On August 27, 2009, the Corporation for National and Community Service announced the availability of $500,000 for planning grants to assist national organizations and Indian tribes in developing new AmeriCorps programs.

The purpose of planning grants is to support the development of AmeriCorps programs so applicants are better prepared to compete for a multi-state AmeriCorps grant in the following grant cycle. Two competitions are being held. National Planning Grants are available for organizations that are interested in applying for AmeriCorps funding for a program that will operate in two or more states. Indian Tribes Planning Grants are available to federally recognized Indian Tribes. Funding is contingent upon appropriations, and is estimated to be $250,000 for each competition.

The national planning grants will be available to public or private nonprofit organizations, including labor organizations; faith-based and other community organizations; institutions of higher education; government entities within states or territories Indian Tribes; or partnerships or consortia operating in more than one state are eligible. Community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and intermediary organizations operating in more than one state are encouraged to apply for planning grants.

These grants are awarded for 12 months. They may not be used to support AmeriCorps members, and applicants must not have previously received a multi-state or Indian Tribes AmeriCorps grant. Contingent upon appropriations, the grants will be awarded by May 1, 2010 so that successful applicants will have a full year to prepare for their competitive application which will be due in January of 2012, again contingent upon appropriations.

Applications are due 5:00 ET Tuesday, January 26, 2010. For further information, applications instructions and FAQs, please visit the New Funding Opportunities page on the Corporation’s website at www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa.asp. For a printed copy of the notice, or to ask questions about the program, call 202-606-7508, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .