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News – Friday, September 28, 2018
AmeriCorps Funds Now Available from Serve Illinois
Grants designed to improve and strengthen Illinois communities
SPRINGFIELD – The Serve Illinois Commission (Serve Illinois) today announced that funding is available for agencies interested in administering AmeriCorps programs in the state. The grant places AmeriCorps members in communities to improve education and health care, protect public safety, safeguard the environment, provide disaster relief, and promote civic engagement through service. Last year, Serve Illinois’ AmeriCorps programs invested more than $87 million in Illinois communities and served nearly 400,000 people.
“Each year, AmeriCorps members dedicate a year of their lives to get things done in Illinois,” said Scott McFarland, Executive Director of the Serve Illinois Commission. “Members work with disadvantaged youth, veterans and their families, people with disabilities, the homeless, and many other individuals who need a helping hand to succeed.”
Serve Illinois administers AmeriCorps programs in Illinois and is charged with enhancing and supporting community volunteerism. Serve Illinois is funded by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service and currently supports 45 AmeriCorps programs throughout the state.
AmeriCorps members receive student loan deferment and training. Full-time members are also eligible to receive a modest living allowance and health insurance. Members who successfully complete their service receive an educational award to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training, or to pay off student loans. If the member is 55 or older, they may transfer the education award to a child, grandchild, or foster child.
Serve Illinois will host mandatory webinars in October. Webinar details and information about the application process are available at www.Serve.Illinois.gov. Applications are due by December 31, 2018. Funded programs will begin their work in July or August of 2019.
About Serve Illinois
The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40 member (25 voting and 15 non-voting), bi-partisan board appointed by the governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. Serve Illinois is accomplishing this mission through the support of local community-based efforts to enhance volunteer opportunities and the administration of Illinois’ AmeriCorps program. For more information on Serve Illinois, or to find one of more than 2,500 volunteer opportunities in the state, please visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.
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