assets Generating Volunteers Involving the Community Engaging diverse staff and AmeriCorps members

31. 31 Program Expectations All AmeriCorps programs: Generate volunteers Provide citizenship training to members Measure and account for impact Partner with faith-based and small community-based organizations

32. 32 Other Requirements & Responsibilities Program Provides: Member Contract Grievance Procedure Evaluation/ Outcome measurement Identification (Site and Member) Site agreements Programs Also: Supervise sites Report on program and financial activities Attend monthly director meetings Participate in statewide events

33. 33 2006-2007 Application Process Submission Instructions Intent to Apply Forms due October 14 Concept Paper due October 31 to MCSC One bound original and five bound copies Title Page Past Accomplishments Program Narrative Budget Form and Budget Narrative Latest Financial Audit Submission Checklist

34. 34 Selection Criteria Rationale and Approach (10%) Member Outputs and Outcomes (20%) Community Outputs and Outcomes (20%) Organizational Capability (25%) Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (25%)

35. 35 2006-2007 Application Process Concept Paper due October 31, 2005 Peer and Staff Review Comprehensive Grant Application Due January 3, 2006 Funding decisions announced May 2006 New programs required to complete summer-long planning phase Programs start fall 2006

36. 36 Budget Overview Budget form & Instructions in Appendix, page 42 All program expenses must be recorded in budget and budget narrative

37. 37 For More Information on AmeriCorps Visit: www.americorps.gov www.michigan.gov/mcsc

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