AmeriCorps Performance Measures Instructions

AmeriCorps State and National

2023 
2

Table of Contents

AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measure Requirements.........................................3

AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures Selection Rules .....................................4

CAPACITY BUILDING ....................................................................................................................... 13

DISASTER SERVICES......................................................................................................................... 14

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY............................................................................................................ 16

EDUCATION...................................................................................................................................... 18

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP................................................................................................. 21

HEALTHY FUTURES .......................................................................................................................... 25

VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES............................................................................................. 28

Appendix A: Understanding MSY and Member Allocations ....................................................... 29

Appendix B: Performance Measures Checklist............................................................................. 35

Appendix C: Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................... 37
3 

AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measure Requirements

All applications must include at least one aligned performance measure (output paired with outcome) 

that corresponds to the proposed primary intervention. This may be a National Performance Measure 

or an applicant-determined measure depending on the program’s theory of change. Applications may 

also include National Performance Measure outputs without associated outcome(s) provided that the 

output measures a significant program activity. These output-only measures do not fulfill the 

requirement for an aligned performance measure but may be selected in addition to the aligned 

measure(s).

All performance measures must reflect significant program activities whose outputs and outcomes are 

consistent with the applicant’s core theory of change. Applicants are not expected to have 

performance measures for every program activity. AmeriCorps does not require applicants to use 

National Performance Measures but expects them to do so if National Performance Measures reflect 

key outputs and/or outcomes of the theory of change. Applicants may not create applicant 

determined outputs or outcomes that duplicate existing National Performance Measures. 

All performance measures, including output-only measures, must be associated with one or more 

interventions (service activities). Applicants are expected to use the system-defined intervention 

categories if they appropriately represent the applicant’s program activities. Applicants may not 

create user-defined intervention labels that duplicate existing intervention categories. 
4

AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures Selection Rules

These selection rules specify allowable output/outcome pairings for National Performance Measures. 

Applicants must follow these selection rules when using National Performance Measures. Applicants 

may not select any National Performance Measures that may appear in eGrants if they are not present 

on this list. Please see the NOFO for additional information about application requirements.

Capacity Building

Strategic 

Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable) *

Capacity 

Building & 

Leverage

G3-3.4: Number of 

organizations that 

received capacity 

building services

G3-3.10A: Number of 

organizations that increase their 

efficiency, effectiveness, and/or 

program reach

Volunteer management

Training

Resource development

Systems development

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome 

instead or may be used without an associated outcome.

Disaster Services

Strategic Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable) *

Assistance 

Provided

D1A: Number of 

individuals served

D5: Number of individuals 

reporting increased disaster 

readiness

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

Disaster Adaptation

Climate Change 

Intervention

D6: Number of 

structures protected 

or restored

D7: Number of structures 

returned to regular use after a 

disaster

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

Disaster Adaptation

Climate Change 

Intervention

EN4**: Acres of parks 

or public land treated

EN4.1**: Acres of parks or public 

land improved

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

Disaster Adaptation

Climate Change 

Intervention

EN5**: Miles of trails 

or rivers treated.

EN5.1**: Miles of trails or rivers 

improved

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

Disaster Adaptation
5

Climate Change 

Intervention

G3-3.4**: Number of 

organizations that 

received capacity 

building services

G3-3.10A**: Number of 

organizations that increase their 

efficiency, effectiveness, and/or 

program reach

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

Disaster Adaptation

Climate Change 

Intervention

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome 

instead or may be used without an associated outcome. 

**In the eGrants Performance Measure Module, these measures may appear with the letter “D” at the 

end when used in the Disaster Services focus area. However, the instructions for these measures are 

the same regardless of the focus area in which they are used. 
6

Economic Opportunity

Strategic 

Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

Financial 

Literacy

O1A: Number of 

individuals served 

O9: Number of individuals with 

improved financial knowledge

Financial Literacy 

Education

Housing O1A: Number of 

individuals served 

O11: Number of individuals 

transitioned into safe, healthy, 

affordable housing

Housing Unit Development

Housing Unit Repair

Housing 

Placement/Assistance

O4: Number of 

housing units 

developed or 

repaired

O20: Number of safe, healthy, 

affordable housing units made 

available

Housing Unit Development

Housing Unit Repair

Employment O1A: Number of 

individuals served 

O10: Number of individuals 

who secure employment

O21: Number of individuals 

with improved job readiness

Job Training

Job Placement

GED Education

Other Adult Education

Find 

Opportunity

N/A (outputs may be 

reported as 

Performance Data 

Elements on annual 

Progress Reports) 

N/A (outcomes may be 

reported as Performance Data 

Elements on annual Progress 

Reports)

N/A

Other 

Economic 

Opportunity

O1A: Number of 

individuals served

Applicant-determined Applicant-determined

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome 

instead or may be used without an associated outcome.
7

Education

Strategic 

Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

School 

Readiness

ED1A: Number of 

individuals served

ED23A: Number of children 

demonstrating gains in school 

readiness

Tutoring

Mentoring

Other Classroom Support

Out-of-School Time

Family Involvement

Service Learning

Summer Learning

Classroom Teaching

K-12 Success ED1A: Number of 

individuals served

ED5A: Number of students with 

improved academic performance 

ED9: Number of students 

graduating from high school on 

time

ED10: Number of students 

enrolling in post-secondary 

education/training

ED27C: Number of students 

with improved academic 

engagement or social-emotional 

skills

ED6: Number of students with 

increased attendance

ED7A: Number of students with 

decreased disciplinary incidents 

(referrals, 

suspensions/expulsions, criminal 

or gang involvement)

Tutoring

Mentoring

Coaching

Other Classroom Support

Out-of-School Time

Family Involvement

Service Learning

Summer Learning

Classroom Teaching

Opioid/Drug Intervention

Post-HS 

Education 

Support

ED1A: Number of 

individuals served

ED11: Number of individuals 

earning a post-secondary degree 

or technical certification

Tutoring

Mentoring

Family Involvement

Service Learning

Summer Learning

Teacher 

Corps

N/A (outputs may be 

reported as 

Performance Data 

Elements on annual 

Progress Reports) 

N/A (outcomes may be reported 

as Performance Data Elements 

on annual Progress Reports)

N/A

Other 

Education

ED1A: Number of 

individuals served

Applicant-determined Applicant-determined

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome 

instead or may be used without an associated outcome.
8
9

Environmental Stewardship

Strategic 

Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

At-Risk 

Ecosystems

EN4: Acres of parks 

or public land treated

EN4.1: Acres of parks or public 

land improved

Fire Mitigation

Flood Mitigation

Invasive Species Removal

Debris Removal

Plant Establishment

Climate Change 

Intervention

EN5: Miles of trails or 

rivers treated.

EN5.1: Miles of trails or rivers 

improved

Trail Creation

Trail Remediation

Stream Remediation

Fire Mitigation

Flood Mitigation

Invasive Species Removal

Debris Removal

Plant Establishment

Climate Change 

Intervention

Energy 

Efficiency

EN1: Number of 

housing units or 

public structures 

weatherized or 

retrofitted to improve 

energy efficiency

EN1.1: Number of housing units 

or public structures with reduced 

energy consumption or reduced 

energy costs

Weatherization

Retrofitting

Climate Change 

Intervention

Awareness & 

Stewardship

EN3: Number of 

individuals receiving 

education or training 

in environmental 

stewardship and/or 

environmentallyconscious practices

EN3.1: Number of individuals 

with increased knowledge of 

environmental stewardship 

and/or environmentallyconscious practices

EN3.2: Number of individuals 

reporting a change in behavior 

or intention to change behavior 

to better protect the 

environment

Education/Training

Service Learning

Climate Change 

Intervention

Green Jobs N/A (outputs may be 

reported as 

Performance Data 

Elements on annual 

Progress Reports) 

N/A (outcomes may be reported 

as Performance Data Elements 

on annual Progress Reports)

N/A

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome 

instead or may be used without an associated outcome.
10

Healthy Futures

Strategic 

Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

Aging in 

Place

H4A: Number of 

individuals served

H9A: Number of individuals 

who report improved capacity 

for independent living

H19: Number of individuals 

with improved health

Companionship

Nutrition/Food Support

Legal Services

Transportation

Medical Services

Opioid/Drug Intervention

Obesity & 

Food

H4A: Number of 

individuals served 

H12: Number of individuals 

who report increased food 

security

H17: Number of individuals 

with increased health 

knowledge

H18: Number of individuals 

reporting a change in behavior 

or intent to change behavior to 

improve their health

H19: Number of individuals 

with improved health

Outreach

Education/Training

Referrals

Medical Services

Nutrition/Food Support

Physical Activities

Counseling/Coaching

Opioid/Drug Intervention

H10A: Number of 

pounds of food 

provided

Applicant-determined Nutrition/Food Support

Access to 

Care

H4A: Number of 

individuals served

H17: Number of individuals 

with increased health 

knowledge

H18: Number of individuals 

reporting a change in behavior 

or intent to change behavior to 

improve their health

H19: Number of individuals 

with improved health

H20: Number of individuals 

with improved access to 

medical care

Outreach

Education/Training

Referrals

Medical Services

Counseling/Coaching

Opioid/Drug Intervention

Other Healthy 

Futures

H4A: Number of 

individuals served

Applicant-determined Applicant-determined

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome 

instead or may be used without an associated outcome.
11

Veterans and Military Families

Strategic 

Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

Veterans & 

Families 

Served

V1: Number of 

veterans served 

V7A: Number of 

active military 

members and/or 

military family 

members served

V8: Number of 

veteran family 

members served

O9**: Number of individuals 

with improved financial 

knowledge

O11**: Number of individuals 

transitioned into safe/affordable 

housing

O10**: Number of individuals 

who secure employment 

O21**: Number of individuals 

with improved job readiness

ED11**: Number of individuals 

earning a post-secondary degree 

or technical certification

H9A**: Number of individuals 

who report improved capacity for 

independent living

H12**: Number of individuals 

who report increased food 

security

H17**: Number of individuals 

with increased health knowledge

H18**: Number of individuals 

reporting a change in behavior 

or intent to change behavior to 

improve their health

H19**: Number of individuals 

with improved health

H20**: Number of individuals 

with improved access to medical 

care

Financial Literacy 

Education

Housing Unit Development

Housing Unit Repair

Housing 

Placement/Assistance

Job Training

Job Placement

GED Education

Other Adult Education

Tutoring

Mentoring

Family Involvement

Service Learning

Summer Learning

Companionship

Nutrition/Food Support

Legal Services

Transportation 

Outreach

Referrals

Medical Services

Physical Activities

Counseling/Coaching

Opioid/Drug Intervention

Access & 

Attract

N/A (outputs may be 

reported as 

Performance Data 

Elements on annual 

Progress Reports) 

N/A (outcomes may be reported 

as Performance Data Elements on 

annual Progress Reports)

N/A

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome 

instead or may be used without an associated outcome.
12

**In the eGrants Performance Measure Module, these measures may appear with the letter “V” at the 

end when used in the Veterans and Military Families focus area. However, the instructions for these 

measures are the same regardless of the focus area in which they are used. 
13

CAPACITY BUILDING

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Capacity Building performance measures if the measures 

reflect significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by National Service Participants 

or by volunteers directly recruited and/or supported by National Service Participants.

• Activities associated with these measures must meet the definition of capacity building 

specified in the “key terms” definition under G3-3.4.

• Programs are not permitted to create applicant-determined outputs in the Capacity Building 

focus area.

G3-3.4 (output) Number of organizations that received capacity building services

Definition of 

Key Terms

Organization: nonprofit or state/local/tribal government entity

Capacity building services: a set of activities that expand the scale, reach, 

efficiency, or effectiveness of programs and organizations. Capacity building 

activities may also leverage resources (e.g., funding, volunteers, in-kind support, 

or partnerships) for programs and/or organizations. As a general rule, 

AmeriCorps considers capacity building activities to be indirect services that 

enable organizations to provide more, better and sustained direct services. 

Capacity building activities must (1) be intended to support or enhance the 

program delivery model, (2) respond to the organization’s goal of increasing, 

expanding or enhancing services in order to address pressing community 

needs, and (3) enable the organization to provide a sustained level of more or 

better direct services after the national service participant’s term of service has 

ended.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of organizations who 

have received services

G3-3.10A 

(outcome)

Number of organizations that increased their effectiveness, efficiency, and/or 

program scale/reach

Definition of 

Key Terms

Organizations: those counted in G3-3.4

Effectiveness: Improved ability of the organization to achieve outcomes 

resulting in better success rates or better quality of outcomes achieved

Efficiency: Improved outcomes with the same level of resources; improved or 

consistent quality of services with fewer resources

Scale/Reach: The scope of a program’s services. Increased scale/reach can be 

measured by the number of new people served, new populations served, and/ 

or new or expanded services. 

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Organizational assessment tool or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in effectiveness, efficiency, or scale/reach at the organization level. 

When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized. 
14

DISASTER SERVICES

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Disaster Services performance measures if the measures 

reflect significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• Any other grantees who provide disaster-related services during the program year should 

report on this activity in the Performance Data Elements in annual Progress Reports and 

provide a brief description of those services.

• To ensure unduplicated counts, beneficiaries reported under National Performance Measures 

in the Disaster Services focus area should not also be reported in disaster-related Performance 

Data Elements in annual Progress Reports.

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by National Service Participants 

or by volunteers directly recruited and/or supported by National Service Participants.

• All individuals counted under these measures must be program beneficiaries, not National 

Service Participants. National Service Participant outputs and outcomes should be reported in 

the Performance Data Elements in annual Progress Reports.

D1A (output) Number of individuals served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: recipients of AmeriCorps-supported services related to disaster 

preparedness, response, recovery, and/or mitigation

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific disaster-related 

goal in mind. Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as 

email blasts, social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have 

received services

D5 (outcome) Number of individuals reporting increased disaster readiness

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure D1A

Disaster readiness: measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of 

future disasters

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Survey, interview, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in disaster 

readiness at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post 

assessments should be utilized.

D6 (output) Number of structures protected or restored

Definition of 

Key Terms

Structures: housing units or public facilities

Protected: prepared to more effectively withstand future disasters

Restored: repaired from damage sustained during a disaster

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of structures that 

received services

D7 (outcome) Number of structures returned to regular use after a disaster

Definition of 

Key Terms

Structures: those reported in measure D6
15

Returned to regular use: able to be used for the same or similar purpose for 

which they were used prior to the disaster 

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Report from structure owner/manager/occupant, or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in condition at the individual structure level.
16

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Economic Opportunity performance measures if the 

measures reflect significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of 

change. 

• All individuals counted under these measures must be program beneficiaries, not National 

Service Participants. National Service Participant outputs and outcomes should be reported in 

the Performance Data Elements in annual Progress Reports.

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by National Service Participants 

or by volunteers directly recruited and/or supported by National Service Participants.

O1A (output) Number of individuals served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: recipients of AmeriCorps-supported services related to increasing 

economic opportunity

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific goal in mind 

related to economic opportunity. Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of 

information such as email blasts, social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have 

received services

O4 (output) Number of housing units developed or repaired

Definition of 

Key Terms

Housing unit: A single-family home (including a mobile home if permanently 

placed), an apartment, or a room in a group home for people with disabilities

Develop: Build new or substantially rehabilitate housing units that were 

uninhabitable or soon would have become so. Involves replacing major systems 

such as the roof, the plumbing, the wiring, the foundation, or elevating the unit as 

required by a flood plain standard. 

Repair: A more modest level of physical work on the unit, such as weatherizing, 

painting, replacing appliances and removing safety hazards

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of the number of 

housing units that have received AmeriCorps-supported development or repair 

services 

O9 (outcome) Number of individuals with improved financial knowledge

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure O1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Improved financial knowledge: increased knowledge/understanding of 

financial literacy topics such as credit management, financial institutions including 

banks and credit unions, and utilization of savings plans

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Survey, interview, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in financial 

knowledge at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post 

assessments should be utilized.
17

O10 (outcome) Number of individuals who secure employment

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure O1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Secure employment: individual is hired in a new job as a result of AmeriCorpssupported services provided; individual may have been previously working in a 

different job or previously unemployed

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Preferred method is a copy of acceptance letter from employer or copy of first 

pay stub. Beneficiary self-reports may also be utilized.

O11 (outcome)

Number of individuals transitioned into safe, healthy, affordable housing

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure O1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Safe, healthy, affordable housing: Grantee certifies that the housing is safe and 

healthy based on an inspection or other documentation. Grantee defines 

affordability and certifies that the housing is affordable to the individual(s) 

transitioned into the unit.

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Preferred method is a proof of residence such as a lease, mortgage, certificate of 

occupancy, or other verification from an external agency. Beneficiary self-reports 

may also be utilized.

O20 (outcome) Number of safe, healthy, affordable housing units made available

Definition of 

Key Terms

Housing unit: those reported in measure O4

Safe, healthy, affordable housing unit: Grantee certifies that the housing unit is 

safe and healthy based on an inspection or other documentation. Grantee 

defines affordability and certifies that the housing unit is affordable.

Made available: This count indicates that the work has been completed to make 

the units available but they may or may not have been occupied. 

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of the number of safe, 

healthy, affordable housing units that have been made available 

O21 (outcome) Number of individuals with improved job readiness

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure O1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Improved job readiness: increased knowledge or skills related to seeking, 

obtaining, or successfully retaining a job.

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Survey, interview, observation, or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in job readiness at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, prepost assessments should be utilized.
18

EDUCATION

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Education performance measures if the measures reflect 

significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• All individuals counted under these measures must be program beneficiaries, not National 

Service Participants. National Service Participant outputs and outcomes should be reported in 

the Performance Data Elements in annual Progress Reports.

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by National Service Participants 

or by volunteers directly recruited and/or supported by National Service Participants.

ED1A (output) Number of individuals served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: recipients of AmeriCorps-supported services related to education; 

may include students enrolled in grades K-12, out-of-school youth, preschool 

age children, and/or individuals pursuing postsecondary education

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific education-related 

goal in mind. Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as 

email blasts, social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have 

received services

ED5A 

(outcome)

Number of students with improved academic performance

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Improved academic performance: an improved demonstration of skill or 

knowledge in one or more academic subjects 

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Standardized test, report card grade, or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in academic performance at the individual beneficiary level. When 

possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

ED6 (outcome) Number of students with increased school attendance

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Increased school attendance: higher rate of presence and/or on-time arrival at 

school as compared to a previous comparable time period

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

School/district/classroom attendance records or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in attendance at the individual beneficiary level

ED7A 

(outcome)

Number of students with decreased disciplinary incidents (referrals, 

suspensions/expulsions, criminal or gang involvement)

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Decreased disciplinary incidents: lower rate of incidents as compared to a 

previous comparable time period

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

School/district/classroom records, police records, or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in disciplinary incidents at the individual beneficiary level
19

ED9 (outcome) Number of students graduating from high school on time with a diploma

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

On Time: Within four years of starting 9th grade

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Preferred method is school/district graduation records for student beneficiaries. 

Beneficiary self-reports may also be utilized.

ED10 (outcome)

Number of students enrolling in post-secondary education or training

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Post-secondary education or training may include two- or four-year college 

programs or occupational/vocational programs

Enrolling: means matriculating as a full-time or part-time student

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Preferred method is registration records that confirm student enrollments. 

Beneficiary self-reports may also be utilized. 

ED11 (outcome) Number of students earning a post-secondary degree

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Degree: may include an associate degree from an accredited academic program 

or an occupational or vocational program; a bachelor’s degree (ex., BA, BS); a 

master’s degree (ex.: MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW); a professional school degree 

(ex.: MD, DDS, DVM); or a doctorate degree (ex.: PhD, EdD)

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Preferred method is registration records that confirm degree was earned. 

Beneficiary self-reports may also be utilized.

Notes Programs may only select this measure if they are able to collect data during a 

one-year grant period. 

ED23A 

(outcome)

Number of children demonstrating gains in school readiness

Definition of 

Key Terms

Children: those reported in ED1A

School readiness: Preparation for Kindergarten which includes multiple 

indicators assessed across developmental and behavioral domains including but 

not limited to physical well-being, health and motor development, social and 

emotional development, approaches to learning, language development, 

cognitive development, and age-appropriate academic skills and behavior.

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Teacher observation, standardized test, or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in school readiness at the individual beneficiary level. When 

possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.
20

ED27C 

(outcome)

Number of students with improved academic engagement or social and 

emotional skills

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Improved academic engagement or social and emotional skills: A positive 

change in student skills, attitude, and/or mindset that is likely to contribute to 

increased educational success. May include increased interest in school, 

improved perspective on school climate, increased attachment to school and/or 

increased educational aspirations. 

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, observation, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in 

academic engagement or social and emotional skills at the individual beneficiary 

level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

Notes Academic or behavioral improvements counted under ED5A, ED6, or ED7A 

cannot be counted under this measure
21

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Environmental Stewardship performance measures if the 

measures reflect significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of 

change. 

• All individuals counted under these measures must be program beneficiaries, not National 

Service Participants. National Service Participant outputs and outcomes should be reported in 

the Performance Data Elements in annual Progress Reports.

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by National Service Participants 

or by volunteers directly recruited and/or supported by National Service Participants.

• AmeriCorps encourages grantees to perform service with the greatest impact versus providing 

minimal impact to the highest number of acres/miles/individuals

EN1 (output) Number of housing units or public structures weatherized or retrofitted to 

improve energy efficiency

Definition of 

Key Terms

Housing unit: a single-family home (including a mobile home if permanently 

placed), an apartment, or a room in a group home for people with disabilities

Public structure: Shelter, such as homeless shelter or emergency shelter 

operated by a nonprofit or government organization; government-owned 

building

Weatherization: Modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and costs 

and optimize energy efficiency. Whole-house weatherization includes the 

installation of modern energy-saving heating and cooling equipment and looks at 

how the house performs as a system.

Retrofit: An energy conservation measure applied to an existing building or the 

action of improving the thermal performance or maintenance of a building.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of units/structures that 

have received services

EN1.1 

(outcome)

Number of housing units or public structures with reduced energy consumption 

or reduced energy costs

Definition of 

Key Terms

Housing units or public structures: those reported in EN1

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Utility bill/statement, computer modeling, resident survey, or other instrument 

capable of measuring changes in energy consumption or energy costs at the 

individual unit/structure level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be 

utilized.

EN3 (output) Number of individuals receiving education or training in environmental 

stewardship and/or environmentally-conscious practices

Definition of 

Key Terms

Environmental Stewardship and/or environmentally conscious practices:

Organized efforts to teach about how natural environments function and, 

particularly, how human beings can manage their behavior and choices in order 

to live sustainably within those environments.
22

Education or training: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific 

education goal in mind. Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of 

information such as email blasts, social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals that have 

received services

EN3.1 

(outcome)

Number of individuals with increased knowledge of environmental stewardship 

and/or environmentally-conscious practices

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in EN3

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, test, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in knowledge at 

the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be 

utilized.

EN3.2 

(outcome)

Number of individuals reporting a change in behavior or the intent to change 

behavior to better protect the environment

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in EN3

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in behavior 

at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should 

be utilized.

EN4 (output) Number of acres of public parks or other public and tribal lands that are treated

Definition of 

Key Terms

Public parks: Park/recreation areas that are designated by national, state, city, or 

county governments (not trails or rivers; see EN5)

Other public lands: Other publicly owned lands; land owned by nonprofits for 

public use or the public good (such as land conservancies): and public 

easements

Tribal lands: Same meaning as imparted by the definitions of “Indian Lands” and 

“Indian Tribes” provided in. SEC. 101. [42 U.S.C. 12511] 

Treated: Removal of invasive species, planting native plants, building riparian 

buffers, clearing of natural debris (such as fallen trees/limbs, hazardous fuel) and 

unnatural debris (such as disaster debris and improperly disposed waste). 

Treatment must go beyond basic trash removal. 

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of acres of land that 

have received services

EN4.1 

(outcome)

Number of acres of public parks or other public and tribal lands that are 

improved

Definition of 

Key Terms

Acres of public parks or other public and tribal lands: those reported in EN4

Improved: Renovated to reduce human impact or the negative impact of natural 

disasters or invasive species, restored native plants and habitat, reduced erosion, 

protected watersheds, reduced wildfire risk, upgraded or repaired outdoor 

recreation facilities or signage, increased public safe access, protected flora and 
23

fauna. Improvement should be consistent with an accepted natural resource 

restoration, maintenance or improvement plan. 

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Land manager assessment or other instrument capable of measuring changes in 

land condition at the scale of individual acres. When possible, pre-post 

assessments should be utilized.
24

EN5 (output) Number of miles of public trails or waterways that are treated and/or constructed

Definition of 

Key Terms

Public trails or waterways: owned/maintained by national, state, county, city or 

tribal governments; nonprofits when for public use or the public good; and 

public easements

Treated: Removal of invasive species, planting native plants, building riparian 

buffers, improving tread/corridor of existing trail or making changes to increase 

the trail lifespan, implementing safety measures, removal of unsafe trail 

structures, repair of damage caused by visitor use, changes to increase 

accessibility, clearing of natural debris (such as fallen trees/limbs and hazardous 

fuel) and unnatural debris (such as disaster debris and improperly disposed 

waste). Treatments must go beyond basic trash removal. 

Constructed: Activities designed to make trails newly available such as adding 

handicapped accessibility, building boardwalks, trail-blazing, converting a 

railroad bed to a trail, etc.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of miles of 

trail/waterway that have received services

EN5.1 

(outcome)

Number of miles of public trails or waterways that are improved and/or put into 

use

Definition of 

Key Terms

Miles of public trails or waterways: those reported in EN5

Improved: Restored to reduce human impact or the negative impact of natural 

disasters or invasive species, restored native plants and habitat, reduced erosion, 

protected watersheds, increased safe condition or long-term sustainability of 

trails, increased accessibility, protected flora and fauna. Improvement should be 

consistent with an accepted natural resource restoration, maintenance or 

improvement plan.

Put into use: Established safe and useable trails that are now available for public 

access

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Land manager assessment or other instrument capable of measuring changes in 

trail or waterway condition at the scale of individual miles. When possible, prepost assessments should be utilized.
25

HEALTHY FUTURES

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Healthy Futures performance measures if the measures 

reflect significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• All individuals counted under these measures must be program beneficiaries, not National 

Service Participants. National Service Participant outputs and outcomes should be reported in 

the Performance Data Elements in annual Progress Reports.

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by National Service Participants 

or by volunteers directly recruited and/or supported by National Service Participants.

H4A (output) Number of individuals served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: recipients of AmeriCorps-supported services related to improving 

health-related outcomes

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific health-related goal 

in mind. Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email 

blasts, social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have 

received services

H9A (outcome) Number of individuals who report improved capacity for independent living

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, caseworker assessment, or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in independent living capacity at the individual beneficiary 

level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

H10A (output) Number of pounds of food provided

Definition of 

Key Terms

Food provided: made available at reduced or no cost to individuals and/or 

organizations for the purpose of alleviating food insecurity or hunger. May 

include community garden programs.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of pounds of food 

provided

H12 (outcome) Number of individuals who report increased food security

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

Food security: Access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. 

Food security includes at a minimum: (1) the ready availability of

nutritionally adequate and safe foods, and (2) an assured ability to acquire 

acceptable

foods in socially acceptable ways (that is, without resorting to emergency food 

supplies,

scavenging, stealing, or other coping strategies). [USDA]
26

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, caseworker assessment, or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in food security at the individual beneficiary level. When 

possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized. 
27

H17 (outcome) Number of individuals with increased health knowledge

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, test, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in knowledge at 

the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be 

utilized. 

H18 (outcome) Number of individuals reporting a change in behavior or intent to change 

behavior to improve their health

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in behavior 

at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should 

be utilized.

H19 (outcome) Number of individuals with improved health

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Assessment by a healthcare professional, survey, or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in health condition at the individual beneficiary level. When 

possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized. 

H20 (outcome) Number of individuals with improved access to medical care

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, caseworker assessment, or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in health care access at the individual beneficiary level. 

When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized. 
28

VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Veterans and Military Families performance measures if the 

measures reflect significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of 

change. 

• All individuals counted under these measures must be program beneficiaries, not National 

Service Participants. National Service Participant outputs and outcomes should be reported in 

the Performance Data Elements in annual Progress Reports.

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by National Service Participants 

or by volunteers directly recruited and/or supported by National Service Participants.

V1 (output) Number of veterans served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Veteran: a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who 

was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable 

[Section 101 of Title 38, 23 United States Code] 

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with specific outcome(s) in mind. 

Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, 

social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have 

received services

V7A (output) Number of active duty military service members and/or military family members 

served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Active duty military service member: The term ‘‘active duty’’ means “full-time 

duty in the active military service of the United States, including active duty or fulltime training duty in the Reserve Component” [DOD Dictionary of Military and 

Associated Terms, April 2018]. AmeriCorps considers National Guard members 

and reservists and wounded warriors sub-groups of active duty military service 

members for the purposes of grant applications and performance measure 

reporting.

Military family member: Immediate family member related by blood, marriage, 

or adoption to a current member of the U.S. armed forces including one who is 

deceased. 

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with specific outcome(s) in mind. 

Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, 

social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have 

received services

V8 (output) Number of veteran family members served
29

Definition of 

Key Terms

Veteran: a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who 

was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable 

[Section 101 of Title 38, 23 United States Code] 

Veteran family member: Immediate family member related by blood, marriage, 

or adoption to a veteran, including one who is deceased.

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with specific outcome(s) in mind. 

Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, 

social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have 

received services

Appendix A: Understanding MSY and Member Allocations

How to Calculate MSY and Member Allocations 

In the performance measure module, applicants enter the total share of program resources (MSYs and 

members) that will be directed to each objective. Member and MSY allocations entered in the 

application should be the program’s best estimate of how member time will be allocated.

The charts below show how a sample program could calculate its MSY allocations for different 

member types and different percentages of member time spent per objective. In this example, the 

program has a total of 135 members representing a variety of different slot types. All members spend 

at least some of their time contributing to the K-12 Success objective. The program’s full-time and halftime members also spend time contributing to the School Readiness objective: 50% of their time for 

full-time members and 20% for half-time members. 

Objective #1: K-12 Success

Type of Member MSY Multiplier 

for Type

x Number of 

Members for 

Type

x % of Member 

Time for 

Objective

= MSY 

Allocation

FT 1 x 100 x .50 = 50

TQT .7 x 0 x 0 =

HT .5 x 5 x .80 = 2

RHT .3809524 x 10 x 1.00 = 3.81

QT .26455027 x 10 x 1.00 = 2.65

MT .21164022 x 10 x 1.00 = 2.17

AT .05627705 x 0 x 0 =

Total Members 135 Total MSYs 60.63

Objective #2: School Readiness

Type of Member MSY Multiplier 

for Type

x Number of 

Members for 

Type

x % of Member 

Time for 

Objective

= MSY 

Allocation

FT 1 x 100 x .50 = 50 

TQT .7 x 0 x 0 =

HT .5 x 5 x .20 = .5 

RHT .3809524 x 10 x 0 =

QT .26455027 x 10 x 0 =

MT .21164022 x 10 x 0 =

AT .05627705 x 0 x 0 =
30

Total Members 105 Total MSYs 50.5

How It Looks on the MSY Tab

The program enters the total number of MSYs and members for each objective on the MSY/Members 

tab of the performance measures module. The system automatically calculates the percentage of 

MSYs allocated to each objective.

Note: Programs that select the Find Opportunity objective (Economic Opportunity Focus Area) or the 

Teacher Corps objective (Education Focus Area) must enter 0 MSYs and members for these objectives 

and allocate their MSYs to other objectives. This is because the MSY allocations are designed to show 

how programs’ resources are allocated to activities that benefit the community. The Find Opportunity 

and Teacher Corps objectives are focused on benefits to members.

How It Looks in the 424 PDF

Table 1 and its corresponding pie chart show the total number of MSYs by Focus Area. Since both the 

K-12 Success and School Readiness objectives are in the Education Focus Area, Table 1 shows 100% 

of MSYs in Education.
31
32

Table 4 in the PDF report shows the number of MSYs and members allocated to each objective, as 

seen on the MSY/Members tab:

Because some members are performing service related to both K-12 Success and School Readiness, 

the total number of members listed in this table (240) is greater than the total number of slots the 

program is requesting (135). This is OK; individual members can be counted more than once if they 

contribute to more than one objective. In contrast, MSYs cannot be counted more than once, because 

they represent the amount of member time spent on a particular objective. As a result, the total 

number of MSYs listed in this table must be equal to the total MSYs the program is requesting (111.13).

Table 2 and its corresponding pie chart show the same MSY information expressed as percentages of 

the total MSYs:

How to Assign MSYs to Performance Measures

When a program creates a performance measure, it must indicate how many MSYs and how many 

members will contribute to the measure. Based on the MSY allocations already entered for the sample 

program, the program may allocate up to 60.63 MSYs to K-12 Success performance measures and up 

to 50.5 MSYs to School Readiness performance measures. However, programs are not required to 

measure all of their activities, so it is possible that not all of these MSYs will be allocated to 

performance measures. 
33

Our sample program has three performance measures, one (an aligned measure) under the K-12 

Success objective and two (an output-only measure and an applicant determined measure) under the 

School Readiness objective. 

Objective #1: K-12 Success

Intervention Performanc

e Measure

Percent of K-12 

Success Time Spent 

on Activities that 

Contribute to this 

Measure

x Total MSYs 

in 

Objective

= MSYs 

Allocated to 

Performance 

Measure

Mentoring* ED1A, 

ED27C

.75 x 60.63 = 45.47

Family 

Involvement

No 

Performance 

Measure

.25 x 60.63 NA

*This is the primary intervention

Objective #2: School Readiness

Intervention Performanc

e Measure

Percent of School 

Readiness Time 

Spent on Activities 

that Contribute to 

this Measure

x Total MSYs 

in 

Objective

= MSYs 

Allocated to 

Performance 

Measure

Other Classroom 

Support

ED1A .75 x 50.5 = 37.88

Parent 

Engagement

ApplicantDetermined 

Measure

.25 x 50.5 = 12.62

How It Looks in the 424 PDF

Table 3 and its corresponding pie chart in the 424 PDF report shows the percentage of MSYs allocated 

to National Performance Measures, applicant-determined performance measures, or no performance 

measures. As seen in the table above, the program has two National Performance Measures 

(ED1A/27C and ED1A), accounting for 83.35 of the 111.13 total MSYs (75%). The program has one 

applicant-determined measure accounting for 12.62 MSYs (11%), and the remaining percentage (14%) 

of program activity is not being measured.
34

The configuration above meets the AmeriCorps requirement to have one aligned performance 

measure (output + outcome) corresponding to the primary intervention. Programs are not required to 

allocate 100% of their MSYs and members to National Performance Measures, or to any performance 

measures at all. 
35

Appendix B: Performance Measures Checklist

This checklist is used to assess performance measures during the review process. Items on the 

checklist are common problems that require resolution but do not represent a comprehensive list. 

Refer to the Performance Measure Instructions for full requirements.

Checklist Item Primary 

Aligned 

Measure 

(required

)

Addition

al 

Measure 

(optional)

Addition

al 

Measure 

(optional)

Resource Allocation

1 MSY and member allocations to focus areas and objectives 

are consistent with the application narrative/logic model.

2 MSY and member allocations to performance measures are 

consistent with the application narrative/logic model.

Performance Measure Requirements

3 The application includes least 1 aligned performance 

measure (output + outcome) corresponding to the primary 

intervention.

4 All performance measures reflect significant program 

activities whose outputs and outcomes are consistent with 

the applicant’s core theory of change.

5 Any output-only measures included in the application 

consist solely of National Performance Measure outputs.

6 The application does not include applicant-determined 

measures that duplicate existing National Performance 

Measures. (Note: Applicant-determined measures are 

recognizable by the labels OUTPT or OUTCM, followed by 

numbers. Any applications containing these labels are NOT 

National Performance Measures, even if the applicant has 

labeled them like a national measure.)

Interventions

7 Interventions are consistent with the program design and 

contribute directly to the outputs and outcomes.

8 The application does not include user-defined intervention 

labels that duplicate existing system-defined intervention 

categories.

Output Quality

9 Outputs clearly specify what is counted.

10 Outputs count only program beneficiaries, not National 

Service Participants.

Outcome Quality and Alignment

11 Outcomes are logically aligned with the outputs.

12 Outcomes reflect a meaningful change in knowledge, 

attitude, behavior or condition for program beneficiaries. 

(Note: completion of a program would be considered an 

output, not an outcome.)

13 Outcomes can be measured during a single grant year.

Targets

14 Output and outcome targets are reasonable for the 

proposed program design.
36

15 Targets are expressed as numbers, not percentages.

Performance Measure Instructions

16 National Performance Measures conform to selection rules, 

definitions, and data collection requirements specified in the 

Performance Measure Instructions.

17 The application does not include any retired National 

Performance Measures (e.g., measures that do not appear in 

the Performance Measure Instructions).

Data Collection/Instruments

18 Data collection methods are appropriate for the 

output/outcome being measured.

Sampling (if applicable)

19 If sampling is proposed, the sampling plan is forwarded to 

AmeriCorps for consideration. (Note: Formula grantees are 

not permitted to sample.)
37

Appendix C: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should a continuation applicant do if one or more of their National Performance 

Measures is no longer present in the Performance Measure Instructions?

All applicants, including continuation applicants, must follow the National Performance Measure 

selection rules specified in the current Performance Measure Instructions. Applicants must revise their 

performance measures as needed to conform to the updated instructions.

2. What should a continuation grantee who is measuring a National Performance Measure 

output or outcome that has a changed definition do in the continuation application? 

If the grantee is unable to measure the output or outcome as defined in the current Performance 

Measure Instructions, the grantee should choose a different performance measure. 

3. What are National Performance Measures? 

AmeriCorps has established six Focus Areas: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, 

Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans and Military Families based on the priorities 

included in the Serve America Act. Within these Focus Areas, as well as for Capacity Building, 

AmeriCorps has created National Performance Measures in order to aggregate the results of similar 

programs and demonstrate the impact across our agency programs and initiatives. 

4. What is an aligned performance measure? 

An aligned performance measure is an output paired with an outcome. The paired output-outcome 

measures may be National Performance Measures, applicant-determined measures, or the 

combination of a National Performance Measure output and an applicant-determined outcome. 

Applicant-determined outputs cannot be paired with National Performance Measure outcomes in an 

aligned performance measure.

5. What is an applicant-determined performance measure? 

An applicant-determined performance measure is one in which the applicant creates the language for 

the outputs and/or outcomes that will be measured. This is different from the National Performance 

Measures, where AmeriCorps pre-determines common outputs and outcomes that are available for 

applicants to use. 

6. What is an output-only performance measure?

An output-only measure is a National Performance Measure output without associated outcome(s). 

Applicants may select output-only measures if the output measures a significant program activity. 

These do not fulfill the requirement for an aligned performance measure, but may be selected in 

addition to the aligned measure(s).

7. What is the definition of "National Service Participant"? 

For AmeriCorps State and National programs, National Service Participant refers to the AmeriCorps 

members themselves. 

8. Can I count AmeriCorps members as beneficiaries of service under my performance 

measures? 
38

No. Effective starting in 2019 for all applicants (new, recompete, and continuation), AmeriCorps 

members and other National Service Participants may not be counted as beneficiaries under either 

National Performance Measures or applicant-determined measures. Some member-focused outputs 

and outcomes may be reported as Performance Data Elements on annual Progress Reports.

9. Do the AmeriCorps members in my program have to be directly providing the service 

counted in the performance measures? 

The activities associated your performance measures must be carried out either by National Service 

Participants or by volunteers directly recruited and/or supported by National Service Participants. 

10. How many performance measures should I propose? 

Each program must have at least one aligned measure (composed of an output and an outcome) 

reflecting its primary intervention. It is appropriate to have additional performance measures for other 

significant components of your program, but AmeriCorps values the quality of performance measures 

more than the quantity. Performance measures reflecting activities that are not central to your program 

model should not be included in your application and do not need to be reported to AmeriCorps, 

although you might still collect the data for your own purposes. 

11. Can I count the same beneficiaries in more than one performance measure output? 

Unless otherwise specified, the same beneficiaries may be counted more than once across different 

measures for different interventions (services) they may be receiving. For example, if your AmeriCorps 

members helped one specific individual to both prepare for a disaster and obtain employment, you 

may count that same individual in both D1A and O1A. However, programs cannot count the same 

individual more than once within any one specific performance measure. So, for example, an 

individual who attended two disaster preparation training workshops during a single program year 

cannot be counted twice under D1A. 

12. Do all beneficiaries counted under a particular performance measure have to receive the 

same interventions?

Yes, the interventions associated with the measure need to be applicable to all of the beneficiaries 

counted under the measure, even if the details of the intervention (e.g., the exact dosage provided) 

may vary. If one set of beneficiaries is receiving one type of intervention (e.g., mentoring) and a 

different set of beneficiaries is receiving a different type of intervention (e.g., tutoring), the two sets of 

beneficiaries should be counted in separate performance measures even if the expected outcome is 

the same. In contrast, if all beneficiaries are receiving multiple interventions with the same expected 

outcome (e.g. all beneficiaries are being both mentored and tutored to improve their academic 

performance), they can be counted in a single performance measure.

13. Can one performance measure output have more than one outcome? 

Yes, there may be more than one outcome measure associated with a single output. Aligned 

measures should only be configured this way if it is expected that all of the individuals counted in the 

output will potentially achieve the outcomes indicated. If the outcomes are resulting from different 

populations being served, they should be counted in distinct performance measures.

14. Can I count the same people more than once under one performance measure output or 

outcome if they receive service in more than one grant year?
39

If the individual receives services in more than one grant year, they may be counted as having received 

services in the output measure for each of the grant years in which they receive services. They may 

only be counted in the outcome measure for each grant year if they meet the specified level of 

improvement for the outcome in each year. For example, a student receives tutoring in second and 

third grade. The program expects that students will improve their reading score by one grade level 

each year. If the student is served in both second and third grade and improves by one grade level in 

each year, the student may be counted in output ED1A and outcome ED5A for both years. If the 

student improves by 1⁄2 grade level in second grade and one grade level in third grade, the student 

may be counted in ED1A for both years but only in ED5A for the third-grade year.

15. Am I allowed to allocate funds for collecting and analyzing data? If so, how much? 

Costs related to measuring the performance of a program are allowable grant expenses. There is no 

standard recommended amount. As with all grant expenditures, these costs must be reasonable, 

allowable for the proposed program, and properly allocated across grant activities. 

16. Is my program expected to monitor member time to ensure that it corresponds to what is 

entered into the Performance Measures Module for the focus areas and strategic plan 

objectives? 

Applicants should enter MSYs and members according to the distribution of time that members are 

expected to engage in each focus area and strategic plan objective. Programs will not be required to 

report on how the members actually spent their time. MSY allocations in the application should 

present the program’s best estimate.

17. On the logic model chart there are three outcome levels (short, medium and long). Should all 

of these outcomes be entered as performance measures? 

A program may have a theory of change that is based on accomplishing a long-term change in 

condition that is not measurable in a single program year. However, there may be shorter-term 

changes that can be linked to this ultimate goal that are strong indicators that the long-term change is 

likely to happen. While all of these outcomes may be included in the logic model, grantees are not 

required to measure or report on all of the outcomes. For performance measurement purposes, 

outcomes must measure changes that can be observed within a single program year. 

18. The National Performance Measure I want to select doesn’t appear in the drop-down menu. 

What should I do? 

Only performance measures corresponding to objectives selected on the Objectives tab will appear in 

the drop-down menu. Refer to the Performance Measure selection rules to determine which objective 

to select for each performance measure. Do NOT create an applicant-determined measure that 

duplicates a National Performance Measure.

19. I want to create an applicant-determined measure, but the Performance Measures Module 

isn’t allowing me to do that. What should I do?

There are some objectives for which the creation of applicant-determined outputs is not allowed. 

These include the Capacity Building and Leverage objective (Capacity Building focus area), the Find 

Opportunity objective (Economic Opportunity focus area), the Teacher Corps objective (Education 

focus area), the Green Jobs objective (Environmental Stewardship focus area), and the Access & 

Attract objective (Veterans and Military Families focus area). For the Capacity Building and Leverage 

objective, only National Performance Measure outputs are allowed to be used. For the Find 
40

Opportunity, Teacher Corps, Green Jobs, and Access & Attract objectives, programs are not allowed 

to create performance measures. 

20. I am required to have a performance measure associated with my primary intervention, but I 

am not able to create a performance measure for the primary intervention I have selected. 

What should I do?

Since the Find Opportunity, Teacher Corps, Green Jobs, and Access & Attract objectives are memberfocused rather than beneficiary-focused, programs are not allowed to create performance measures 

under these objectives (see FAQ 9). If your primary intervention is connected to one of those 

objectives, you will need to go back and select a different primary intervention under a different 

objective. You can retain the member-focused objective as secondary.

21. Under what circumstances is it ok for grantees to use sampling to measure outputs and 

outcomes? 

Methodologically speaking, sampling is appropriate for competitive grantees as long as the grantee 

has a solid plan for ensuring that its sample will be representative. Practically speaking, we would want 

grantees to use sampling only when they are able to make the case that it is unrealistic to collect data 

from the whole population. Formula grantees, with rare exceptions granted by AmeriCorps, are not 

permitted to sample.

22. When would AmeriCorps not allow sampling? 

AmeriCorps will not allow sampling when it is reasonable to expect a grantee to collect data from the 

whole population. AmeriCorps will also not allow sampling if the grantee’s sampling frame is not 

sufficient or if the grantee’s methodology will not result in a representative sample.

23. How does a grantee set targets when it is planning to sample? 

In most cases the grantee should be able to set targets based on the population as a whole. If a 

grantee‘s sampling methodology is sound and results in a representative sample, then the program 

can extrapolate their results to report on an outcome for the population as a whole. For example, a 

program reports an output of 1000 children served. The program selects a representative sample of 

200 children. Of these, 180 students (90%) demonstrate the desired change. In this case, the program 

could report an extrapolated outcome of 900 students.

24. How do I request permission to sample?

A detailed sampling plan must be forwarded to AmeriCorps for consideration. Please consult the 

Notice of Funding Opportunity or your Portfolio Manager for instructions on how to submit additional 

documents.