AmeriCorps Funds Now Available from Serve Illinois Commission
Grants designed to improve and strengthen Illinois communities

[August 20, 2016]   SPRINGFIELD – The Serve Illinois Commission today announced that funding is available for agencies interested in administering AmeriCorps programs in Illinois. AmeriCorps programs are designed to improve education and health care, protect public safety, safeguard the environment, provide disaster relief, and promote civic engagement in communities across Illinois.

“Each year, AmeriCorps members dedicate a year of their lives to get things done in their communities,” 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.”

The Serve Illinois Commission administers the 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 32 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 of up to $5,815 to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training, or to pay off student loans. If the member is 55 years or older, they may transfer the education award to a child, grandchild, or foster child.

The Serve Illinois Commission will host mandatory webinars in September for agencies interested in applying for funding. Webinar details and information about the application process are available at www.Serve.Illinois.gov. Applications are due by December 2, 2016. Funded programs will begin work in July or August of 2017.

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. The Commission 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 over 2,500 volunteer opportunities in the state, please visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.

[Scott McFarland, Serve Illinois]