The mission of AmeriCorps, officially known as the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps engages millions of Americans in a variety of service programs across many sectors, aiming to meet community and national challenges through service and volunteer action.
The Engage Arkansas AmeriCorps funding program supports Arkansas nonprofits, higher education institutions, local and state governments, and tribal agencies in engaging AmeriCorps members to implement evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions/practices aimed at strengthening communities. This grant focuses on critical community needs in areas such as education, disaster services, health, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and support for veterans and military families. AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance and other benefits, with an education award provided upon successful completion of service. The application process includes submitting an organizational readiness assessment and a concept paper as a preliminary qualifying round. Planning grants are also available for organizations exploring the feasibility of hosting an AmeriCorps program, and operational grants are awarded for recruiting, training, and managing AmeriCorps members.