The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism announces today $4.8 million in AmeriCorps grants to increase the impact of 15 organizations addressing critical community needs in Maryland.
“Over the past year, Maryland’s AmeriCorps programs have accomplished great things and I am pleased that with this funding, a new class of AmeriCorps members will continue to improve our communities and grow as individuals,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I thank the Corporation for National and Community Service for their continued support of programs that serve our state’s most critical needs.”
The 2011-2012 Maryland AmeriCorps*State portfolio consists of programs funded through a national grant competition and those funded through a formula allotment from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Six programs were successful in the national competition, bringing in over $2.5 million, and nine additional programs will be funded with the $2.3 million that Maryland receives based on its population. In addition, one agency will receive a $25,000 planning grant to explore the feasibility of launching an AmeriCorps program in the future.
These grants will support nearly 1,100 AmeriCorps members who will serve in Maryland to strengthen education, provide disaster services, assist veterans and military families, preserve the environment, expand health services, and foster economic opportunity. A complete list of 2011-2012 AmeriCorps programs is available here.
The AmeriCorps grants will support statewide and local nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local government agencies. AmeriCorps members supported by these grants will earn Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to help pay for college or to pay back student loans. Most of the AmeriCorps positions announced today will be available starting in the fall. Interested individuals can learn more about applying to become an AmeriCorps member at www.GOSV.maryland.gov/americorps.html.
The current year’s AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive, due to the strong and growing demand by organizations seeking AmeriCorps resources and a significant cut in AmeriCorps grant funding. In Maryland, organizations requested more than twice the number of grant dollars than could be funded.
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