Announcing Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits and Cities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2024

CONTACT: Betsy Shelton
515-349-4704
[email protected]

Announcing Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits and Cities

Funding will support local governments and nonprofits to engage volunteers to meet local needs

Des Moines, Iowa - Applications are now open for three "Training + Implementation Funding" programs to empower change through volunteer engagement, culminating in a 9/11 Day of Service. Ten organizations will be selected for each opportunity. At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that volunteering is a cornerstone of strong, vibrant communities. When nonprofits and cities harness the power of volunteers effectively, they can achieve extraordinary results.

1. Service Enterprise Program: Funding of up to $4,000 and access to a national, research-based organizational accreditation program in volunteer engagement designed to empower nonprofits to extend their mission and budget through strategic volunteer engagement. Application deadline is November 15, 2024.
2. City Volunteer Engagement Initiative: Specially tailored for cities and municipalities, this cohort-based program provides training and $4,000 to support city staff to develop, implement, and enhance volunteer engagement strategies that align with their unique needs and objectives. Application deadline is January 30th, 2025.
3. Youth Service Board Development: Each awarded organization will receive$3,000 to develop a youth service board at their organization. This youth board will collaborate and plan a September 11th Day of Service for 9/11/2025 that inspires other youth in the community to volunteer and launch others into service beyond that day. Application deadline is December 13th, 2024.

Each program includes comprehensive training and capacity building, implementation funding, and individualized coaching. Participants will implement what they learn and host a 9/11 Day of Service in their community. For more information, contact [email protected].

This funding was made available through a Days of Service grant from AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps partners with local community organizations to help improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance grant funding is to mobilize more Americans to engage in service activities that meet vital community needs and honor the sacrifice of those who lost their lives or family members on September 11, 2001, or who rose in service as a result of that tragedy.

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About Volunteer Iowa
Volunteer Iowa and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts. The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa's greatest areas of need. The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base. Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building the volunteer infrastructure. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org.

About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation's most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.