Washington, D.C. -The Corporation for National and Community Service announced plans to make $3.5 million in grants to national organizations that support youth from disadvantaged circumstances.

The Corporation anticipates making at least two grants. The first, for approximately $2.5 million, will go to the nonprofit organization that best demonstrates its plan and ability to mobilize volunteers, identify resources, and support other youth-serving organizations as part of a national agenda to help children and youth. The second grant of approximately $1 million will support a national nonprofit that will bring volunteers and other community resources into local schools on a national scale. Both grants are eligible for renewed funding in their second and third years, depending on performance and availability of funds.

“We are all about improving lives through service and volunteering, and there can be no higher calling for volunteers than to stand shoulder to shoulder with children who have the odds so steeply stacked against them,” said Corporation CEO David Eisner. “In school and out of school, and on the national, state and local levels, these grants are part of our strategy to put the critical needs of these children first and foremost on American citizen’s service agenda.”

The competition is open to national nonprofit organizations that have ongoing, demonstrable relationships with youth-serving organizations or public school systems in at least 10 states. Prospective applicants should notify the Corporation of their intent to apply by submitting an email to youth@cns.gov by 5 p.m. Eastern on July 8. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Eastern on July 29.

To create and submit an application, access e-Grants at http://www.nationalservice.gov/egrants. To read the full text of this announcement, please click here.

On July 1 and July 10, The Corporation will host technical assistance calls to answer questions about this funding opportunity. Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate. Call information is posted at the website listed above.

The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year the Corporation engages more than four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet local needs through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, VISTA, NCCC, and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

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