CNCS Performance Measures Instructions

AmeriCorps State and National

2017
2

Table of Contents

PO Tips for Using This Document....................................................................................3

AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures Requirements........................................................4

AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures Selection Rules ........................................5

DISASTER SERVICES................................................................................................................................9

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ..................................................................................................................18

EDUCATION .............................................................................................................................................44

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.....................................................................................................85

HEALTHY FUTURES.............................................................................................................................105

VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES .....................................................................124

CAPACITY BUILDING ..........................................................................................................................142

Appendix A: MSY and Member Allocations

Appendix B: Performance Measure Checklist

Appendix C: Frequently Asked Questions
3

Tips for Using This Document

This version of the Performance Measures Instructions has been modified with additional resources to 

assist applicants in their review of performance measures. In addition to the Selection Rules and the 

instruction grids, the following have been added:

 A “Review Notes” section has been added to some grids. This section contains reminders of 

requirements specific to that performance measure. These requirements will result in 

clarification if it is not evident that they are met in the performance measure. This section is not

all-inclusive, and applicants must still review the instruction grid and make sure that all 

definitions and requirements are met in the performance measure.

 A “FAQs” section has been added to some grids and additional FAQs have been added in 

Appendix C. 

 Review notes have been added to the beginning of some Focus Area sections. These notes are 

not specific to any one performance measure.

 A chart explaining the major performance measure fields and how to complete them, with 

sample text, is provided for each focus area. Applicants should not copy these examples 

verbatim but should use them as a guide when entering their performance measures into the 

application.

 Appendix A explains MSY and member allocations. It is critical that applicants understand how 

to enter these allocations accurately.

 Appendix B contains the Performance Measures Checklist which is used by reviewers to assess 

performance measures. Checklist items that were specific to one performance measure have 

been removed from the checklist and added to the Review Notes. Applicants should use the PM 

checklist to ensure they do not miss important items as this will result in clarification. As always, 

the checklist does not include all potential performance measure problems, only the most 

common.
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AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures 

Requirements 

All applications must include at least one aligned performance measure (output and outcome) that 

corresponds to the proposed primary intervention. CNCS values the quality of performance measures 

over the quantity of performance measures. All information requested in the National Performance 

Measure Instructions must be included in the text of the performance measures in the performance 

measures module, and it must be evident in in this text that all definitions and requirements outlined in 

the National Performance Measures Instructions and FAQs are met. Should an applicant choose to 

provide duplicate information about performance measures in the narrative, this information will also 

need to be in the performance measures module. 
5

AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures 

Selection Rules

These selection rules specify required output/outcome pairings for priority and complementary 

performance measures. All applicants must follow these selection rules. Please see the NOFO for 

additional information about application requirements.

Disaster Services

Type of Measure Selection Rule Strategic Plan Objective

Output Outcome

Priority D1 Applicant Determined Outcome Assistance Provided

Priority D2 Applicant Determined Outcome Assistance Provided

Priority D3 Applicant Determined Outcome Assistance Provided

Priority D4 Applicant Determined Outcome Assistance Provided

Economic Opportunity

Type of Measure Selection Rule Strategic Plan Objective

Output Outcome

Priority O5 O11 Housing

Complementary O1 O9 Financial Literacy

Complementary O4 Applicant Determined Outcome Housing

Complementary O2 Applicant Determined Outcome Employment

Complementary O3 O10 Employment

Complementary* O12 O15 Find Opportunity

Complementary* O13 O16 Find Opportunity

Complementary* O14 O17 Find Opportunity

*Applicants using these measures must also select a priority or complementary measure applicantdetermined measure to reflect the community impact of the program
6

Education

Type of Measure Selection Rule Strategic Plan Objective

Output Outcome

Priority ED20 and ED21 ED23, ED24, and/or ED25 School Readiness

Priority ED1 and ED2 ED5, ED27A, and/or ED27B K-12 Success

Priority ED3A and ED4A ED5, ED27A, and/or ED27B K-12 Success

Complementary ED1 and ED2 ED9, ED10, ED26, and/or ED30 K-12 Success

Complementary ED3A and ED4A ED9, ED10, ED26, and/or ED30 K-12 Success

Complementary ED31 and ED32 ED11 Post-HS Education Support

Complementary* ED12 and ED13 ED14 and ED17 (ED18 and ED19 

are optional)

Teacher Corps

*Teacher Corps programs must also select a priority or complementary measure or applicantdetermined measure to reflect the community impact of the program

Environmental Stewardship

Type of Measure Selection Rule Strategic Plan Objective

Output Outcome

Priority EN4 EN4.1 At-Risk Ecosystems

Priority EN5 EN5.1 At-Risk Ecosystems

Complementary EN1 EN1.1 Energy Efficiency

Complementary EN2 EN2.1 Green Jobs

Complementary EN3 EN3.1 and/or EN3.2 Awareness & Stewardship

Complementary EN6 EN6.1 At-Risk Ecosystems
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Healthy Futures

Type of Measure Selection Rule Strategic Plan Objective

Output Outcome

Priority H8 H9 Aging in Place

Priority H10 and/or 

H11 

H12 Obesity & Food

Complementary H1 Applicant-Determined Outcome Access to Care

Complementary H2 Applicant-Determined Outcome Access to Care

Complementary H3 Applicant-Determined Outcome Access to Care

Complementary H4 Applicant-Determined Outcome Access to Care

Complementary H5 Applicant-Determined Outcome Obesity & Food

Complementary H6 Applicant-Determined Outcome Obesity & Food

Complementary H7 Applicant-Determined Outcome Obesity & Food
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Veterans and Military Families

Type of Measure Selection Rule Strategic Plan Objective

Output Outcome

Priority V1 Applicant-Determined Outcome Veterans & Families Served

Priority V2 Applicant-Determined Outcome Access & Attract

Priority V7 Applicant-Determined Outcome Veterans & Families Served

Priority V8 Applicant-Determined Outcome Veterans & Families Served

Priority V9 Applicant-Determined Outcome Veterans & Families Served

Priority V10 Applicant-Determined Outcome Access & Attract

Complementary V3 Applicant-Determined Outcome Veterans & Families Served

Complementary V4 Applicant-Determined Outcome Veterans & Families Served

Complementary V6 Applicant-Determined Outcome Veterans & Families Served

Capacity Building

Type of Measure Selection Rule Strategic Plan Objective

Output Outcome

Priority G3-3.1 and/or 

G3-3.2

G3-3.3 Capacity Building & Leverage

Complementary G3-3.4, G3-3.5, 

G3-3.6, G3-3.7 

and/or G3-3.8

G3-3.9, G3-3.10, G3-3.11, G3-3.12, 

G3-3.13, G3-3.14, G3-3.15, G3-3.16, 

and/or G3-3.17 (End outcomes G3-

3.18 and G3-3.19 are optional)

Capacity Building & Leverage
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DISASTER SERVICES

Review Notes

 Grantees whose program model does not intentionally reach individuals affected by disasters, but 

who serve these individuals during the program year will be able to report on this activity in the 

GPR demographics. They do not have to opt into disaster measures at the time of application, 

unless disaster service activities are a significant part of their program design

.

 Stating that “Members are ready to serve” does not qualify an applicant to select disaster 

measures.

 In determining the acceptability of applicant-determined outcomes in Disaster Services, consider 

how the change in attitude, behavior, knowledge, or condition will be measured and/or verified, 

what level of change is necessary to be counted, and how this change will be consistently 

reported. 

Measure 

D1

Number of individuals that received CNCS-supported services in disaster preparedness.

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported services: Could be a variety of different kinds of supports to help 

the individuals have a higher quality of life, but cannot only be referrals to federal 

services without supplementary assistance. The assistance may be delivered by phone, 

e-mail, or in person. It may be delivered individually or as a group.

Preparedness: Actions that involve a combination of planning, resources, 

training, exercising, and organizing to build, sustain, and improve operational 

capabilities. Preparedness is the process of identifying the personnel, training, 

and equipment needed for a wide range of potential incidents, and developing 

jurisdiction-specific plans for delivering capabilities when needed for an 

incident.

How to 

Calculate/

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of individuals that received CNCS-supported services in disaster 

preparedness.

The data should be collected using a tracking mechanism appropriate for the type of 

service, such as: CNCS-supported agency’s call center records, referral logs, sign-in 

sheet, client tracking database, or other information management system.
10

Measure 

D2

Number of individuals that received CNCS-supported services in disaster response.

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported services: Could be a variety of different kinds of supports to help 

the individuals have a higher quality of life, but cannot only be referrals to federal 

services without supplementary assistance. The assistance may be delivered by phone, 

e-mail, or in person. It may be delivered individually or as a group.

Response: Immediate actions to save lives, protect property and the 

environment, and meet basic human needs. Response also includes the 

execution of emergency plans and actions to support short-term recovery.

How to 

Calculate/

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of individuals that received CNCS-supported services in disaster 

response.

The data should be collected using a tracking mechanism appropriate for the type of 

service, such as: CNCS-supported agency’s call center records, referral logs, sign-in 

sheet, client tracking database, or other information management system.
11

Measure 

D3

Number of individuals that received CNCS-supported services in disaster recovery.

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported services: Could be a variety of different kinds of supports to help 

the individuals have a higher quality of life, but cannot only be referrals to federal 

services without supplementary assistance. The assistance may be delivered by phone, 

e-mail, or in person. It may be delivered individually or as a group.

Recovery: The development, coordination, and execution of service- and siterestoration plans; the reconstitution of government operations and services; 

individual, private-sector, nongovernmental, and public-assistance programs to 

provide housing and to promote restoration; long-term care and treatment of 

affected persons; additional measures for social, political, environmental, and 

economic restoration; evaluation of the incident to identify lessons learned; post 

incident reporting; and development of initiatives to mitigate the effects of 

future incidents.

How to 

Calculate/

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of individuals that received CNCS-supported services in disaster 

recovery.

The data should be collected using a tracking mechanism appropriate for the type of 

service, such as: CNCS-supported agency’s call center records, referral logs, sign-in 

sheet, client tracking database, or other information management system.
12

Measure 

D4

Number of individuals that received CNCS-supported services in disaster mitigation.

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported services: Could be a variety of different kinds of supports to help 

the individuals have a higher quality of life, but cannot only be referrals to federal 

services without supplementary assistance. The assistance may be delivered by phone, 

e-mail, or in person. It may be delivered individually or as a group.

Mitigation: Activities providing a critical foundation in the effort to reduce the 

loss of life and property from natural and/or manmade disasters by avoiding or 

lessening the impact of a disaster and providing value to the public by creating 

safer communities. Mitigation seeks to fix the cycle of disaster damage, 

reconstruction, and repeated damage. These activities or actions, in most cases, 

will have a long-term sustained effect.

How to 

Calculate/

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of individuals that received CNCS-supported services in disaster 

mitigation

The data should be collected using a tracking mechanism appropriate for the type of 

service, such as: CNCS-supported agency’s call center records, referral logs, sign-in 

sheet, client tracking database, or other information management system.
13

Performance Measure Example:

Field What Should Be Entered 

Here

Example

Title Enter a short, descriptive title 

for your performance 

measure. Different aligned 

performance measures 

should have different titles so 

that they can be easily 

referenced.

Disaster Preparedness 

Education

Problem Statement Briefly describe the problem 

your program will address 

with this performance 

measure. Your description 

should provide just enough 

context that the program’s 

theory of change will be 

evident without referencing 

the application narrative or 

logic model. Also address 

any definitions from the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions that are relevant 

to the aligned measure as a 

whole, e.g. definition of 

“economically 

disadvantaged.” 

A community need survey 

conducted last year indicates 

that residents in 

communities our state that 

are at-risk of disaster lack 

basic knowledge of disaster 

preparedness.

Selected Interventions Select only the interventions 

that contribute to the 

outcomes of this aligned 

performance measure. For 

applicant-determined 

interventions, enter a one or 

two word description of the 

intervention.

Training

Description of Interventions Describe the design and 

dosage of the interventions 

Ten full-time AmeriCorps 

members will deliver disaster 

preparedness training to 
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you have selected. youth and community 

residents, focusing on 

developing individual and 

family preparedness for 

home fires, tornadoes, 

earthquakes and flooding. 

Members will focus activities 

on those communities 

identified to be most at-risk 

for disaster and will deliver 

presentations to an average 

of 300 individuals per month 

for 10 months.

Output Either select National 

Performance Measure 

output(s) or enter your own 

output title. If entering an 

applicant-determined output, 

it should be clear what the 

output is counting.

Number of individuals that 

received CNCS-supported 

services in disaster 

preparedness.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the output. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Attendance log, tracking 

system

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the dosage that is 

necessary to be counted in 

the output, the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the output, a clear 

description of what the 

instrument will measure, and 

an explanation of how you 

will ensure that beneficiaries 

are not double counted. Also 

Individuals sign an 

attendance log at member 

presentations. Program staff 

enters participant 

information into our internal 

tracking system, which can 

identify and consolidate 

duplicate entries and ensure 

that individuals are not 

counted more than once.
15

describe how the instrument 

is sufficient to meet the data 

collection requirements 

outlined in the Performance 

Measures Instructions, if 

applicable.

Note: If your output 

measures participation, 

describe the minimum 

dosage necessary to be 

considered a participant. If 

your output measures 

completion, describe the 

dosage necessary to be 

counted as having completed 

the program.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the output title. 

Targets must be numbers, 

not percents.

30,000

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Individuals

Outcome Title Either select National 

Performance Measure 

outcome(s) or enter your 

own outcome title. If 

entering an applicantNumber of individuals with 

increased knowledge of 

disaster preparedness
16

determined outcome, it 

should clearly state a 

measurable change in 

knowledge, attitude, 

behavior or condition.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the outcome. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Pre-Post Test

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the outcome, a 

clear description of what the 

instrument will measure and 

how the construct to be 

measured is defined, the 

timeline for administering 

the instrument and the level 

of improvement that is 

necessary to be counted as 

having improved. Also 

provide details about the 

reliability and validity of the 

instrument, and how the 

instrument is sufficient to 

meet the data collection 

requirements outlined in the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions, if applicable.

Members will administer a 

pre- and post-test that 

measures knowledge of key 

disaster preparedness topics, 

using survey questions 

developed and validated on 

the national PublicReadiness 

Index. An increase in 

knowledge of 30% or more 

will be considered sufficient 

for a participant to be 

considered as having 

increased knowledge. Preand post-tests will be 

administered to all 

beneficiaries. Results from 

the pre-post test will be 

entered into our internal 

tracking system, which allows 

us to track the number of 

interventions any individual 

has received.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the outcome 

title. Targets must be 

numbers, not percents.

20,000
17

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Individuals
18

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Measure O1 Number of economically disadvantaged individuals receiving financial literacy 

services.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Economically disadvantaged: Must be receiving or meet the income eligibility 

requirements to receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 

housing assistance OR have a poor credit score OR are at least 60 days behind on one 

or more personal/family accounts. 

Individuals: May be a single individual or may represent a family; may be of any age 

considered an “adult” in the state where services are provided

Financial literacy services: Includes “financial literacy education with regard to credit 

management, financial institutions including banks and credit unions, and utilization of 

savings plans” (2009 Serve America Act).

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of individuals to whom the “financial literacy services” are 

provided. Note that this is not simply a referral service. Individuals may contact the 

organization more than once during the year to get help but each individual should be 

reported here only once. Services may be provided in-person, on the phone, or by 

email.

Tracking mechanism appropriate for type of service. May be a sign-in sheet or a 

tracking database.

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)
19

FAQs E1. Can our members be considered economically disadvantaged members who will 

receive financial literacy services? 

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants (i.e. AmeriCorps members) 

are defined in the National Performance Measure Instructions for performance 

measure O12 (http://www.nationalservice.gov/documents/main-menu/2014/2015-

performance-measures-instructions) as follows: 

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants: Current National 

Service Participants who are receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements 

to receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing 

assistance. 

However, the economically disadvantaged individuals counted under performance 

measure O1 and O9 as receiving financial literacy services should be service 

recipients/beneficiaries, not National Service Participants. AmeriCorps members 

may be counted under measures O12-O17. 
20

Measure O2 Number of economically disadvantaged individuals receiving job training and other 

skill development services.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Economically disadvantaged individuals: Must be receiving or meet the income 

eligibility requirements to receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, 

Section 8 housing assistance OR have a poor credit score OR are at least 60 days 

behind on one or more personal/family accounts.

Job training: occupational skill training delivered in an institutional or classroom 

setting or skill training provided in an experiential workplace setting (may be called onthe-job training or work experience). P. 3, Job Training Policy in the United States, The 

Upjohn Institute, 2004. Includes job training that results in obtaining a state or union 

certification in a skilled trade. 

Other skill development services: these include:

 Remedial Education such as Adult Basic Education, GED Education, Adult 

ESL Education.

 Classroom soft skills training that provides information about appropriate 

workplace behavior or job search skills.

(Job Training Policy in the United States, The Upjohn Institute, 2004.)

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of individuals completing the job training or skill development 

service for which they enrolled.

Course attendance records.

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)
21

Measure O3 Number of economically disadvantaged individuals receiving job placement services.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Economically disadvantaged individuals: Must be receiving or meet the income 

eligibility requirements to receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, 

Section 8 housing assistance OR have a poor credit score OR are at least 60 days 

behind on one or more personal/family accounts.

Job placement services: These services include job search and placement assistance 

(including career counseling); labor market information (which identifies job 

vacancies; skills needed for in-demand jobs; and local, regional and national 

employment trends); initial assessment of skills and needs; information about available 

services.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data:

Unduplicated count of individuals completing the job placement services for which 

they enrolled.

Course attendance records.

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)
22

Measure O4 Number of housing units developed, repaired, or otherwise made available for lowincome individuals, families or people with disabilities.

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.. 

Otherwise made available: Activities that make available through improved access

a housing unit that is in the housing stock and likely to remain habitable. For 

example, assistance in searching for the unit, a rent subsidy that makes the unit 

affordable to the individual or family. 

Low-income: Must be receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to 

receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing 

assistance OR have a poor credit score OR are at least 60 days behind on one or more 

personal/family accounts.

Individuals and families: The U.S. Census definition of “household,” which 

includes all the persons who occupy a housing unit. The occupants may be a single 

family, one person living alone, two or more families living together, or any other 

group of related or unrelated persons who share living arrangements.

People with disabilities: Subset of individuals and families that meets a definition 

related to inability to live independently without support (could use HUD definition). 

Separate mention in this measure may not be needed, but could leave it in and count 

units for people with disabilities separately to acknowledge emphasis on this 

population.

How to Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of Housing Units developed, repaired, or otherwise made 

available as defined here for low income individuals, families or persons with 

disabilities. This count indicates that the work has been completed to make the units 

available but they may or may not have been occupied. 

Programs can use a dollar cut-off to distinguish “developed” from “repaired” (e.g., 

30K/unit) or can distinguish by whether major systems are replaced. Dollar cut-off 

would require valuing volunteer labor, distinguishing between skilled trades and 

other workers. 

Programs that are able to count Individuals placed in the housing units they develop, 

repair or make available should report on Measure O5.

Inspection report, certificate of occupancy, or other verification from an external 

agency that the work was completed.
23

Measure O5 Number of economically disadvantaged individuals, including homeless individuals, 

receiving housing services.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Economically disadvantaged: Must be receiving or meet the income eligibility 

requirements to receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 

housing assistance OR have a poor credit score OR are at least 60 days behind on one 

or more personal/family accounts.

Homeless: Individuals who spend the night in a place not intended for human 

habitation, in an emergency shelter, or in a transitional housing facility. See the Dept. 

of Housing and Urban Development definition at 

http://www.hud.gov/homeless/definition.cfm

Individuals: Each unique person who will be occupying the unit legally including 

adults and children but not unborn children.

Housing services: Helps qualifying individuals find appropriate housing, find the 

resources to support use of appropriate housing, and assists individuals in accessing the 

appropriate housing. May or may not result in an actual placement. May also include 

hands-on housing development and repair activities. Housing development adds to the 

housing stock by building a new unit or substantially rehabilitating a unit that was 

either 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. Housing repair is a more modest level of physical 

work on the unit, such as weatherizing, painting, replacing appliances and removing 

safety hazards. Service requires an engagement with the individual in person, by phone, 

or through a web-interface. Pamphlets, brochures, or web-based information that does 

not involve a human interaction is not sufficient.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of Individuals as defined above benefitting from the housing service. Can only 

count each individual once during the program year even though it may be necessary to 

provide services to the individual more than once.

Programs that are only able to count Housing Units should report on Measure O4.

The data should be collected using a tracking mechanism appropriate for the type of 

service, which may include: CNCS-supported agency’s administrative or call center 

records, referral logs, attendance logs or sign-in sheet, client tracking database, or other 

information management system.

The client tracking database should have unique IDs (e.g. Homeless Management 

Information System (HMIS).

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)
24

Measure O9 Number of economically disadvantaged individuals with improved financial 

knowledge.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Disadvantaged individuals: those counted as participating in O1.

Improved Financial Knowledge: the financial literacy program should have learning 

objectives. The improved financial knowledge should be based on those pre-defined 

learning objectives. Individuals participating in the financial literacy services should 

know more after they participate than before.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of individuals provided services in O1 whose pre-test and post-test scores 

indicate that they know more about at least one of the financial literacy topics 

presented. 

Must conduct a pre-test/post-test to determine amount of knowledge gained. 

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

FAQs E2. Can our members be considered economically disadvantaged members who will 

receive financial literacy services? 

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants (i.e. AmeriCorps members) 

are defined in the National Performance Measure Instructions for performance 

measure O12 (http://www.nationalservice.gov/documents/main-menu/2014/2015-

performance-measures-instructions) as follows: 

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants: Current National 

Service Participants who are receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements 

to receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing 

assistance. 

However, the economically disadvantaged individuals counted under performance 

measure O1 and O9 as receiving financial literacy services should be service 

recipients/beneficiaries, not National Service Participants. AmeriCorps members 

may be counted under measures O12-O17. 
25

Measure O10 Number of economically disadvantaged individuals placed in jobs.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Economically disadvantaged individuals: Individuals counted for O3

Placed in jobs: individual is hired in a new job as a result of job placement services 

provided; individual may have been previously working in a different job or previously 

unemployed.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of individuals receiving services in O3 who are hired into a new job. Count each 

individual only once even if the individual receives placement in more than one job.

Suggested method is a copy of acceptance letter from employer or copy of first pay 

stub. 

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)
26

Measure O11 Number of economically disadvantaged individuals, including homeless individuals, 

transitioned into safe, healthy, affordable housing.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Economically disadvantaged: Must be receiving or meet the income eligibility 

requirements to receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 

housing assistance OR have a poor credit score OR are at least 60 days behind on one 

or more personal/family accounts.

Homeless: Individuals who spend the night in a place not intended for human 

habitation, in an emergency shelter, or in a transitional housing facility. See the Dept. 

of Housing and Urban Development’s definition at 

http://www.hud.gov/homeless/definition.cfm

Individuals: Each unique person who will be occupying the unit legally including 

adults and children but not unborn children.

Safe, healthy, affordable housing: Family or individual moves into a housing unit 

with secure tenure (lease or ownership document). Grantee certifies that the housing is 

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

affordability and certifies that the housing unit is affordable to the household. See the 

Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Housing page at 

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of individuals. Can only count each person once during the program year even 

though it may be necessary to provide services more than once.

An inspection report and certificate of occupancy, proof of residence such as lease or 

mortgage, or other verification from an external agency that the work was completed 

and is being occupied might be used.

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)
27

Measure O12 Number of economically disadvantaged National Service Participants who are 

unemployed prior to their term of service.

Definition of 

Key Terms

This measure is a count of individuals who are entered into CNCS’ National Service 

Trust database, who complete their term of service, earn an education award, or leave 

service due to compelling circumstances (see 45 CFR §2522.200). Individuals who are 

not enrolled in the National Service Trust, or who are dismissed, will not be counted. 

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants: Current National 

Service Participants who are receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to 

receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance. 

Unemployed: do not have paid, regular employment or were not serving in the 

military/national guard within the month prior to beginning their term of service. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of economically disadvantaged National Service Participants who are 

unemployed prior to their term of service according to above definition. 

Suggested: Self-report of National Service Participant at beginning of term of service. 

Program will have to wait until end of term of service to determine if the member 

should be counted here. Would only be counted if: (1) meet the count of individuals as 

define above and (2) have not been admitted for another term of service. 

Additional NotesIf the applicant’s or grantee’s goal is to help the National Service Participants obtain 

employment during their term of service that may result in the National Service 

Participants leaving service early, they should ensure that the program has approved 

design that includes exit for “compelling personal circumstances” as specified in 45 

CFR §2522.230.

The program should collect the data at the time the National Service Participant begins 

service. 

What were you doing most of last month? 

 Working at a regular job

 Serving in the military / reserves 

 Working sporadically

 Looking for work

 Other _____________________
28

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) must have a 30-day 

timeline, not the previously acceptable 90-day timeline.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.

Applicants selecting this measure must also select a performance measure that 

reflects the community impact of the program from any focus area. 

FAQs E3. eGrants won’t let me enter MSYs and slots for member development National 

Performance Measures. Is this a glitch?

No, this is not a glitch. We do not collect data on MSYs and slots for the member 

development National Performance Measures.
29

Measure O13 Number of economically disadvantaged National Service Participants who have not 

obtained their high school diploma or equivalent prior to the start of their term of 

service.

Definition of 

Key Terms

This measure is a count of individuals who are entered into CNCS’ National Service 

Trust database, who complete their term of service, earn an education award, or leave 

service due to compelling circumstances (see 45 CFR §2522.200). Individuals who are 

not enrolled in the National Service Trust, or who are dismissed, will not be counted. 

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants: Current National 

Service Participants who are receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to 

receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Program will have to wait until end of term of service to determine if the member 

should be counted here. Would only be counted if member meets the count of 

individuals as defined above. 

The program should collect the data at the time the National Service Participant begins 

service. 

Have you obtained your GED/diploma?

 Yes

 No 

 Not sure. Explain. _____________________________________

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) must have a 30-day 

timeline, not the previously acceptable 90-day timeline.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.

Applicants selecting this measure must also select a performance measure that 

reflects the community impact of the program from any focus area.
30

FAQs E4. eGrants won’t let me enter MSYs and slots for member development National 

Performance Measures. Is this a glitch?

No, this is not a glitch. We do not collect data on MSYs and slots for the member 

development National Performance Measures.
31

Measure O14 Number of economically disadvantaged National Service Participants who have their 

high school diploma or equivalent but have not completed a college degree prior to 

their term of service.

Definition of 

Key Terms

This measure is a count of individuals who are entered into CNCS’ National Service 

Trust database, who complete their term of service, earn an education award, or leave 

service due to compelling circumstances (see 45 CFR §2522.200). Individuals who are 

not enrolled in the National Service Trust, or who are dismissed, will not be counted. 

College, as defined for this performance measure, refers to any postsecondary higher 

education institution. Therefore, it includes colleges, universities, and technical and 

vocational schools (definition of college per US Census).

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants: Current National 

Service Participants who are receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to 

receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Program will have to wait until end of term of service to determine if the member 

should be counted here. Would only be counted if member meets the count of 

individuals as defined above.

The program should collect the data at the time the National Service Participant begins 

service. 

Have you obtained your GED/diploma?

 Yes

 No 

 Not sure. Explain. _____________________________________

Have you completed a college degree?

 Yes

 No 

 Not sure. Explain. _____________________________________
32

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) must have a 30-day 

timeline, not the previously acceptable 90-day timeline.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.

Applicants selecting this measure must also select a performance measure that 

reflects the community impact of the program from any focus area.

FAQs E5. eGrants won’t let me enter MSYs and slots for member development National 

Performance Measures. Is this a glitch?

No, this is not a glitch. We do not collect data on MSYs and slots for the member 

development National Performance Measures.
33

Measure O15 Number of economically disadvantaged National Service Participants that secure 

employment during their term of service or within thirty days after finishing the 

program

Definition of 

Key Terms

This measure is a count of individuals who are entered into CNCS’ National Service 

Trust database, who complete their term of service, earn an education award, or leave 

service due to compelling circumstances (see 45 CFR §2522.200). Individuals who are 

not enrolled in the Education Trust, or who are dismissed, will not be counted. 

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants: Current National 

Service Participants who are receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to 

receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance 

Securing employment refers to paid, regular employment or serving in the 

military/national guard within the past week. 

The span of time for which a member will be counted under this measure includes 

enrollment to 30 days after a member leaves service. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

If the applicant’s or grantee’s goal is to help the National Service Participants obtain 

employment during their term of service that may result in the National Service 

Participants leaving service early, they should ensure that the program has approved 

design that includes exit for “compelling personal circumstances” as specified in 45 

CFR §2522.230.

Count of individuals in O12 who are hired into a job during the term of service or 

within 30 days after finishing the program. Count each individual only once even if the 

individual receives placement in more than one job.



Suggested: Copy of acceptance letter from employer or copy of first pay stub. 
34

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) must have a 30-day 

timeline, not the previously acceptable 90-day timeline.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.

Applicants selecting this measure must also select a performance measure that 

reflects the community impact of the program from any focus area.

FAQs E6. eGrants won’t let me enter MSYs and slots for member development National 

Performance Measures. Is this a glitch?

No, this is not a glitch. We do not collect data on MSYs and slots for the member 

development National Performance Measures.
35

Measure O16 Number of economically disadvantaged National Service Participants that obtain a 

GED/diploma while serving in a CNCS program or within 30 days after finishing the 

program.

Definition of 

Key Terms

This measure is a count of individuals who are entered into CNCS’ National Service 

Trust database, who complete their term of service, earn an education award, or leave 

service due to compelling circumstances (see 45 CFR §2522.200). Individuals who are 

not enrolled in the Education Trust, or who are dismissed, will not be counted. 

. 

The span of time for which a member will be counted under Economically 

disadvantaged National Service Participants: Current National Service Participants

who are receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to receive: TANF, Food 

Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance. This measure 

includes enrollment to 30 days after a member leaves service.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Of the members counted in O13, count of how many obtained a GED/diploma either 

during their term of service or within 30 days after the term of service ends.

Have you obtained your GED/diploma since [enter date of enrollment]?

 Yes

 No 

Have you obtained your GED/diploma since leaving the program?

 Yes

 No

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) must have a 30-day 

timeline, not the previously acceptable 90-day timeline.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.

Applicants selecting this measure must also select a performance measure that 

reflects the community impact of the program from any focus area.
36

FAQs E7. eGrants won’t let me enter MSYs and slots for member development National 

Performance Measures. Is this a glitch?

No, this is not a glitch. We do not collect data on MSYs and slots for the member 

development National Performance Measures.
37

Measure O17 Number of economically disadvantaged members that register for a college course 

during the term of service or within 30 days after finishing a CNCS-supported 

program

Definition of 

Key Terms

This measure is a count of individuals who are entered into CNCS’ National Service 

Trust database, who complete their term of service, earn an education award, or leave 

service due to compelling circumstances (see 45 CFR §2522.200). Individuals who are 

not enrolled in the National Service Trust, or who are dismissed, will not be counted. 

College, as defined for this performance measure, refers to any postsecondary higher 

education institution. Therefore, it includes colleges, universities, and technical and 

vocational schools (definition of college per US Census).

Register for a college course: may have registered or enrolled in course during term of 

service or within 30 days after term of service ends. If student registered during the 

term of service, the student did not drop out and did not take an “incomplete.”

Economically disadvantaged National Service Participants: Current National 

Service Participants who are receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to 

receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Of the members counted in O14, count of how many registered for a college course as 

defined above during the term of service or within 30 days after a member leaves 

service.

Have you registered for a college course while in the program or since leaving the 

program?

 Yes

 No

If yes, does this course contribute toward a recognized college degree or educational 

credential?

 Yes

 No
38

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) must have a 30-day 

timeline, not the previously acceptable 90-day timeline.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.

Applicants selecting this measure must also select a performance measure that 

reflects the community impact of the program from any focus area.

FAQs E8. eGrants won’t let me enter MSYs and slots for member development National 

Performance Measures. Is this a glitch?

No, this is not a glitch. We do not collect data on MSYs and slots for the member 

development National Performance Measures.
39

Performance Measure Example:

Field What Should Be Entered 

Here

Example

Title Enter a short, descriptive title 

for your performance 

measure. Different aligned 

performance measures 

should have different titles so 

that they can be easily 

referenced.

Improving Homes

Problem Statement Briefly describe the problem 

your program will address 

with this performance 

measure. Your description 

should provide just enough

context that the program’s 

theory of change will be 

evident without referencing 

the application narrative or 

logic model. Also address 

any definitions from the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions that are relevant 

to the aligned measure as a 

whole, e.g. definition of 

“economically 

disadvantaged.” 

Ten percent of the housing 

stock in the rural areas of our 

state is classified as 

unhealthy or unsafe. The 

Adequate Housing for All 

AmeriCorps Program rebuilds 

or repairs severely distressed 

houses in a large rural area. 

The program will request 

information about the annual 

income of program 

beneficiaries, and only 

beneficiaries that meet the 

income eligibility 

requirements to receive 

TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), 

Medicaid, SCHIP, and/or 

Section 8 housing assistance 

will be counted.

Selected Interventions Select only the interventions 

that contribute to the 

outcomes of this aligned 

performance measure. For 

applicant-determined 

interventions, enter a one or 

two word description of the 

intervention.

Home Repair
40

Description of Interventions Describe the design and 

dosage of the interventions 

you have selected.

Fifteen full-time AmeriCorps 

members, all of whom were 

unemployed prior to their 

service terms, repair severely 

distressed houses in a large 

rural area. Members receive 

extensive training in home 

rehabilitation techniques 

including roofing, plumbing, 

wiring and/or foundation 

repair. They work together 

in teams to identify homes in 

the area that are currently 

classified by inspectors as 

unhealthy or unsafe, then 

conduct the necessary 

building repair activity.

Output Either select National 

Performance Measure 

output(s) or enter your own 

output title. If entering an 

applicant-determined output, 

it should be clear what the 

output is counting.

Number of economically

disadvantaged individuals, 

including homeless 

individuals, receiving housing 

services. 

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the output. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Other

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the dosage that is 

necessary to be counted in 

the output, the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the output, a clear 

description of what the 

The program will record the 

number of economically 

disadvantaged indviduals 

who reside in homes that are 

rebuilt and/or repaired by 

AmeriCorps members. Only 

beneficiaries that meet the 
41

instrument will measure, and 

an explanation of how you 

will ensure that beneficiaries 

are not double counted. Also 

describe how the instrument 

is sufficient to meet the data 

collection requirements 

outlined in the Performance 

Measures Instructions, if

applicable.

Note: If your output 

measures participation, 

describe the minimum 

dosage necessary to be 

considered a participant. If 

your output measures 

completion, describe the 

dosage necessary to be 

counted as having completed 

the program.

income eligibility 

requirements to receive 

TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), 

Medicaid, SCHIP, and/or 

Section 8 housing assistance 

will be counted.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the output title. 

Targets must be numbers, 

not percents.

180

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Economically disadvantaged 

individuals

Outcome Title Either select National Number of economically 
42

Performance Measure 

outcome(s) or enter your 

own outcome title. If 

entering an applicantdetermined outcome, it 

should clearly state a 

measurable change in 

knowledge, attitude, 

behavior or condition.

disadvantaged individuals, 

including homeless 

individuals, transitioned into 

safe, affordable housing.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the outcome. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Other

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the outcome, a 

clear description of what the 

instrument will measure and 

how the construct to be 

measured is defined, the 

timeline for administering 

the instrument and the level 

of improvement that is 

necessary to be counted as 

having improved. Also 

provide details about the 

reliability and validity of the 

instrument, and how the 

instrument is sufficient to 

meet the data collection 

requirements outlined in the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions, if applicable.

When the repairs are 

completed, home inspections 

will be performed by a 

certified inspector to ensure 

that the completed home is 

safe and healthy. The 

residents of each household 

will also be asked what 

percentage of their 

household income will be 

considered affordable: 

Housing that costs 30% or 

less of the total household 

income will be considered 

affordable. All economically 

disadvantaged individuals 

who reside in 

rebuilt/repaired homes that 

pass inspection and meet the 

definition of “affordable” will 

be counted under this 

measure.
43

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the outcome 

title. Targets must be 

numbers, not percents.

180

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Economically disadvantaged 

individuals
44

EDUCATION

Measure ED1 Number of economically disadvantaged students or students with special/exceptional 

needs who start in a CNCS-supported education program.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Individuals younger than 21 years of age who are enrolled or eligible for 

enrollment in grades K-12

Economically disadvantaged: Eligible for free (at or below 130% of poverty) or 

reduced (between 130% to 185% of poverty) lunch or enrolled in a school where the 

majority of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch; may or may not actually be 

accessing free/reduced lunch. See: 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/ChildNutrition/lunch.htm. If data about free/reduced 

lunch eligibility is not available, economically disadvantaged may alternatively be 

defined as receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to receive (either 

individually or at a family level): TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, 

Section 8 housing assistance.

Students with special or exceptional needs: Students who are developmentally 

disabled, such as those who are autistic, have cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are visually 

impaired, speech impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically impaired, are emotionally 

disturbed or have a language disorder, specific learning disability, have multiple 

disabilities, other significant health impairment or have literacy needs. Students who 

are abused or neglected; in need of foster care; adjudicated youth; homeless youth; 

teenage parents; and children in need of protective intervention in their homes. 

Education program: A program in which CNCS-supported activities help students 

maintain enrollment in and succeed in school (except mentoring programs). The help 

that grantees provide does not need to be in direct service to the students. However, 

the CNCS-supported activities must provide direct support that makes the program 

possible. 

Enrolled in a school where the majority of students are eligible for free or reduced 

lunch: Grantees using this option to document economic disadvantage must 

demonstrate that the sites/schools they will engage already have a student 

population in which the largest percentage of students in the school come from 

economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or explain an outreach strategy to 

increase the proportions of economically disadvantaged students in the program.

Start in: students enrolled in the education program at the beginning of the program. 

Counts may be updated if the number of participants increases.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of students who enroll in the program. Students may or may not 

complete the program. 
45

FAQs May programs opting into National Performance Measures in Education use a 

school or LEA’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision 

(http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cn/SP16-2015os.pdf) to determine 

economic disadvantage for student beneficiaries?

Yes. The following definition of “Economically Disadvantaged” may be used as an 

alternative to the existing definitions in the National Performance Measure 

Instructions under performance measures ED1, ED2, ED3A, ED4A, ED20, and/or 

ED21: “Students enrolled in schools that are participating in the Community Eligibility 

Provision (CEP).”

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

ED1/ED2 and ED3A/ED4A are not used in the same aligned PM.

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

Measure ED2 Number of economically disadvantaged students or students with special/exceptional 

needs that completed participation in CNCS-supported K-12 education programs.
46

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Individuals younger than 21 years of age who are enrolled or eligible for 

enrollment in grades K-12

Economically disadvantaged: Eligible for free (at or below 130% of poverty) or 

reduced (between 130% to 185% of poverty) lunch or enrolled in a school where the 

majority of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch; may or may not actually be 

accessing free/reduced lunch. See: 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/ChildNutrition/lunch.htm. If data about free/reduced 

lunch eligibility is not available, economically disadvantaged may alternatively be 

defined as receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to receive (either 

individually or at a family level): TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, 

Section 8 housing assistance.

Students with special or exceptional needs: Students who are developmentally 

disabled, such as those who are autistic, have cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are visually 

impaired, speech impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically impaired, are emotionally 

disturbed or have a language disorder, specific learning disability, have multiple 

disabilities, other significant health impairment or have literacy needs. Students who 

are abused or neglected; in need of foster care; adjudicated youth; homeless youth; 

teenage parents; and children in need of protective intervention in their homes. 

Completed participation: In the approved grant application, the program should 

indicate how much time (i.e. how many days or hours) is required in order to complete 

the activity. Then they will only count the number of students who meet that threshold 

by the end of the program or activity. This number will be used as the denominator for 

selected measures and therefore the amount of participation should be enough to 

influence the results.

Education program: A program in which CNCS-supported activities help students 

maintain enrollment in and succeed in school (except mentoring programs). The help 

that grantees provide does not need to be in direct service to the students. However, 

the CNCS-supported activities must provide direct support that makes the program 

possible. 

Enrolled in a school where the majority of students are eligible for free or reduced 

lunch: Grantees using this option to document economic disadvantage must 

demonstrate that the sites/schools they will engage already have a student population in 

which the largest percentage of students in the school come from economically 

disadvantaged backgrounds, or explain an outreach strategy to increase the proportions 

of economically disadvantaged students in the program.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of students who complete participation in the activity as indicated 

by above definition. 
47

FAQs May programs opting into National Performance Measures in Education use a 

school or LEA’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision 

(http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cn/SP16-2015os.pdf) to determine 

economic disadvantage for student beneficiaries?

Yes. The following definition of “Economically Disadvantaged” may be used as an 

alternative to the existing definitions in the National Performance Measure 

Instructions under performance measures ED1, ED2, ED3A, ED4A, ED20, and/or 

ED21: “Students enrolled in schools that are participating in the Community Eligibility 

Provision (CEP).”

Review Notes Completion must be defined for education outputs measuring completion. (ED2, 

ED4A, ED21, ED32). Note: Dosage and completion are not necessarily the same. The 

applicant must specify the minimum dosage necessary to be counted as having 

completed the program, which may or may not be the same dosage specified in the 

intervention description.

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

ED1/ED2 and ED3A/ED4A are not used in the same aligned PM.

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

Measure ED3A Number of disadvantaged youth/mentor matches or youth with special or exceptional 

needs/mentor matches that are commenced by the CNCS-supported education program.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Mentors are adults who provide CNCS-sustained support to children or youth through 

either community based programs or school based programs. Programs that involve 

peer to peer support should not be included in this measure- for those programs use 

Tutoring measures. For school-based mentorships, count mentees in those matches 

that are intended to be continuous, with the same mentor for one hour per week (or as 

age-appropriate for older mentees), for at least 6 months of one school year. For 

community-based mentorships, count mentees in those matches that are intended to 

be continuous, with the same mentor for two to three hours per week, for at least 11 

months. Mentoring relationships are ideally one mentor per child, but could be small 

group with a ratio of no more than 1:3

Disadvantaged youth: “includes those youth who are economically disadvantaged and 

1 or more of the following: (A) Who are out-of-school youth, including out-of-school 

youth who are unemployed. (B) Who are in or aging out of foster care. (C) Who have 

limited English proficiency. (D) Who are homeless or who have run away from home. 

(E) Who are at-risk to leave secondary school without a diploma. (F) Who are former 

juvenile offenders or at risk of delinquency. (G) Who are individuals with disabilities.” 

(From SAA). It is the grantee’s responsibility to ensure the beneficiaries of service 

meet the eligibility requirements provided in the definition.
48

Economically disadvantaged: 

Eligible for free (at or below 130% of poverty) or reduced (between 130% to 185% of 

poverty) lunch or enrolled in a school where the majority of students are eligible for 

free or reduced lunch; may or may not actually be accessing free/reduced lunch. See: 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/ChildNutrition/lunch.htm. If data about free/reduced 

lunch eligibility is not available, economically disadvantaged may be defined as 

receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to receive (either individually or 

at a family level): TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing 

assistance

Enrolled in a school where the majority of students are eligible for free or reduced 

lunch: Grantees using this option to document economic disadvantage must 

demonstrate that the sites/schools they will engage already have a student population in 

which the largest percentage of students in the school come from economically 

disadvantaged backgrounds, or explain an outreach strategy to increase the proportions 

of economically disadvantaged students in the program.

School-Based Mentoring: Mentoring that occurs on a school campus, either during the 

school day or before/after the traditional school day. Students are usually referred to 

school-based mentoring programs by teachers, counselors or other school staff.

Community-based mentoring: Mentoring that occurs at a site other than a school 

campus, at a time other than during the traditional school day.

Youth: Individuals younger than 21 years of age.

Youth with special or exceptional needs: Youth who are developmentally disabled, 

such as those who are autistic, have cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are visually impaired, 

speech impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically impaired, are emotionally disturbed 

or have a language disorder, specific learning disability, have multiple disabilities, 

other significant health impairment or have literacy needs. Youth who are abused or 

neglected; in need of foster care; adjudicated youth; homeless youth; teenage parents; 

and youth in need of protective intervention in their homes.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data:

Programs will count the number of qualifying mentor-mentee matches that are initiated 

over the course of the program year. If the program model allows for “small group” 

mentoring instead of one-on-one matches, all participating mentees in the group should 

be counted. 

FAQs May programs opting into National Performance Measures in Education use a 

school or LEA’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision

(http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cn/SP16-2015os.pdf) to determine 

economic disadvantage for student beneficiaries?

Yes. The following definition of “Economically Disadvantaged” may be used as an 

alternative to the existing definitions in the National Performance Measure 

Instructions under performance measures ED1, ED2, ED3A, ED4A, ED20, and/or 
49

ED21: “Students enrolled in schools that are participating in the Community Eligibility 

Provision (CEP).”

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

ED1/ED2 and ED3A/ED4A are not used in the same aligned PM.

The mentoring intervention must be selected for ED3A/ED4A, and no other 

interventions are selected for ED3A/ED4A. Mentoring may not be selected as an 

intervention in any education measures other than ED3A/ED4A.

The mentoring dosage meets the dosage requirements described in the Performance 

Measure Instructions for ED3A/ED4A.
50

Measure ED4A Number of disadvantaged youth/mentor matches or youth with special or exceptional 

needs/mentor matches that were sustained by the CNCS-supported program for at least 

the required time period.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Mentors are adults who provide CNCS-sustained support to children or youth through 

either community based programs or school based programs. Programs that involve 

peer to peer support should not be included in this measure- for those programs use 

Tutoring measures. For school-based mentorships, count mentees in those matches 

that are intended to be continuous, with the same mentor for one hour per week (or as 

age-appropriate for older mentees), for at least 6 months of one school year. For 

community-based mentorships, count mentees in those matches that are intended to 

be continuous, with the same mentor for two to three hours per week, for at least 11

months. Mentoring relationships are ideally one mentor per child, but could be small 

group with a ratio of no more than 1:3.

Disadvantaged youth: “includes those youth who are economically disadvantaged and 

1 or more of the following: (A) Who are out-of-school youth, including out-of-school 

youth who are unemployed. (B) Who are in or aging out of foster care. (C) Who have 

limited English proficiency. (D) Who are homeless or who have run away from home. 

(E) Who are at-risk to leave secondary school without a diploma. (F) Who are former 

juvenile offenders or at risk of delinquency. (G) Who are individuals with disabilities.” 

(from SAA) It is the grantee’s responsibility to ensure the beneficiaries of service meet 

the eligibility requirements provided in the definition. 

Economically disadvantaged: 

Eligible for free (at or below 130% of poverty) or reduced (between 130% to 185% of 

poverty) lunch or enrolled in a school where the majority of students are eligible for 

free or reduced lunch; may or may not actually be accessing free/reduced lunch. See: 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/ChildNutrition/lunch.htm. If data about free/reduced 

lunch eligibility is not available, economically disadvantaged may alternatively be 

defined as receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements to receive (either 

individually or at a family level): TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, 

Section 8 housing assistance.

Enrolled in a school where the majority of students are eligible for free or reduced 

lunch: Grantees using this option to document economic disadvantage must 

demonstrate that the sites/schools they will engage already have a student population in 

which the largest percentage of students in the school come from economically 

disadvantaged backgrounds, or explain an outreach strategy to increase the proportions 

of economically disadvantaged students in the program.

School-Based Mentoring: Mentoring that occurs on a school campus, either during the 

school day or before/after the traditional school day. Students are usually referred to 

school-based mentoring programs by teachers, counselors or other school staff.

Community-based mentoring: Mentoring that occurs at a site other than a school 

campus, at a time other than during the traditional school day.
51

Youth: Individuals younger than 21 years of age.

Youth with special or exceptional needs: Youth who are developmentally disabled, 

such as those who are autistic, have cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are visually impaired, 

speech impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically impaired, are emotionally disturbed 

or have a language disorder, specific learning disability, have multiple disabilities, 

other significant health impairment or have literacy needs. Youth who are abused or 

neglected; in need of foster care; adjudicated youth; homeless youth; teenage parents; 

and youth in need of protective intervention in their homes.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Programs will count the number of qualifying mentor-mentee matches that were 

sustained over the course of the program. If the program model allows for “small 

group” mentoring instead of one-on-one matches, all participating mentees who 

remained in the group should be counted.

FAQs May programs opting into National Performance Measures in Education use a 

school or LEA’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision 

(http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cn/SP16-2015os.pdf) to determine 

economic disadvantage for student beneficiaries?

Yes. The following definition of “Economically Disadvantaged” may be used as an 

alternative to the existing definitions in the National Performance Measure 

Instructions under performance measures ED1, ED2, ED3A, ED4A, ED20, and/or 

ED21: “Students enrolled in schools that are participating in the Community Eligibility 

Provision (CEP).”

Review Notes Completion must be defined for education outputs measuring completion. (ED2, 

ED4A, ED21, ED32). Note: Dosage and completion are not necessarily the same. The 

applicant must specify the minimum dosage necessary to be counted as having 

completed the program, which may or may not be the same dosage specified in the 

intervention description.

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

ED1/ED2 and ED3A/ED4A are not used in the same aligned PM.

The mentoring intervention must be selected for ED3A/ED4A, and no other 

interventions are selected for ED3A/ED4A. Mentoring may not be selected as an 

intervention in any education measures other than ED3A/ED4A.

The mentoring dosage meets the dosage requirements described in the Performance 

Measure Instructions for ED3A/ED4A.
52

Measure ED5 Number of students with improved academic performance in literacy and/or math.

Definition of Key 

Terms

Students: Those reported in either ED2 or ED4A.

Improved academic performance in literacy and/or math: as measured by an 

improved demonstration of skill/knowledge at post-test as compared to pre-test (gain 

score) using a standardized test/instrument. 

Literacy: includes English, language arts, and/or reading

Standardized test/instrument: has been validated externally on a randomly-selected 

population of students. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Programs will report the number of students from ED2 or ED4A who:

(1) achieved the “gain” or amount of progress that was approved at grant award, and/or

(2) performed on or above grade level if the post-test only method is being used. 

Amount of progress required:

The amount of progress required to count as “improved academic performance” must be 

specified in the approved grant application. If the program is using different tests for 

different groups of children, then different amounts of progress may be specified by test. 

Grantees/applicants should clearly justify in the approved grant application why the 

specified amount of progress is significant.

Standardized tests:

It is expected that most programs will use a standardized pre- and post-test to 

demonstrate improved academic performance. Only programs that demonstrate they are 

serving exclusively below grade level students and that provide a compelling reason why 

it is not feasible for them to conduct a pre-test/post-test may select the "Standardized 

post-test only" option. In these specific cases, the post-test must show the number of

previously below-grade-level students that are performing at or above grade level after 

the program. 

Programs must select a standardized test that:

(1) measures the types of student skills/knowledge the program is trying to improve 

through its efforts, (2) is appropriate for the grade level, (3) has demonstrated validity or 

reliability for the population they are serving, and (4) is compatible with, and acceptable 

to, the school where the program is providing services (different tests may be used at 

different schools).

Pre-tests should be administered to the students participating in the program before they 

begin participation and again near the end of the service delivery period. Some tests 

suggest measuring improvement at more points during the year. Programs should follow 

the instructions provided by the test they have selected.

State standardized tests should generally not be used by most programs as it is expected 

that they will not be sufficiently tailored to the material taught by national service 

participants, may involve long delays before the data become available, and the child’s 

classroom teacher would have the primary effect on these scores. However, programs 

may request to use the state standardized test but need to demonstrate that it is 

appropriate for their circumstances. For all programs that propose to use the state 

standardized test, including Teacher Corps programs, please provide a justification that 
53

explains how the test is sufficiently tailored to the material taught, how the timeline for 

obtaining test data will meet national service reporting requirements, and why gains in 

the test are likely to be attributable, in part or in whole, to the efforts of national service 

participants. 

Obtaining test scores from school systems: 

For programs not themselves administering the test, the program will need to have some 

form of agreement, such as an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the school or 

LEA (local education agency), to ensure that data for the needed children can be secured. 

Data are needed on the group of children you are serving, but not on individual children. 

Requesting data in this way is not likely to violate FERPA (the Family Educational 

Rights and Privacy Act). 

The National Center on Response to Intervention website of the U.S. Department of 

Education provides some information about assessment tools (they call them progress 

monitoring tools) at the following site: 

http://www.rti4success.org/chart/progressMonitoring/progressmonitoringtoolschart.htm

Note that these are not specifically recommended, nor are these the only instruments that 

programs could use but the site provides good information about how to consider which 

tool your program might choose.

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

It must be clear that the proposed standardized test for ED5 and/or ED30 meets the 

definition in the Performance Measure Instructions.

If the state standardized test is proposed to measure ED5 and/or ED30, a justification 

must be provided as directed in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: Request 

must be approved by CNCS.)

If the applicant is measuring multiple subjects under ED5 and/or ED30, it must be clear 

whether/how much students must improve in reading, math or both subjects in order to 

be counted.

FAQs

E9. In order to measure ED5, which is the number of students with improved academic 

performance in literacy and/or math, may we propose to use state assessments 

because they are consistently available and are aligned with our goals of building 

student proficiency in ELA and math and helping schools to improve on the 

outcomes that are most meaningful to them? [Updated 11/12/14]

Programs may request to use the state standardized test but need to demonstrate that it is 

appropriate for their circumstances. For all programs that propose to use the state 

standardized test, including Teacher Corps programs, please provide a justification that 

explains how the test is sufficiently tailored to the material taught, how the timeline for 

obtaining test data will meet national service reporting requirements, and why gains in 

the test are likely to be attributable, in part or in whole, to the efforts of national service 

participants.

E10. Does the ED5 measure apply to adult education? 
54

Education measures are for K-12 and in some cases post-secondary education, not adult 

education. Adult education is addressed by Economic Opportunity measures. 
55

Measure ED9 Number of students graduating from high school on time with a diploma.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Those reported in ED1, ED2, ED3A or ED4A.

On Time: Within four years of starting 9th grade.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

School/district graduation records of individual students who participated in CNCSsupported program. 

Notes This performance indicator is best suited for CNCS-supported programs that primarily 

serve 11th and 12th graders and whose objective is promoting high school graduation. 

Programs should consider the number of students served who would be eligible to 

graduate (i.e., the number of 12th grade students served) each year when setting 

performance measure targets.

· Can you develop a reasonable baseline or “comparison” group consisting of the 

population you plan to serve? For example, what is the typical high school 

graduation rate of the population you intend to serve? This will become your 

comparison group or serve as your baseline. The youth served in your program 

should have a higher rate of high school graduation than this group.

· Will you be able to set a “reach” target, the minimum anticipated percent of 

students participating in your education or mentoring program who you hope will 

graduate from high school; will the percentage you set challenge your program to 

reach that target?

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
56

Measure ED10

Number of students entering post-secondary institutions.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1, ED2, ED3A or ED4A.

Post-secondary institutions may include two-year and four-year colleges 

Entering: means matriculating as a full-time or part-time student. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Registration records that confirm student enrollments or self-report on follow up 

surveys. 

Notes This performance indicator is best suited for CNCS-supported programs that focus on 

preparing high school students for college. Programs should consider the number of 

students served who would be eligible to apply to post-secondary institutions (e.g., the 

number of 12th grade students served) each year when setting performance measure 

targets.

 Can you develop a reasonable baseline or “comparison” group consisting of the 

population you plan to serve who enter post-secondary institutions? Or, what is 

the typical post-secondary school enrollment rate of the population you intend 

to serve? This will become your comparison group or serve as your baseline. 

The youth served in your program should have a higher rate of post-secondary 

school enrollment than this group.

 Will you be able to set a “reach” target, the minimum anticipated percent of 

students participating in your education or mentoring program who you hope 

will enter a post-secondary institution; will the percentage you set challenge 

your program to reach that target?

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
57

Measure ED11 Number of students earning a post-secondary degree.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED31 or ED32.

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

occupational or vocational program; a bachelor’s degree (ex., BA, AB, 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 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Registration records that confirm degree was earned or self report on follow up 

surveys.

Notes This performance indicator is best suited for CNCS-supported programs that work with 

students in college to help them succeed. Programs may only select this measure if 

they are able to collect data during the one-year grant period. Programs should 

consider the number of students served who would be eligible to earn a post-secondary 

degree (i.e., the number of students served who are close to completing graduation 

requirements) each year when setting performance measure targets.

 Can you develop a reasonable baseline or “comparison” group? For example, 

of the students you plan to serve, what proportion of those who enter a degree 

program typically complete a post-secondary degree? This would be your 

comparison group or the group who do not receive your service.

 Will you be able to set a “reach” target, the minimum anticipated percent of 

students participating in your education or mentoring program who you hope 

will earn a post-secondary degree; will the percentage you set challenge your 

program to reach that target? Remember that the target you set would need to 

be higher than what occurs already in the comparison group so that you can 

show the difference that your program is making.

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
58

Measure ED12 Number of CNCS-supported National Service Participants who begin serving as 

teachers through a Teacher Corps program.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Teachers: individuals responsible for leading one or more classes of students in grades 

K-12. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Teacher Corps programs will identify the number of CNCS-supported National Service 

Participants who are serving as teachers.

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

FAQs E11. What programs can select the Teacher Corps Measures in the Education 

Focus Area? 

The Teacher Corps measures are intended to be used by AmeriCorps programs where 

the AmeriCorps members serve as the primary teacher in a classroom setting during 

their terms of service. The AmeriCorps members may serve in public, charter, or 

private schools to address a critical shortage of teaching professionals in a high needs 

area or school.

E12. Can Teacher Corps programs opt into non-Teacher Corps outcomes, such as 

ED5, ED27A or ED27B? 

Yes, Teacher Corps programs are required to select a National Performance Measure 

that reflects the community impact of the program. 
59

Measure ED13 Number of CNCS-supported National Service Participants who completed serving as 

teachers through a Teacher Corps program.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Teachers: individuals responsible for leading one or more classes of students in grades 

K-12.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Report the number of CNCS-supported National Service Participants counted in ED12 

who successfully complete their terms of service in the Teacher Corps program. 

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

FAQs E13. What programs can select the Teacher Corps Measures in the Education 

Focus Area? 

The Teacher Corps measures are intended to be used by AmeriCorps programs where 

the AmeriCorps members serve as the primary teacher in a classroom setting during 

their terms of service. The AmeriCorps members may serve in public, charter, or 

private schools to address a critical shortage of teaching professionals in a high needs 

area or school.

E14. Can Teacher Corps programs opt into non-Teacher Corps outcomes, such as 

ED5, ED27A or ED27B? 

Yes, Teacher Corps programs are required to select a National Performance Measure 

that reflects the community impact of the program. 
60

Measure ED14 Number of CNCS-supported National Service Participants teaching in high need 

schools during their term of service.

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported National Service Participants: those reported in ED13.

High need: Any school that meets the definitions outlined in the Race to the Top 

Notice of Funding Opportunity (CFDA #:84.395A) for High Poverty School or 

Persistently Low Achieving School. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-

27427.pdf

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Report the number of CNCS-supported National Service Participants who teach in high 

need schools during their Teacher Corps service terms.

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

FAQs E15. What programs can select the Teacher Corps Measures in the Education 

Focus Area? 

The Teacher Corps measures are intended to be used by AmeriCorps programs where 

the AmeriCorps members serve as the primary teacher in a classroom setting during 

their terms of service. The AmeriCorps members may serve in public, charter, or 

private schools to address a critical shortage of teaching professionals in a high needs 

area or school.

E16. Can Teacher Corps programs opt into non-Teacher Corps outcomes, such as 

ED5, ED27A or ED27B? 

Yes, Teacher Corps programs are required to select a National Performance Measure 

that reflects the community impact of the program. 

E17. Does ED14 measure individuals teaching during the term of service, or after 

the term of service?

ED14 measures the number of individuals teaching during the term of service.
61

Measure ED17 Number of CNCS-supported National Service Participants remaining in the education 

field after their term of service.

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported National Service Participants: those reported in ED13.

Remaining in the education field: classroom teachers, school support staff, school 

administration, district administration policy, education non-profits, state, local or 

federal government positions in the field of education or other positions whose primary 

objective is to facilitate learning among K-12 students.

After Term of Service: refers to the school year after the term of service ends. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Follow-up survey of Teacher Corps members; program administrative records

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and any 

other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than beneficiary 

outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

FAQs E18. What programs can select the Teacher Corps Measures in the Education 

Focus Area? 

The Teacher Corps measures are intended to be used by AmeriCorps programs where 

the AmeriCorps members serve as the primary teacher in a classroom setting during 

their terms of service. The AmeriCorps members may serve in public, charter, or 

private schools to address a critical shortage of teaching professionals in a high needs 

area or school.

E19. Can Teacher Corps programs opt into non-Teacher Corps outcomes, such as 

ED5, ED27A or ED27B? 

Yes, Teacher Corps programs are required to select a National Performance Measure 

that reflects the community impact of the program. 
62

Measure ED18 Number of CNCS-supported National Service Participants who have had a positive 

impact on student learning as determined by observation-based assessments of teacher 

performance.

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported National Service Participants: those reported in ED13.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Consistent with Race to the Top, this measure can be used as an optional supplement to 

academic achievement for assessing teacher effectiveness. Assessments should be 

completed by school principals, master teachers, or other education professionals.

Other Notes Race to the Top suggests an observation-based assessment approach to supplement 

student performance. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-27427.pdf

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and any 

other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than beneficiary 

outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

FAQs E20. What programs can select the Teacher Corps Measures in the Education 

Focus Area? 

The Teacher Corps measures are intended to be used by AmeriCorps programs where 

the AmeriCorps members serve as the primary teacher in a classroom setting during 

their terms of service. The AmeriCorps members may serve in public, charter, or 

private schools to address a critical shortage of teaching professionals in a high needs 

area or school.

E21. Can Teacher Corps programs opt into non-Teacher Corps outcomes, such as 

ED5, ED27A or ED27B? 

Yes, Teacher Corps programs are required to select a National Performance Measure 

that reflects the community impact of the program. 
63

Measure ED19 Number of CNCS-supported National Service Participants receiving certification to 

teach in schools after their term of service.

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported National Service Participants: those reported in ED13.

Receiving certification: according to NCLB standard.

After Term of Service: refers to the school year after the term of service ends.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Follow-up survey of members; program administrative records

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and any 

other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than beneficiary 

outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

FAQs E22. What programs can select the Teacher Corps Measures in the Education 

Focus Area? 

The Teacher Corps measures are intended to be used by AmeriCorps programs where 

the AmeriCorps members serve as the primary teacher in a classroom setting during 

their terms of service. The AmeriCorps members may serve in public, charter, or 

private schools to address a critical shortage of teaching professionals in a high needs 

area or school.

E23. Can Teacher Corps programs opt into non-Teacher Corps outcomes, such as 

ED5, ED27A or ED27B? 

Yes, Teacher Corps programs are required to select a National Performance Measure 

that reflects the community impact of the program. 
64

Measure ED20: Number of economically disadvantaged children or children with special or exceptional 

needs who start in a CNCS-supported early childhood education program.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Children: Children younger than the age of kindergarten enrollment.

Economically disadvantaged: Eligible for free (at or below 130% of poverty) or 

reduced (between 130% to 185% of poverty) lunch or enrolled in an early childhood 

education center where the majority of children are eligible for free or reduced lunch; 

may or may not actually be accessing free/reduced lunch. See: 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/ChildNutrition/lunch.htm. If data about free/reduced 

lunch eligibility is not available, economically disadvantaged may alternatively be 

defined as receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements at the family level to 

receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance.

Children with special or exceptional needs: Children who are developmentally 

disabled, such as those who are autistic, have cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are visually 

impaired, speech impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically impaired, are emotionally 

disturbed or have a language disorder, specific learning disability, have multiple 

disabilities, other significant health impairment or have literacy needs. Children who are 

abused or neglected; in need of foster care; adjudicated youth; homeless youth; teenage 

parents; and children in need of protective intervention in their homes.

Early childhood education program: A program in which CNCS-supported activities 

help pre-K children maintain enrollment in and succeed in early childhood education. 

The ‘help’ that grantees provide does not need to be in direct service to the children. 

However, the CNCS-supported activities must provide direct support that makes the 

program possible. 

Start in: children enrolled in the early childhood education program at the beginning of 

the program. Counts may be updated if the number of participants increases.

Enrolled in an early childhood education center where the majority of children are 

eligible for free or reduced lunch: Grantees using this option to document economic 

disadvantage must demonstrate that the sites/early childhood centers they will engage 

already have a population in which the largest percentage of children in the center come 

from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or explain an outreach strategy to 

increase the proportions of economically disadvantaged children served by the CNCSsponsored program.

How to 

Calculate/

Measure/

Collect Data:

Count of children who enroll in the program. Children may or may not complete the 

program. Each child should be counted only once during the program. 

FAQs May programs opting into National Performance Measures in Education use a school 

or LEA’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision 

(http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cn/SP16-2015os.pdf) to determine 

economic disadvantage for student beneficiaries?

Yes. The following definition of “Economically Disadvantaged” may be used as an 

alternative to the existing definitions in the National Performance Measure 

Instructions under performance measures ED1, ED2, ED3A, ED4A, ED20, and/or

ED21: “Students enrolled in schools that are participating in the Community Eligibility 
65

Provision (CEP).”

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
66

Measure ED21 Number of economically disadvantaged children or children with special or exceptional 

needs that completed participation in CNCS-supported early childhood education 

programs.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Children: Children younger than the age of kindergarten enrollment.

Economically disadvantaged: Eligible for free (at or below 130% of poverty) or 

reduced (between 130% to 185% of poverty) lunch or enrolled in an early childhood 

education center where the majority of children are eligible for free or reduced lunch; 

may or may not actually be accessing free/reduced lunch. See: 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/ChildNutrition/lunch.htm. If data about free/reduced 

lunch eligibility is not available, economically disadvantaged may alternatively be 

defined as receiving or meet the income eligibility requirements at the family level to 

receive: TANF, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance.

Children with special or exceptional needs: Children who are developmentally 

disabled, such as those who are autistic, have cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are visually 

impaired, speech impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically impaired, are emotionally 

disturbed or have a language disorder, specific learning disability, have multiple 

disabilities, other significant health impairment or have literacy needs. Children who are 

abused or neglected; in need of foster care; adjudicated youth; homeless youth; teenage 

parents; and children in need of protective intervention in their homes. 

Completed participation: In the approved grant application, the program should 

indicate how much time (i.e. how many days or hours) is required in order to complete 

the activity. Then they will only count the number of children who meet that threshold 

by the end of the program or activity. This number will be used as the denominator for 

selected measures and therefore the amount of participation should be enough to 

influence the results.

Early childhood education program: A program in which CNCS-supported activities 

help pre-K children maintain enrollment in and succeed in early childhood education. 

The ‘help’ that grantees provide does not need to be in direct service to the children. 

However, the CNCS-supported activities must provide direct support that makes the 

program possible. 

Enrolled in an early childhood education center where the majority of children are 

eligible for free or reduced lunch: Grantees using this option to document economic 

disadvantage must demonstrate that the sites/early childhood centers they will engage 

already have a population in which the largest percentage of children in the center come 

from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or explain an outreach strategy to 

increase the proportions of economically disadvantaged children served by the CNCSsponsored program.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of children who complete participation in the activity as indicated by above 

definition. 
67

FAQs May programs opting into National Performance Measures in Education use a school 

or LEA’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision 

(http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cn/SP16-2015os.pdf) to determine 

economic disadvantage for student beneficiaries?

Yes. The following definition of “Economically Disadvantaged” may be used as an 

alternative to the existing definitions in the National Performance Measure 

Instructions under performance measures ED1, ED2, ED3A, ED4A, ED20, and/or 

ED21: “Students enrolled in schools that are participating in the Community Eligibility 

Provision (CEP).”

Review Notes Completion must be defined for education outputs measuring completion. (ED2, ED4A, 

ED21, ED32). Note: Dosage and completion are not necessarily the same. The 

applicant must specify the minimum dosage necessary to be counted as having 

completed the program, which may or may not be the same dosage specified in the 

intervention description.

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
68

Measure ED23 Number of children demonstrating gains in school readiness in terms of social and/or 

emotional development.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Children: Those counted under ED21.

Social and emotional development: An indicator and element of school readiness that 

measures a child’s development in one or more of the following domains: self-concept, 

self-control, cooperation, social relationships, and knowledge of families and 

communities. Each domain of social and emotional development has a set of specific, 

measurable indicators. The applicant/grantee should identify at the outset those specific 

domain(s) and indicator(s) of social and emotional development that (a) directly 

corresponds to the program intervention and (b) will be measured by the particular 

standardized data collection instrument you choose.

School readiness: Preparation for Kindergarten which includes multiple indicators 

assessed across multiple 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

Calculate

Measure/

Collect Data

Programs should obtain counts of the number of children demonstrating gains in school 

readiness based on social and/or emotional development. For AmeriCorps State and 

National Only: Data should be collected at the beginning and end of the intervention via 

a pre-post assessment that has been shown to be valid and reliable for the purposes for 

which it will be used and the populations that will be assessed.

Accredited early childhood education programs may already have state requirements in 

place for assessing the social and emotional development of children to determine 

school readiness. For example, such a measure may be:

“The number of children who often or very often exhibit positive social behaviors when 

interacting with their peers”.

This suggested measure is from the National School Readiness Indicators Initiative 

Project (Feb 2005) 

http://www.gettingready.org/matriarch/d.asp?PageID=303&PageName2=pdfhold&p=&

PageName=Getting+Ready+%2D+Executive+Summary%282%29%2Epdf

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
69

Measure ED24 Number of children demonstrating gains in school readiness in terms of literacy skills

Definition of 

Key Terms

Children: Those counted under ED21.

Literacy skills: An indicator and element of school readiness that measures a child’s 

development in one or more of the following domains: phonological awareness, book 

knowledge and appreciation, print awareness and concepts, early writing, and alphabet 

knowledge. Each domain of literacy skills development has a set of specific, measurable 

indicators. The applicant/grantee should identify at the outset those specific domain(s) 

and indicator(s) of literacy skills development that (a) directly corresponds to the 

program intervention and (b) will be measured by the particular standardized data 

collection instrument you choose.

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 ageappropriate skills and behavior.

How to 

Calculate

Measure/

Collect Data

Programs should obtain counts of the number of children demonstrating gains in school 

readiness based on their literacy skills. For AmeriCorps State and National Only: Data 

should be collected at the beginning nd end of the intervention via a pre-post assessment

that has been shown to be valid and reliable for the purposes for which it will be used and 

the populations that will be assessed.

Accredited early childhood education programs have state requirements for assessing 

literacy skills of children to determine school readiness. For example, such a measure 

may be “Number of children almost always recognizing the relationships between letters 

and sounds at kindergarten entry”.

This suggested measure is from the National School Readiness Indicators Initiative 

Project (Feb 2005)

http://www.gettingready.org/matriarch/d.asp?PageID=303&PageName2=pdfhold&p=&

PageName=Getting+Ready+%2D+Executive+Summary%282%29%2Epdf

There is a fairly short list of pre-K assessments that are recognized as measuring the 

skills needed for kindergarten-first grade.

A Review of School Readiness Factors in the States: Early Learning Guidelines and 

Assessments, http://www.childtrends.org/Files//Child_Trends2010_06_18_ECH_SchoolReadiness.pdf

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
70

Measure ED25 Number of children demonstrating gains in school readiness in terms of numeracy 

(math) skills.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Children: Those counted under ED21.

Numeracy skills: An indicator and element of school readiness that measures a child’s 

development in one or more of the following domains: numbers and operations, 

geometry and special sense, and pattern and measurement. Each domain of math 

(numeracy) skills development has a set of specific, measurable indicators. The 

applicant/grantee should identify at the outset those specific domain(s) and indicator(s) 

of math (numeracy) skills development that (a) directly corresponds to the program 

intervention and (b) will be measured as defined by the particular standardized data 

collection instrument you choose.

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 ageappropriate skills and behavior.

How to 

Calculate

Measure/

Collect Data

Programs should obtain counts of the number of children demonstrating gains in school 

readiness based on their numeracy (math) skills. For AmeriCorps State and National 

Only: Data should be collected at the beginning and end of the intervention via a prepost assessment that has been shown to be valid and reliable for the purposes for which it

will be used and the populations that will be assessed.

Accredited early childhood education programs have state requirements for assessing 

numeracy (math) skills of children to determine school readiness. For example, such a 

measure may be “Number of children at kindergarten entry who can count beyond 10, 

sequence patterns and use nonstandard units of length to compare number”.

This suggested measure is from the National School Readiness Indicators Initiative 

Project (Feb 2005)

http://www.gettingready.org/matriarch/d.asp?PageID=303&PageName2=pdfhold&p=&

PageName=Getting+Ready+%2D+Executive+Summary%282%29%2Epdf

There is a fairly short list of pre-K assessments that are recognized as measuring the 

skills needed for kindergarten-first grade.

A Review of School Readiness Factors in the States: Early Learning Guidelines and 

Assessments, http://www.childtrends.org/Files//Child_Trends2010_06_18_ECH_SchoolReadiness.pdf

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
71

Measure ED26 Number of students acquiring a GED.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Those reported in ED1, ED2, ED3A or ED4A.

How to 

Calculate/

Measure/ 

Collect Data

GED completion records of individual students who participated in CNCS-supported 

program. 

Notes This performance indicator is best suited for CNCS-supported programs that primarily 

serve 11th and 12th graders or youth who are disconnected from school and whose 

objective is promoting GED completion. 

 Can you develop a reasonable baseline or “comparison” group consisting of the 

population you plan to serve? For example, what is the typical GED completion 

rate of the population you intend to serve? This will become your comparison 

group or serve as your baseline. The youth served in your program should have 

a higher rate of GED completion than this group.

 Will you be able to set a “reach” target, the minimum anticipated percent of 

students participating in your education or mentoring program who you hope 

will acquire a GED; will the percentage you set challenge your program to reach 

that target?

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
72

Measure 

ED27A

Number of students in grades K-12 that participated in the mentoring or tutoring or 

other education program, including CNCS-supported service learning, who 

demonstrated improved academic engagement (attitudes).

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Those reported in either ED2 or ED4A.

Service learning: Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates 

meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning 

experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

Improved academic engagement: A positive and significant change in one of the 

following student attitudes over a specified period of time.. Measures of student 

attitudes include: increased interest in school, improved perspective on school climate, 

increased attachment to school and increased educational aspirations. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Applicants and grantees should identify the aspect(s) of academic engagement that 

their programs most closely align with. The measure(s) of student attitudes that the 

program intends to address must be specified in the approved grant application. 

Programs should collect academic engagement data from school records, teacher 

surveys and/or student surveys at the beginning and end of the program. If the

measure(s) of student attitudes specified in the approved grant application show

improvement, the student should be counted as having demonstrated academic 

engagement. For programs that aim to address more than one measure of student 

attitudes, a student should only be counted as having demonstrated improved academic 

engagement if at least one of these elements shows improvement without any of the 

other elements worsening.

A survey or questionnaire may be used for grantee administration. See the National 

Service Knowledge Network, https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for 

performance measurement tools that CNCS has developed for volunteer and service 

programs. Selection of tools should be based on whether the tools have been shown to 

be valid and reliable.

Determining whether a positive change in student attitudes is significant may be limited 

by small sample sizes. Applicants and grantees are encouraged to track the average size 

of the increase among participants as well as the number of students with a positive 

increase.

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

For ED27A or ED27B, the applicant must specify which dimension(s) of academic 

engagement described in the Performance Measure Instructions will be measured.

FAQs E24. Can summer programs select the ED27A or ED27B performance measures? 

Summer programs may opt into the ED27A or ED27B measure and consider the 

definition of over the school year to be interpreted as over the course of the summer 

program. 
73

Measure 

ED27B

Number of students in grades K-12 that participated in the mentoring or tutoring or 

other education program, including CNCS-supported service learning, who 

demonstrated improved academic engagement (behaviors).

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Those reported in either ED2 or ED4A.

Service learning: Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates 

meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning 

experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

Improved academic engagement: A positive and significant change in one of the 

following student behaviors over a specified period of time. Measures of student 

behaviors include increased attendance, increased completion of assignments including 

homework, increased teacher-reported participation, decreased disciplinary referrals, 

decreased suspensions, decreased arrest and gang involvement, and decreased reports 

of substance abuse. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Applicants and grantees should identify the aspect(s) of academic engagement that 

their programs most closely align with. The measure(s) of student behaviors that the 

program intends to address must be specified in the approved grant application. 

Programs should collect academic engagement data from school records or teacher 

surveys at the beginning and end of the program. If the measure(s) of student behaviors 

specified in the approved grant application show improvement, the student should be 

counted as having demonstrated academic engagement. For programs that aim to 

address more than one measure of student behaviors, a student should only be counted 

as having demonstrated improved academic engagement if at least one of these 

elements shows improvement without any of the other elements worsening.

A survey or questionnaire may be used for grantee administration. See the National 

Service Knowledge Network, https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for 

performance measurement tools that CNCS has developed for volunteer and service 

programs. Selection of tools should be based on whether the tools have been shown to 

be valid and reliable.

Determining whether a positive change in student behaviors is significant may be 

limited by small sample sizes. Applicants and grantees are encouraged to track the 

average size of the increase among participants as well as the number of students with a 

positive increase.Programs measuring decreased disciplinary referrals or suspensions

must demonstrate that these decreases are not the result of changes in school policies.

PO Review

Notes

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

For ED27A or ED27B, the applicant must specify which dimension(s) of academic 

engagement described in the Performance Measure Instructions will be measured.
74

FAQs E25. Can summer programs select the ED27A or ED27B performance measures? 

Summer programs may opt into the ED27A or ED27B measure and consider the 

definition of over the school year to be interpreted as over the course of the summer 

program. 
75

Measure ED30 Number of students with improved academic performance in core academic subjects 

other than literacy or math.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Those reported in either ED2 or ED4A.

Improved academic performance: as measured by an improved demonstration of 

skill/knowledge at post-test as compared to pre-test (gain score) using a standardized 

test/instrument. 

Core academic subjects other than literacy or math: Science, foreign languages, civics

and government, economics, arts, history, and geography (see Title IX of the 

Elementary and Secondary Education Act). Subjects other than mathematics that are 

considered STEM disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, and 

computer science, may also be included under this measure.

Standardized test/instrument: has been validated externally on a randomly-selected 

population of students. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Programs will report the number of students from ED2 or ED4A who:

(1) achieved the “gain” or amount of progress that was approved at grant award, and/or

(2) performed on or above grade level if the post-test only method is being used. 

Amount of progress required:

The amount of progress required to count as “improved academic performance” must 

be specified in the approved grant application. If the program is using different tests 

for different groups of children, then different amounts of progress may be specified by 

test. Grantees/applicants should clearly justify in the approved grant application why 

the specified amount of progress is significant.

Standardized tests:

It is expected that most programs will use a standardized pre- and post-test to 

demonstrate improved academic performance. Only programs that demonstrate they 

are serving exclusively below grade level students and that provide a compelling 

reason why it is not feasible for them to conduct a pre-test/post-test may select the 

"Standardized post-test only" option. In these specific cases, the post-test must show 

the number of previously below-grade-level students that are performing at or above 

grade level after the program. 

Programs must select a standardized test that:

(1) measures the types of student skills/knowledge the program is trying to improve 

through its efforts, (2) is appropriate for the grade level, (3) has demonstrated validity 

or reliability for the population they are serving, and (4) is compatible with, and 

acceptable to, the school where the program is providing services (different tests may 

be used at different schools).

Pre-tests should be administered to the students participating in the program before 

they begin participation and again near the end of the service delivery period. Some 

tests suggest measuring improvement at more points during the year. Programs should 

follow the instructions provided by the test they have selected.
76

State standardized tests should generally not be used by most programs as it is 

expected that they will not be sufficiently tailored to the material taught by national 

service participants, may involve long delays before the data become available, and the 

child’s classroom teacher would have the primary effect on these scores. However, 

programs may request to use the state standardized test but need to demonstrate that it 

is appropriate for their circumstances. For all programs that propose to use the state 

standardized test, including Teacher Corps programs, please provide a justification that 

explains how the test is sufficiently tailored to the material taught, how the timeline for 

obtaining test data will meet national service reporting requirements, and why gains in 

the test are likely to be attributable, in part or in whole, to the efforts of national service 

participants. 

Obtaining test scores from school systems: 

For programs not themselves administering the test, the program will need to have 

some form of agreement, such as an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the 

school or LEA (local education agency), to ensure that data for the needed children can 

be secured. Data are needed on the group of children you are serving, but not on 

individual children. Requesting data in this way is not likely to violate FERPA (the 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). 

The National Center on Response to Intervention website of the U.S. Department of 

Education provides some information about assessment tools (they call them progress 

monitoring tools) at the following site: 

http://www.rti4success.org/chart/progressMonitoring/progressmonitoringtoolschart.ht

m

Note that these are not specifically recommended, nor are these the only instruments 

that programs could use but the site provides good information about how to consider 

which tool your program might choose.

Review Notes Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.

It must be clear that the proposed standardized test for ED5 and/or ED30 meets the 

definition in the Performance Measure Instructions.

If the state standardized test is proposed to measure ED5 and/or ED30, a justification 

must provided as directed in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: Request 

must be approved by CNCS.)

If the applicant is measuring multiple subjects under ED5 and/or ED30, it must be

clear whether/how much students must improve in reading, math or both subjects in 

order to be counted.
77

Measure ED31 Number of economically disadvantaged post-secondary students or post-secondary 

students with special or exceptional needs who start in a CNCS-supported education 

program.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Individuals enrolled in post-secondary education institutions. 

Economically disadvantaged: eligible for Pell grant or receiving or meet the income 

eligibility requirements to receive (either individually or at a family level): TANF, 

Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance

Students with special or exceptional needs: Students who are developmentally 

disabled, such as those who are autistic, have cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are visually 

impaired, speech impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically impaired, are emotionally 

disturbed or have a language disorder, specific learning disability, have multiple 

disabilities, other significant health impairment or have literacy needs. Students who 

are abused or neglected; in need of foster care; adjudicated youth; homeless youth; 

teenage parents; and children in need of protective intervention in their homes. 

Education program: A program in which CNCS-supported activities help students 

maintain enrollment in and succeed in post-secondary education. The help that 

grantees provide does not need to be in direct service to the students. However, the 

CNCS-supported activities must provide direct support that makes the program 

possible. 

Post-secondary education institutions: 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities, 

graduate or professional schools, and career and technical education institutions.

Start in: students enrolled in the education program at the beginning of the program. 

Counts may be updated if the number of participants increases.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of students who enroll in the program. Students may or may not 

complete the program. Each student should be counted only once during the program. 

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
78

Measure ED32 Number of economically disadvantaged post-secondary students or post-secondary 

students with special or exceptional needs that completed participation in CNCSsupported education programs.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: Individuals enrolled in post-secondary education

Economically disadvantaged: eligible for Pell grant or receiving or meet the income 

eligibility requirements to receive (either individually or at a family level): TANF, 

Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SCHIP, Section 8 housing assistance

Students with special or exceptional needs: Students who are developmentally 

disabled, such as those who are autistic, have cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are visually 

impaired, speech impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically impaired, are emotionally 

disturbed or have a language disorder, specific learning disability, have multiple 

disabilities, other significant health impairment or have literacy needs. Students who 

are abused or neglected; in need of foster care; adjudicated youth; homeless youth; 

teenage parents; and children in need of protective intervention in their homes. 

Education program: A program in which CNCS-supported activities help students 

maintain enrollment in and succeed in post-secondary education. The help that 

grantees provide does not need to be in direct service to the students. However, the 

CNCS-supported activities must provide direct support that makes the program 

possible. 

Post-secondary education institutions: 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities, 

graduate or professional schools, and career and technical education institutions.

Completed participation: In the approved grant application, the program should 

indicate how much time (i.e. how many days or hours) is required in order to complete 

the activity. Then they will only count the number of students who meet that threshold 

by the end of the program or activity. This number will be used as the denominator for 

selected measures and therefore the amount of participation should be enough to 

influence the results.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of students who complete participation in the activity as indicated 

by above definition. 
79

Review Notes Completion must be defined for education outputs measuring completion. (ED2, 

ED4A, ED21, ED32). Note: Dosage and completion are not necessarily the same. The 

applicant must specify the minimum dosage necessary to be counted as having 

completed the program, which may or may not be the same dosage specified in the 

intervention description.

Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)

Mentoring may not be selected as an intervention in any education measures other than 

ED3A/ED4A.
80

Performance Measure Example: 

Field What Should Be Entered 

Here

Example

Title Enter a short, descriptive title 

for your performance 

measure. Different aligned 

performance measures 

should have different titles so 

that they can be easily 

referenced.

Helping Students Improve in 

Math

Problem Statement Briefly describe the problem 

your program will address 

with this performance 

measure. Your description 

should provide just enough 

context that the program’s 

theory of change will be 

evident without referencing 

the application narrative or 

logic model. Also address 

any definitions from the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions that are relevant 

to the aligned measure as a 

whole, e.g. definition of 

“economically 

disadvantaged.” 

Students in District ABC lag 

fifteen percentage points 

behind the state average for 

8

th grade math proficiency. 

The purpose of the EduCorps 

program is to provide 

tutoring services that 

improve middle school 

students’ academic 

achievement in mathematics. 

All schools served by the 

program have a majority of 

students who are eligible for 

free or reduced lunch.

Selected Interventions Select only the interventions 

that contribute to the 

outcomes of this aligned 

performance measure. For 

applicant-determined 

interventions, enter a one or 

two word description of the 

intervention.

Tutoring: One-on-one

Tutoring: Small group

Description of Interventions Describe the design and 

dosage of the interventions 

The EduCorps Program has 

six half-time AmeriCorps 
81

you have selected. members leading one-on-one 

and small group tutoring 

programs for middle-school 

students. Members typically 

meet with groups of 1-3 

students after school each 

day for about an hour, using 

mathematics enrichment 

materials that complement 

the normal classroom 

curriculum. 

Output Either select National 

Performance Measure 

output(s) or enter your own 

output title. If entering an 

applicant-determined output, 

it should be clear what the 

output is counting.

Number of students who 

start in a CNCS-supported 

education program.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the output. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Attendance Log

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the dosage that is 

necessary to be counted in 

the output, the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the output, a clear 

description of what the

instrument will measure, and 

an explanation of how you 

will ensure that beneficiaries 

are not double counted. Also 

describe how the instrument 

is sufficient to meet the data 

Participation output: 

Members will record in the 

program’s secure database 

the name and ID number of 

each student who enrolls in 

the tutoring program. The 

list of names/IDs will be 

checked to ensure that no 

student is counted twice.

Completion output: 

Members will record in the 
82

collection requirements 

outlined in the Performance 

Measures Instructions, if 

applicable.

Note: If your output 

measures participation, 

describe the minimum 

dosage necessary to be 

considered a participant. If 

your output measures 

completion, describe the 

dosage necessary to be 

counted as having completed 

the program.

program’s secure database 

the number of tutoring 

sessions completed and the 

total number of hours of 

attendance for each student. 

Students who have received 

at least 40 hours of tutoring 

over the course of the school 

year will be counted as 

having completed the 

program.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the output title. 

Targets must be numbers, 

not percents.

100

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Students

Outcome Title Either select National 

Performance Measure 

outcome(s) or enter your 

own outcome title. If 

entering an applicantdetermined outcome, it 

should clearly state a 

measurable change in 

knowledge, attitude, 

Number of students with 

improved academic 

performance in literacy 

and/or math
83

behavior or condition.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the outcome. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Standardized Pre-Post Test

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the outcome, a 

clear description of what the 

instrument will measure and 

how the construct to be 

measured is defined, the 

timeline for administering 

the instrument and the level 

of improvement that is 

necessary to be counted as 

having improved. Also 

provide details about the 

reliability and validity of the 

instrument, and how the 

instrument is sufficient to 

meet the data collection 

requirements outlined in the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions, if applicable.

When students enroll in the 

tutoring program at the 

beginning of the school year, 

they will take a standardized, 

district-approved pre-test in 

mathematics (insert name of 

actual test here) that aligns 

with the material being 

taught and is appropriate for 

the grade level and that has 

demonstrated reliability and 

validity for the population of 

middle school students 

served. The same test will be 

administered to students at 

the end of the school year. 

Scores will be recorded in the 

program’s secure database. 

Students who increase their 

scores in mathematics by at 

least 1.2 grade levels over 

the course of their 

participation in the tutoring 

program will be counted 

under this measure.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the outcome 

title. Targets must be 

numbers, not percents.

85
84

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Students
85

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Review Notes

Common Issues and Points to Consider

1. Programs need to use the same beneficiaries for outputs and outcomes (in most aligned 

measures). If they are counting acres of improved public lands in EN4 or miles in EN5, 

the outcome needs to be in acres (or miles) as well. Applicants should not be measuring 

the project sponsor's satisfaction or approval of their work but rather the condition of the 

land after their work. 

2. EN3 – environmental education of individuals – falls under Objective 3 – Awareness and 

Stewardship with an "other" intervention. Environmental education activities must entail 

real engagement of the individual with a specific education goal in mind – not just 

outreach, tabling at events or distributing pamphlets. The applicant should define what 

level of engagement (time of interaction) constitutes a countable event, e.g., a minimum 

of 15-20 minutes. Presentations to large audiences are acceptable. If measuring a change 

in knowledge, the preferred outcome would be a pre- and post-test, although getting test 

returns can be challenging so targets should be set accordingly. Sampling plans must be 

approved.

3. EN6 – recycling – includes composting, reuse, deconstruction and take back programs. 

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Weatherization: The process of installing technology into a building to reduce its energy consumption 

such as insulation, double-pane windows, caulking, etc. It also often refers to the federal Department of 

Energy program that provides funds to states to weatherize homes of low-income individuals.

BTUs or MMBTUs: British Thermal Units (or millions of) – a typical way to measure heat energy 

consumption.

KWh: Kilowatt hours, a measure of electricity consumption

Deconstruction: the removal of materials from a building in a manner and intent to reuse them in the 

construction of another building

Public Lands or waterways: Owned by national, state, county, city or tribal government. A land trust or 

other nonprofit can qualify if it is designated (e.g., agreement with a government entity) as “public use.” 
86

Measure EN1 Number of housing units of low-income households and public structures weatherized 

or retrofitted to improve energy efficiency.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Housing Unit: single family home, mobile home, apartment unit, each side of duplex 

would count as 1.

Low income: 200% of poverty or the updated level as found at: 

http://www.waptac.org/ 

Weatherization/retrofitted: See the U.S. Department of Energy. Helpful information 

can be found at the following links:

http://www.waptac.org/ or http://www.energysavers.gov/

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.

Structures: Shelters, such as homeless shelters or emergency shelters operated by 

nonprofit or public organizations; government-owned buildings. Each structure would 

count as 1.

Improve energy efficiency: Physical improvements to housing or building structures 

that improve energy-efficiency compared to standard new units built to local building 

code or the unit’s existing energy efficiency, respectively.

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count only those units/structures where the work was fully completed as evidenced by 

a Certificate of Occupancy; where not required, get a written statement from resident or 

owner or some other certification of completion.

Additional 

Notes

U.S. Department of Energy has training programs, definitions, and tools to assist in 

these efforts. Your program is not required to exactly match the way that DOE 

provides weatherization but we encourage you to create programs that reflect “the spirit 

of” the DOE programs.

ENERGY STAR (ENERGY STAR-Qualified New Homes: 

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_features and 

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR for existing homes: 

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=hpwes_profiles.showSplash), 

LEED for Homes (http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2135), the 

NAHB National Green Building Program (http://www.nahbgreen.org) 
87

FAQs E61. The definition of structures in EN1 includes government owned buildings, 

but it looks like EN1.1 talks only about households. If the program is retrofitting 

government owned buildings, can they not use this aligned measure? [Added 

1/11/15]

Yes, if they are counting government buildings in EN1 they would include government 

buildings in EN1.1.
88

Measure EN1.1 Number of weatherized or retrofitted low-income households with reduced energy 

consumption or reduced energy costs.

How to

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey from a member of the household or building owner that documents reduced

energy consumption or reduced energy costs. 

Grantees can use an industry-accepted computer model (such as those available from 

the US Department of Energy) that estimates energy consumption reductions of at least 

15% based on the weatherization or retrofits installed.

FAQs E62. The definition of structures in EN1 includes government owned buildings, 

but it looks like EN1.1 talks only about households. If the program is retrofitting 

government owned buildings, can they not use this aligned measure? [Added 

1/11/15]

Yes, if they are counting government buildings in EN1 they would include government 

buildings in EN1.1.
89

Measure EN2 Number of AmeriCorps members trained and/or certified for green jobs including the 

conducting of energy audits.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Green Jobs: Jobs that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental 

quality. Specifically, but not exclusively, this includes jobs that help to protect 

ecosystems and biodiversity; reduce energy, materials, and water consumption through 

high efficiency strategies; de-carbonize the economy; and minimize or altogether avoid 

generation of all forms of waste and pollution. [Green Jobs: Towards decent work in a 

sustainable, low-carbon world (September 2008), United Nations Environmental 

Programme.]

Trained: The program should result in the AmeriCorps member having acquired job 

skills that match the industry accepted skills for a designated green job.

Certified: The trained AmeriCorps member has received an industry-accepted 

certification that qualifies them for a green job.

Energy Audit: See U.S. Dept. of Energy information for suggested definition 

http://www.waptac.org/

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).
90

Measure EN2.1 Number of trained AmeriCorps members placed in green jobs.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Placed in jobs: An AmeriCorps member is hired in a green job as a result of job skills 

training and/or certification provided; the AmeriCorps member may have been 

previously working in a different job or previously unemployed.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of individuals receiving services in EN2.1 who secure employment in a green 

job during their term of service or within thirty days after finishing the program. Count 

each individual only once even if the individual receives placement in more than one 

job.

Suggested method is a copy of acceptance letter from employer or copy of first pay 

stub. 

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).
91

Measure EN3 Number of individuals receiving education or training in environmental stewardship

and/or environmentally-conscious practices.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Education or Training: May be one-time or an on-going series; cannot just be 

distribution of pamphlets or information available on a web-site; should have learning 

objectives; may be in person or through a web-based interface.

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 ecosystems in order to live 

sustainably. Grantees are encouraged to utilize service learning when possible. 

Environmental topics should relate to real conditions in the community being served.

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of each individual participating in the educational event or training. Some 

individuals may attend multiple events or trainings but they should only be counted 

once. If providing the training through classroom curriculum, count the individuals 

present not just those enrolled. If providing the training through a school assembly

presentation, get the best estimate from school officials of the number in attendance.

The educational events or training should be in response to a specifically identified 

need in the community to either increase knowledge or to change behavior.

Sign-in or attendance sheets from education/training sessions when possible. Tracking 

needs to enable unduplicated count when possible.
92

Measure EN3.1 Number of individuals with an increase in knowledge of environmental stewardship

and/or environmentally-conscious practices.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Increase in knowledge: Participants gain environmental information and/or 

understanding that they did not have prior to participating in the event/training. The 

outcome should align with the intended change of the output/activity as defined by the 

community need. Educational activities may be targeted to adults or youth. 

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Grantees are encouraged to utilize pre- and post-tests to assess a change in the actual 

knowledge of the participants (not the individual's opinion of their level of knowledge). 

A mixture of basic knowledge and more challenging questions can be asked so that 

members of an audience with a wide range of initial level of knowledge are more likely 

to demonstrate an increase in correct answers from the pre- to the post-test. In 

developing targets, grantees should take into account that the projected number of 

returned post-surveys or tests is unlikely to be 100% of the educated population.

Grantees can use a random sample or stratified random sample with CNCS approval of 

the sampling plan. In this case, results can be applied to the entire population.
93

Measure EN3.2 Number of individuals reporting a change in behavior or the intent to change behavior

within one year in order to better protect the environment and/or reduce energy 

consumption as a result of the educational event or training they received.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Change in behavior or Intent to change behavior: Individuals state practices that 

they do now or plan to do that are encouraged or recommended by the training or 

educational event which are different than the practices they had prior to the training.

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Grantees should utilize surveys to assess a change in (or intent to change) behavior of 

the participants. It is preferable to assess an actual change in behavior at some point 

after the educational event or training to determine if the change has actually occurred. 

However, assessments are expected to occur within the grant year. In developing 

targets, grantees should take into account that the projected number of returned postsurveys is unlikely to be 100% of the educated population. Grantees can use a random 

sample or stratified random sample with CNCS approval of the sampling plan. In this 

case, results can be applied to the entire population.

Studies have shown that the process of publicly committing to make a change in 

behavior increases the chances that the change will occur. 

(http://www.toolsofchange.com/en/tools-of-change/obtaining-a-commitment/)
94

Measure EN4 Number of acres of national parks, state parks, city parks, county parks, or other public 

and tribal lands that are treated.

Definition of 

Key Terms

National parks, State parks, city parks, county parks: Park/recreation areas that are 

designated by national, state, city, or county governments (not trails or rivers; see #5)

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] Definitions 

(http://www.americorps.gov/help/ac_sn_all/ASN_Megasearch_Site.htm)

Treated: National service members and/or program volunteers removed invasive 

species, planted native plants, built riparian buffers, cleared 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 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of number of acres that are treated for the intent of improvement. Count each 

acre that is treated only once during the program year. It may be necessary to treat an 

acre more than once, but it should be counted only once. Only count the acres that are 

actually treated; do not count the entire park/land area unless your project treats the 

entire area. 

Tracking document, survey or acknowledgement of receipt of services from entity that 

owns or administers the area improved. 

CNCS encourages applicants and grantees to perform service with the greatest impact 

versus providing minimal impact to the highest number of acres. The applicant or 

grantee should identify a certain deficiency or serious environmental risk or describe a 

compelling problem that is well documented and propose an evidence-based 

intervention to address the problem and enhance the land or habitat to a higher-quality 

ecosystem. The evidence-base could be a governmental land management improvement 

plan if it addresses the targeted problem, and is preferably an identified priority in the 

plan, although it is preferable to also describe how the proposed intervention will return 

the targeted area to a higher-quality environment and relevant evidence to support the 

value of the intervention. For example, while conducting seasonal maintenance may 

allow a grantee to report greater numbers of acres “improved”, it is less likely to be 

selected for funding if it does not address a compelling environmental problem, 

deficiency, risk or priority (ideally one that has been documented in a governmental 

land management improvement plan).
95

Measure EN4.1 Number of acres of national parks, state parks, city parks, county parks, or other public 

and tribal lands that are improved.

Definition of 

Key Terms

National parks, State parks, city parks, county parks: Park/recreation areas that are 

designated by national, state, city, or county governments (not trails or rivers; see #5)

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] Definitions 

(http://www.americorps.gov/help/ac_sn_all/ASN_Megasearch_Site.htm)

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 fauna. 

Improvement should be consistent with an accepted natural resource restoration, 

maintenance or improvement plan. 

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of number of acres that are assessed by the managing entity/land manager as 

having been improved to an acceptable level as defined by the sponsoring agency or 

land manager in accordance with their natural resource plan. Count each acre that is 

improved only once during the program year. It may be necessary to improve an acre 

more than once, but it should be counted only once. Only count the acres that are 

actually improved; do not count the entire park/land area unless your project improves 

the entire area. It is possible that the number of acres assessed by the land manager as 

having been improved in accordance with their natural resource plan is less than the

total number of acres treated. 

Tracking document or survey stating the number of acres actually improved and a 

statement that the impact of this intervention will contribute to the return of the targeted 

area to a quality environment from entity that owns or administers the area improved. 

CNCS encourages applicants and grantees to perform service with the greatest impact 

or the highest priority versus deferring to only providing minimal impact to the highest 

number of acres. The applicant or grantee should identify a certain deficiency or 

serious environmental risk or describe a compelling problem that is well documented 

and propose an evidence-based intervention to address the problem and enhance the 

land or habitat to a higher quality ecosystem. The evidence-base could be a 

governmental land management improvement plan if it addresses the targeted problem,

and is preferably an identified priority in the plan, although it is preferable to also 

describe how the proposed intervention will return the targeted area to a quality 

environment and relevant evidence to support the value of the intervention. For 

example, while conducting seasonal maintenance may allow a grantee to report greater 

numbers of acres “improved”, it is less likely to be selected for funding if it does not 

address a compelling environmental problem, deficiency, risk or priority (ideally one 

that has been documented in a governmental land management improvement plan).
96

Measure EN5 Number of miles of 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) that are treated and/or constructed.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Trails: For walking, running, biking, horses or other forms of recreation.

Waterways: Includes rivers, lakes and other bodies of water on or abutting public land.

Treated: Removed invasive species, planted native plants, built riparian buffers, 

improved tread/corridor of existing trail or made changes to increase the trail lifespan, 

removed unsafe trail structures, repaired damage caused by visitor use, made changes 

to increase accessibility, cleared 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: Making new trails available by implementing safety measures, making 

handicapped accessible, or environmental protection measures such as boardwalks, 

grading, trail-blazing, converting a railroad bed to a trail, etc. that make trails newly 

available.

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

The applicant or grantee should identify a certain deficiency or serious environmental 

risk or describe a compelling problem that is well documented and propose an 

evidence-based intervention (treatment) to address the problem that will lead to the 

improvement or restoration of the trail or waterway to a higher quality ecosystem. The 

prescribed treatment/intervention could be a governmental land management 

improvement plan if it addresses the targeted problem, and is preferably an identified 

priority in the plan. For example, adhere to the resource management standards for 

riparian work specified by USDA’s Natural Conservation Practice Standard “Riparian 

Herbaceous Cover”: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Standards/nhcp.html.

Sum of number of miles of trails and/or waterways that are treated, and/or constructed. 

Count each mile only once during the program year. Count the area treated on/in the 

trail/waterway and immediately next to the trail/waterway. It may be necessary to treat

the same mile of trail/waterway more than once but include in count only once. If, for 

example, the program or project is to repair a trail, then the whole width of the trail that 

is being repaired can be counted, not just the width of the fencing. If the lack of a trail 

has led to damage in the area, then the area of that restoration/repair work would count 

too.

CNCS encourages applicants and grantees to perform service with the greatest impact 

versus providing minimal impact to the highest number of miles. The applicant or 

grantee should identify a certain deficiency or serious environmental risk or describe a 

compelling problem that is well documented and propose an evidence-based 

intervention to address the problem and restore the trail or waterway to a safe and 

useable status or enhance the waterway to a higher-quality ecosystem. The evidencebase could be a governmental land management improvement plan if it addresses the 

targeted problem, and is preferably an identified priority in the plan.Describe how the 

proposed intervention will return the targeted area to a quality environment and 

relevant evidence to support the value of the intervention. For example, while 

conducting seasonal maintenance may allow a grantee to report greater numbers of 

miles “treated”, it is less likely to be selected for funding if it does not address a 

compelling environmental problem, deficiency, risk or priority.

Tracking document, survey or acknowledgement of receipt of services from entity that 

owns or administers the trail or waterways improved. 
97

Measure EN5.1

Number of miles of trails or waterways (owned/maintained by national, state, county, 

city or tribal governments; nonprofits such as land conservancies when the land is for 

public use or the public good; and public easements) that are improved, and/or put into 

use.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Trails: For walking, running, biking, horses or other forms of recreation.

Waterways: Includes rivers, lakes and other bodies of water on or abutting public land.

Improved: Restored to reduce human impact, reduced the impact of natural disasters,

removed invasive species, restored native plants and habitat, protected watersheds, 

created new trail, increased safe condition of useable 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 or waterways.

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Sum of number of miles of trails and/or waterways that are assessed by the managing 

entity/land manager as having been improved to an acceptable level as defined by the 

sponsoring agency or land manager in accordance with their natural resource plan. 

Count each mile only once during the program year. It is possible that the number of 

acres assessed by the land manager as having been improved in accordance with their 

natural resource plan is less than the total number of miles treated.

The improvement should be the acceptable level of implementation of the prescribed 

intervention to address a certain deficiency or serious environmental risk that is well 

documented. The evidence-base could be a governmental land management 

improvement plan if it addresses the targeted problem, and it is preferable to describe 

how the proposed intervention will contribute to the return the targeted area to a quality 

environment. For example, while conducting seasonal maintenance may allow a 

grantee to report greater numbers of miles “improved”, it is less likely to be selected for 

funding if it does not address a compelling environmental problem, deficiency, risk or 

priority (ideally one that has been documented in a governmental land management 

improvement plan).

Tracking document or survey from entity that owns or administers the trail or 

waterways improved. 
98

Measure EN6 Number of tons of materials collected.

Definition of 

Key Terms

See the following link at the Environmental Protection Agency for helpful information 

on recycling: http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm

1 Ton = 2,000 pounds.

Collected: Materials may be brought to your program or your program may collect 

them from places that would otherwise not benefit from free recycling programs.

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of tons of materials collected. Use the EPA volume translator to add up the 

number of pounds of materials collected: 

http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/tools/recmeas/docs/guide_b.pdf. Then perform the 

following calculation to get number of tons: # of pounds/2,000 = # of tons.

EPA has suggested tracking methods at: 

http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/tools/recmeas/index.htm
99

Measure EN6.1 Number of tons of materials recycled.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Recycled: The collected materials will be reused in some form and not disposed of. 

Your program may deliver them to a reputable recycling site or may recycle the 

materials directly; recycling includes a variety of techniques including composting, reusing, and take back programs in addition to programs typically called recycling. The 

program needs to verify that there are contracts for the sale or transfer of materials to a 

processor for reuse or an end user. 

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of tons of materials recycled. Use the EPA volume translator to add up the 

number of pounds of materials recycled: 

http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/tools/recmeas/docs/guide_b.pdf. Then perform the 

following calculation to get number of tons: # of pounds/2,000 = # of tons.
100

Performance Measure Example:

Field What Should Be Entered 

Here

Example

Title Enter a short, descriptive title 

for your performance 

measure. Different aligned 

performance measures 

should have different titles so 

that they can be easily 

referenced.

Improving Public Lands

Problem Statement Briefly describe the problem 

your program will address 

with this performance 

measure. Your description 

should provide just enough 

context that the program’s 

theory of change will be 

evident without referencing 

the application narrative or 

logic model. Also address 

any definitions from the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions that are relevant 

to the aligned measure as a

whole, e.g. definition of 

“economically 

disadvantaged.” 

Public lands in Beautiful 

National Park require 

improvements to wildlife 

habitat and to reduce the risk 

of wildfires.

Selected Interventions Select only the interventions 

that contribute to the 

outcomes of this aligned 

performance measure. For 

applicant-determined 

interventions, enter a one or 

two word description of the 

intervention.

Invasive species removal

Other

Description of Interventions Describe the design and 

dosage of the interventions 

18 half-time AmeriCorps 

members working in a fulltime capacity will restore 
101

you have selected. high priority areas on federal 

lands through agreements 

with the National Park 

Service, US Forest Service 

and other government 

agencies. The purpose of the 

program is to improve 

federal lands and the 

existence of wildlife habitat 

and reduce the risk of 

wildfires. Members will 

remove invasive species, 

conduct fuels reduction to 

reduce the risk of wildfire or 

plant new native species. 

Output Either select National

Performance Measure 

output(s) or enter your own 

output title. If entering an 

applicant-determined output, 

it should be clear what the 

output is counting.

Number of acres of national 

parks, state parks, city parks, 

county parks, or other public 

and tribal lands treated.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the output. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Project reports provided by 

the host

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the dosage that is 

necessary to be counted in 

the output, the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the output, a clear 

description of what the 

instrument will measure, and 

an explanation of how you 

For each of their ten projects, 

the program will secure a 

report from the host site 

specifying the number of 

acres that are treated to 

remove invasive species, 

conduct fuels reduction (to 

reduce the risk of wildfire) or 

plant new native species.
102

will ensure that beneficiaries 

are not double counted. Also 

describe how the instrument 

is sufficient to meet the data 

collection requirements 

outlined in the Performance 

Measures Instructions, if 

applicable.

Note: If your output 

measures participation, 

describe the minimum 

dosage necessary to be 

considered a participant. If 

your output measures 

completion, describe the 

dosage necessary to be 

counted as having completed 

the program.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the output title. 

Targets must be numbers, 

not percents.

150

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Acres

Outcome Title Either select National 

Performance Measure 

outcome(s) or enter your 

Number of acres of national 

parks, state parks, city parks 

county parks, or other public 
103

own outcome title. If 

entering an applicantdetermined outcome, it 

should clearly state a 

measurable change in 

knowledge, attitude, 

behavior or condition.

and tribal lands that are 

improved.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the outcome. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Survey

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the outcome, a 

clear description of what the 

instrument will measure and 

how the construct to be 

measured is defined, the 

timeline for administering 

the instrument and the level 

of improvement that is 

necessary to be counted as 

having improved. Also 

provide details about the 

reliability and validity of the 

instrument, and how the 

instrument is sufficient to 

meet the data collection 

requirements outlined in the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions, if applicable.

Members will send a survey 

to project hosts/sponsors 

after the project has been 

completed and ask them to 

use their professional 

knowledge to rate the 

condition of the treated land 

compared to its initial 

condition and the prescribed 

treatment to improve it on a 

scale of one to five. For nine 

of the ten projects, the rating 

will be 4 (improved) or 5 

(greatly improved).

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the outcome 

title. Targets must be 

130
104

numbers, not percents.

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Acres
105

HEALTHY FUTURES

Review Notes

1) Two measures related to emergency food assistance and long-term hunger that used to be 

in Economic Opportunity are now in Healthy Futures (H10 and H11). Programs may not 

focus their services solely on providing referrals to Federal assistance programs. 

Applicants are required to demonstrate non-duplication of count.

2) Pay careful attention to how “emergency food” is defined. Emergency food assistance is 

not meant to designate routine help in meeting a family’s needs. 

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Economically disadvantaged: Meet income eligibility criteria for Medicaid or SCHIP in the state where 

the individual/family accessing services resides; do not have to meet other eligibility criteria.

Emergency food: “Emergency” food assistance is not meant to designate routine help in meeting a 

family’s needs. The emergency may be experienced by the family personally, such as their house burning 

down, or it may be experienced by the community more broadly, such as a natural disaster.

Homebound: Individuals unable to leave their personal residence due to disability, injury, or age; may be 

a short term or long term need; for example, an individual may have a broken hip that prevents them from 

driving for a few months but after the injury has healed they no longer require help to live independently.

Live independently: Individuals live in a private residence (house, apartment, mobile home, etc.) rather 

than in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or group home.

Older Adults: Individuals age 65 or older.
106

Measure H1 Number of individuals who are uninsured, economically disadvantaged, medically 

underserved, or living in rural areas utilizing preventive and primary health care 

services and programs. 

Definition of 

Key Terms

Uninsured: An individual lacks insurance coverage. (This definition is consistent with 

the National Health Information Survey (NHIS). 

Economically disadvantaged: Meet income eligibility criteria for Medicaid or SCHIP 

in the state where the individual/family accessing services resides; do not have to meet 

other eligibility criteria.

Medically underserved: An individual who lives in a medically underserved area or is 

a member of a medically underserved population, as defined by HHS. HHS makes 

these designations to identify areas and population groups with a shortage of primary 

care health services. The criteria for these designations include indicators of health 

status, ability to pay for and access to health services, and availability of health 

professionals. (per the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)). Programs 

may also provide justification for other medically underserved populations.

Healthcare services: Accessible, comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated care to 

preserve health and prevent, treat or manage disease or infirmity, provided and 

consistently available in the context of family and community.

Preventive health care services: Preventive health behavior is "any activity 

undertaken by an individual who (believed to be) healthy for the purpose of preventing 

or detecting illness in an asymptomatic state" (Kasl and Cobb 1966, p.246). 

Primary health care: The concept of primary health care was defined by the World 

Health Organization in 1978 as both a level of health service delivery and an approach 

to health care practice. Primary care, as the provision of essential health care, is the 

basis of a health care system. This is in contrast to secondary health care, which is 

consultative, short term, and disease oriented for the purpose of assisting the primary 

care practitioner.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count unduplicated new individuals who actually use the preventive and primary 

health care services and programs, as a result of the grantee’s activities.

Grantee records that are follow-up data on clients referred to health care services and 

programs. Requires grantee to follow-up with client.

Review Notes Individuals counted in National Performance Measures must meet definition of 

"economically disadvantaged" in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Note: 

Definitions are different for different performance measures.)
107

Measure H2 Number of clients to whom information on health insurance, health care access and 

health benefits programs is delivered.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Health insurance: Risk arrangement that assures financial coverage for a defined 

range of health care services, known as benefits, only if these are required. Coverage is 

offered to an individual or group in exchange for regular payments (premiums paid 

regardless of use of benefits) by a licensed third party (not a health care provider) or 

entity, usually an insurance company or government agency that pays for medical 

services but does not receive or provide health care services. 

Preventive health care services: Preventive health behavior is "any activity 

undertaken by an individual who is (believed to be) healthy for the purpose of 

preventing or detecting illness in an asymptomatic state" (Kasl and Cobb 1966, p.246). 

In the context of healthcare services this may include the provision of a range of 

activities such as immunizations, family planning, and health/wellness education. More 

broadly this includes individuals engaging in lifestyle changes (e.g., nutrition, exercise) 

to help mitigate risk of disease.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

The information may be delivered using methods such as individual-level interactions, 

group-level interactions, hotlines, clearinghouses, etc. 

Count unduplicated new individuals who are provided with information, as a result of 

the grantee’s activities. If more than one method of delivery is used (e.g., a group-level 

interaction followed by an individual-level interaction), count the client only once. 

Grantee reports and logs of interactions with clients.
108

Measure H3 Number of clients enrolled in health insurance, health services, and health benefits 

programs.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Enrolled: Newly enrolled as a result of grantee activities. Clients may or may not have 

existing health insurance, or previous use of health services and health benefits 

programs. 

Health insurance: Risk arrangement that assures financial coverage for a defined 

range of health care services, known as benefits, only if these are required. Coverage is 

offered to an individual or group in exchange for regular payments (premiums paid 

regardless of use of benefits) by a licensed third party (not a health care provider) or 

entity, usually an insurance company or government agency that pays for medical 

services but does not receive or provide health care services. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

The new unduplicated clients that were ultimately enrolled in a health insurance, health 

services, or health benefits program. Count each client only once. For example, 

enrolling a client in health insurance and then enrolling that same client in a health 

service would count as one client.

Grantee records or data (application and follow-up) on client enrollment and health 

insurance status.
109

Measure H4 Number of clients participating in health education programs.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Health education program: “Any planned combination of learning experiences 

designed to predispose, enable, and reinforce voluntary behavior conducive to health in 

individuals, groups or communities.” (Green, LW and Kreuter, MW. Health Promotion 

Planning: An Educational and Ecological Approach, 3rd ed. Mountain View, CA: 

Mayfield Publishing Company; 1999.) An educational process by which the public 

health system conveys information to the community regarding community health 

status, health care needs, positive health behaviors and health care policy issues. 

(National Public Health Performance Standards Project.) 

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count unduplicated new clients who participate in the grantee’s health education 

program. If the health education program has multiple sessions, topics, etc., count the 

client once. Do not count clients by number of sessions. For example, if a health 

education program meets once a month for one year, and has 12 participants who 

complete, then only report 12 (not 144).

Grantee collects data on clients attending each session. Logs, case management 

systems, etc.
110

Measure H5 Number of children and youth engaged in in-school or afterschool physical education 

activities with the purpose of reducing childhood obesity.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Children and youth must be enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school programs 

within a public, charter, private, or home-school arrangement.

Physical education activities must be in addition to regular activities that would have 

been provided by the school or afterschool program (cannot supplant existing 

activities). One goal of the physical activity should be to reduce or prevent childhood 

obesity.

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of the number of children actively participating in the activities. Not just the 

number enrolled or even the number attending, but rather the number who engage in 

the activities. Count each child only once.

FAQs E26. Can summer programs select the H5 performance measure? 

The H5 output could apply to summer programming, provided the programming 

meets the criterion of being in addition to regular activities that would have been 

provided by the school or camp during the summer term. This interpretation is the 

same as ED27A and ED27B above.
111

Measure H6 Number of children and youth receiving nutrition education with the purpose of 

reducing childhood obesity.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Children and youth must be enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school programs 

within a public, charter, private, or home-school arrangement.

Nutrition education must be in addition to what they would have regularly received as 

part of planned school curriculum or afterschool activity (cannot supplant existing 

activities). The education should be appropriate to the grade level. 

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of the number of children attending the nutrition education sessions. If delivered 

to a classroom, count the number of children in attendance that day (not the enrollment 

of children in the classroom). Every effort should be made to count each child only 

once. If the nutrition education program includes multiple topics or sessions, count 

each child once.
112

Measure H7 Number of clients receiving language translation services at clinics and in emergency 

rooms.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Clinic: Any medical facility or establishment where medical services are provided, and 

where more than one medical specialty is practiced. This may include public health 

clinics, hospitals, etc.

Emergency rooms: Located in hospitals or care facilities and handle cases that require 

immediate attention.

Translation: Includes both written and verbal, interpretive services to help patients not 

fluent in English writing and/or speaking better communicate their medical needs and 

understand their medical instructions.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count unduplicated new clients who receive the language translation services. If an 

encounter involves more than one person (e.g., family members), count each individual 

separately. 

Grantee collects data on clients who received translation services at clinics or 

emergency rooms. Logs, case management systems, etc.
113

Measure H8 Number of older adults or individuals with disabilities receiving food, transportation, or 

other services that allow them to live independently.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Older Adults: Individuals age 65 or older.

Individual with a Disability: An individual who has a physical or mental 

impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a 

record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.

Receiving food, transportation, or other services: Individual should receive the 

supports needed to maintain independent living; not all individuals will require the 

same supports; may include food deliveries, legal and medical services, nutrition 

information, transportation, etc.

Live independently: Individuals live in a private residence (house, apartment, mobile 

home, etc.) rather than in a nursing home or group home. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

At the outset of the activity the grantee should indicate the “dosage,” or how many 

sessions, days or hours of the service are required to influence the desired outcomes. 

Only count clients who received some minimum “dosage” that can be expected to have 

some effect in terms of reducing social isolation. 

Count number of qualifying individuals as defined above who receive the service. 

Each individual should be counted only once. If two eligible individuals live at the 

same address, they should both be counted. If an eligible individual lives with 

someone else who is not eligible, the non-eligible individuals in the household should 

not be counted. Each individual should be counted only once during the program year 

even though most individuals are likely to need on-going support.

Grantees need to develop a tracking system to record the number of individuals 

receiving companionship services. 
114

Measure 

H9

Number of older adults or individuals with disabilities who reported having 

increased social ties/perceived social support.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Older Adults: Individuals age 65 or older.

Individual with a Disability: An individual who has a physical or mental impairment 

that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an 

impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.

Social ties/perceived social support: Relationships with other people and/or the belief 

that these people will offer (or have offered) effective help during times of need.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

At the outset of the activity the grantee should indicate the “dosage,” or how many 

sessions, days or hours of the service are required to influence the desired outcomes. 

Only count clients who received some minimum “dosage” that can be expected to have 

some effect in terms of reducing social isolation. 

Programs should collect data for this measure from surveys of the older 

adults/individuals with disabilities who received companionship services or a survey of 

a family member or caseworker for those unable to respond to a survey themselves.

Grantees are encouraged to use the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement 

Study Survey which is available free of charge. The link to the resource is listed 

below. The University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study (HRS) surveys more 

than 22,000 Americans over the age of 50 every two years. Supported by the National 

Institute on Aging (NIA U01AG009740) and the Social Security Administration, the 

HRS is a large-scale longitudinal project that studies the labor force participation and 

health transitions that individuals undergo toward the end of their work lives and in the 

years that follow. Health and Retirement Study data products are available without 

cost to researchers and analysts; certain Conditions of Use apply. Registration is 

required in order to download files. 

HRS http://hrsonline.isr.umich.edu/index.php

See the National Service Knowledge Network, 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for performance measurement 

tools that CNCS has developed for volunteer and service programs.
115

Measure H10 Number of individuals receiving emergency food from food banks, food pantries, or 

other nonprofit organizations.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Emergency food: “Emergency” food assistance is not meant to designate routine help 

in meeting a family’s needs. The emergency may be experienced by the family 

personally, such as their house burning down, or it may be experienced by the 

community more broadly, such as a natural disaster.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of unduplicated individuals for whom the distributed food is intended. Should 

only be counted the first time they are served. 

All members of a family should be counted. For example, if the food is given to an 

individual to bring home to a family of “4” including the individual, then the count is 

“4” rather than “1”.

Client tracking database or tracking form.
116

Measure H11 Number of individuals receiving support, services, education and/or referrals to 

alleviate long-term hunger.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Long-term hunger: refers to the USDA’s definition of “low food security” or “very 

low food security” See 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FoodSecurity/labels.htm#labels

Support, services, education, or referrals: helps qualifying individuals access food, 

provides nutritional services, education and life skills to alleviate the food insecurity 

experienced by the individual/family. May include community garden programs. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

At the outset of the activity the grantee should indicate the “dosage,” or how many 

sessions, days or hours of the service are required to influence the desired outcomes. 

Only count clients who received some minimum “dosage” that can be expected to have 

some effect in terms of alleviating hunger. 

Service requires an engagement with the individual in person, by phone, or through a 

web-interface. Pamphlets, brochures, or web-based information that does not involve a 

human interaction is not sufficient.

Count of unduplicated individuals receiving the support, services, education or referrals 

as a result of the grantee’s activities. If more than one method of delivery is used (e.g., 

a group-level interaction followed by an individual-level interaction), count the 

individual only once. Only count individuals directly engaged in the service. 

Grantee client tracking database or tracking forms or logs of interactions with clients. 

Other Notes Programs may not focus their services solely on providing referrals to Federal 

assistance programs.
117

Measure

H12

Number of individuals that reported increased food security of themselves and their 

children (household food security) as a result of CNCS-supported services.

Definition of 

Key Terms

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

household members. 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 (e.g., without resorting to emergency food supplies,

scavenging, stealing, or other coping strategies).” USDA, 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FoodSecurity/labels.htm#labels

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Data collection for H12 will be based on a survey of the adult family member who 

received the food services. See the National Service Knowledge Network, 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for performance measurement 

tools that CNCS has developed for volunteer and service programs. 

Survey questions could be modeled after those used to assess household food security 

for the Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The Household Food 

Security Survey is administered annually as a supplement to the Monthly Current 

Population Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The questionnaire includes 

about conditions and behaviors known to characterize households having

difficulty meeting basic food needs. 

The report on Household Food Security in the United States (2007) measures the food 

security status of households by determining “the number of food-insecure conditions 

and behaviors the household reports. Households are classified as food secure if they 

report no food insecure conditions or if they report only one or two food-insecure 

conditions. (Food-insecure conditions are indicated by responses of “often” or 

“sometimes” to questions 1-3 and 11-13, “almost every month” or “some months but 

not every month” to questions 5, 10, and 17, and “yes” to the other questions.) They are 

classified as food insecure if they report three or more food-insecure conditions.” The 

referenced question items can be found in the report: 

www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR66/ERR66b.pdf

Two different approaches to administering the survey could be used. 

(1) “Pre/post” questionnaire. The same questionnaire would be administered to the 

adult family member at the beginning of the education/training program. The 

questionnaire would ask about the food security of the adults and children in the 

household. The same questionnaire would be administered three to six months after 

completion of the education/training. 

(2) Post-program questionnaire only. Three to six months after completion of 

receiving the education/training, a questionnaire would be administered to the adult 

family member asking about a) the current level of food security of the adults and 

children in the household and b) their level of food security prior to receiving the 

service. The questions would address the same topics as those in the pre/post 

questionnaire but reworded to ask separately about current and prior food security.

Survey responses can be analyzed to calculate the differences in the number and 

percent of respondents who reported being food insecure prior to receiving the service 

and after receiving the service. Each individual should be surveyed only once 

regardless of the number or type of different services (e.g., education/training, 

counseling) received during the year. 
118

FAQs E27. Can summer programs select the H12 performance measure? [Updated 

11/20/14]

The H12 outcome measure is specifically about long-term food security, so it would 

not apply to summer programs that are filling a summer gap. Filling a summer gap 

would not translate to increased food security a few months out. If you are a summer 

program working on this issue, you can create and enter your own applicantdetermined measure.

E28. Is H12 limited only to education activities? 

H12 is not limited to activities that are educational in nature.
119

Performance Measure Example:

Field What Should Be Entered 

Here

Example

Title Enter a short, descriptive title 

for your performance 

measure. Different aligned 

performance measures 

should have different titles so 

that they can be easily 

referenced.

Food Assistance

Problem Statement Briefly describe the problem 

your program will address 

with this performance 

measure. Your description 

should provide just enough 

context that the program’s 

theory of change will be 

evident without referencing 

the application narrative or 

logic model. Also address 

any definitions from the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions that are relevant 

to the aligned measure as a 

whole, e.g. definition of 

“economically 

disadvantaged.” 

10 percent of families in our 

community report 

experiencing food insecurity 

within the past 12 months 

due to emergencies. 

Selected Interventions Select only the interventions 

that contribute to the 

outcomes of this aligned 

performance measure. For 

applicant-determined 

interventions, enter a one or 

two word description of the 

intervention.

Emergency Food Distribution

Description of Interventions Describe the design and 

dosage of the interventions 

Four 300-hour members in 

the Food Depot Nutrition 

Program provide support 
120

you have selected. services and case 

management with the local 

food bank.

Output Either select National 

Performance Measure 

output(s) or enter your own 

output title. If entering an 

applicant-determined output, 

it should be clear what the 

output is counting.

Number of individuals 

receiving emergency food 

from food banks/other 

organizations

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the output. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Client Database, Tracking 

Form

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the dosage that is 

necessary to be counted in 

the output, the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the output, a clear 

description of what the 

instrument will measure, and 

an explanation of how you 

will ensure that beneficiaries 

are not double counted. Also 

describe how the instrument 

is sufficient to meet the data 

collection requirements 

outlined in the Performance 

Measures Instructions, if 

applicable.

Client database maintained 

via quarterly reports 

submitted by the ABC Food 

Depot’s partner agencies are 

documented through 

quarterly reports submitted 

to the ABC Food Depot and 

stored in order to be able to 

track aggregate numbers 

reached. Tracking form is 

used for ABC Food Depot 

food pantry to track food 

donations as well as lbs of 

food distributed to 

individuals in need. The 

client database and tracking 

form will only count 

individuals for whom the 

distributed food is intended, 

the first time they are served. 

During the quarterly report 
121

Note: If your output 

measures participation, 

describe the minimum 

dosage necessary to be 

considered a participant. If 

your output measures 

completion, describe the 

dosage necessary to be 

counted as having completed 

the program.

review we will ensure that 

beneficiaries are only 

counted once. The client 

database and tracking form 

will distinguish individuals 

visiting the food banks for 

routine help vs. individuals 

with true emergency food 

assistance needs, such as 

their house burning down, a 

natural disaster, etc.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the output title. 

Targets must be numbers, 

not percents.

1,000

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Individuals

Outcome Title Either select National 

Performance Measure 

outcome(s) or enter your 

own outcome title. If 

entering an applicantdetermined outcome, it 

should clearly state a 

measurable change in 

knowledge, attitude, 

behavior or condition.

Number of individuals that 

reported increased food 

security

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the outcome. If the 

National Performance 

Standardized Pre-Post Test
122

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the outcome, a 

clear description of what the 

instrument will measure and 

how the construct to be 

measured is defined, the 

timeline for administering 

the instrument and the level 

of improvement that is 

necessary to be counted as 

having improved. Also 

provide details about the 

reliability and validity of the 

instrument, and how the 

instrument is sufficient to 

meet the data collection 

requirements outlined in the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions, if applicable.

The standardized pre-post 

test will be distributed to 

individuals receiving 

community meals and other 

wrap-around services. The 

test will include questions 

from the USDA’s Household 

Food Security Survey. 

Individuals will be classified 

as “food secure” if they 

report two or fewer food 

insecure conditions. 

Additionally, it will assess 

increase in knowledge of 

where to access needed food 

assistance services, support 

services to end long-term 

hunger, participation in food 

assistance programs such as 

SNAP, use and benefit of 

referral services to end 

hunger. The post-test will 

occur 3 to 6 months after the 

first one. Individuals must 

visit ABC Food Depot or one 

of its partner agencies to 

receive a meal and/or other 

education session about 

wrap-around services at least 

twice in order to be counted.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the outcome 

title. Targets must be 

numbers, not percents.

700

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified Individuals
123

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)
124

VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

Measure V1 Number of veterans that received CNCS-supported assistance.

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, 

http://veterans.house.gov/sites/republicans.veterans.house.gov/files/documents/

Title%2038-SCRAPrint3.pdf

CNCS-supported assistance: A variety of different supports that enhance the quality 

of life of veterans, military members, and their families, including:

 Coordinate community needs for military families during pre-deployment, 

deployment, and reintegration.

 Promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families 

while a family member is deployed and upon that family member’s return 

home.

 Recruit veterans for national service and volunteer opportunities, including 

opportunities that utilize their military experience, such as disaster response 

projects.

 Assist veterans with access to educational benefits and services.

 Develop educational opportunities for veterans, including opportunities for 

professional certification, licensure, or other credentials.

 Coordinate activities with and assist State and local agencies that provide 

veterans with educational benefits.

 Assist veterans with access to employment benefits and services. 

 Coordinate activities with and assist agencies that serve veterans and military 

families with internships and fellowships that may lead to employment in the 

private and public sectors.

 Assist veterans and active-duty military to access state and federal benefits.

 Promote efforts within a community to serve the needs of veterans and activeduty military.

 Assist veterans to file benefits claims.

 Mentor military children.

 Develop mentoring relationships between veterans and economically 

disadvantaged students.

 Assist veterans with transportation. 

 Develop projects to assist veterans with disabilities, veterans who are 

unemployed, older veterans, and veterans in rural communities with 

transportation and other supportive services.

 Provide veterans with legal assistance, assistance accessing mental healthcare, 

and assistance accessing affordable housing.

Assistance cannot simply be referrals to federal services without supplementary 

assistance.
125

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of veterans receiving services or assistance from the CNCSsupported program. Regardless of the number of times the veteran returns for services 

or the number of different services the veteran may receive from the CNCS-supported 

program, each veteran should be counted only once per grant year.

Requires a tracking system appropriate to the service. Sign-in sheet, database tracking 

system, etc.
126

Measure V2 Number of veterans engaged in service opportunities as a National Service Participant 

or volunteer

Definition of 

Key Terms

Veterans: See definition under V1.

Engaged in: Not simply enrolled or signed up to participate; program should set a 

minimum level at start of year for what “engaged in” means and then count based on 

that level. 

Service opportunities: Helping others through actions including but not limited to: 

disaster services assistance; education services (including tutoring and mentoring); 

environmental stewardship and conservation; independent living; housing, financial 

services or employment assistance (including training and/or job placement services); 

and access to health care services (mental health and/or family supports). The 

assistance may be provided to other veterans, people within the military community or 

external to it.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of veterans (who are either National Service Participants or are 

recruited as volunteers) participating in service opportunities either directly sponsored 

by the CNCS-supported project or for which the CNCS-supported project acted as a 

direct connection between the veteran and the service opportunity. Regardless of how 

many times the veteran participates or in how many different service opportunities, 

each veteran should only be counted once. It is suggested that service hours be tracked 

as well.

Aligned outcome may focus on benefits to the veterans, benefits to the population they 

are serving, or both.

If the veteran is engaged in a CNCS-sponsored opportunity, s/he should sign in on a 

tracking sheet. If it is an opportunity to serve through another organization, proof of 

service may be documented by a letter from the organization indicating the veteran’s 

level of service or a tracking sheet from that organization.

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).
127

Measure V3 Number of veterans assisted in pursuing educational opportunities.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Veterans: See definition under V1.

Assisted in: Does not include educational counseling or referrals; service must result in 

enrollment of veteran in an educational program.

Pursuing educational opportunities: Enrollment in GED, post-secondary programs, 

proprietary schools, certification programs (including on-line educational 

opportunities) as indicated in the GI Bill 

http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_info/programs.htm#IHL and at institutions approved 

by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs 

http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of veterans (beneficiaries of service, not members) enrolling in an 

approved educational program. It may be necessary to assist the same veteran more 

than once but each individual should be counted only once during the program year.

Proof of school enrollment and grantee service tracking documents.
128

Measure V4 Number of veterans assisted in receiving professional certification, licensure, or 

credentials.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Veterans: see definition under V1.

Assisted in: Helping the veteran stay in school, earn passing grades, and achieve the 

certification, licensure, credentials, or degree. 

Receiving professional certification, licensure, credentials: licensing board, degree 

granting authority, credentialing organization, etc. certifies that the veteran has 

successfully completed their educational program.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of veterans (beneficiaries of service, not members) successfully 

completing their educational program. A single veteran may complete more than one 

educational program during the year but each individual should be counted only once 

during the program year.

Official copy of educational attainment (transcript, diploma, etc.) and grantee service 

tracking documents.
129

Measure V6 Number of housing units developed, repaired, or otherwise made available for veterans.

Definition of 

Key Terms

Veterans: See definition under V1.

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 a unit was 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. 

Can use dollar cut-off to distinguish “developed” from “repaired” (e.g., 30K/unit) or 

can distinguish by whether major systems are replaced. Dollar cut-off would require 

valuing volunteer labor, distinguishing between skilled trades and other workers. 

Otherwise made available: Activities that make available through improved access a 

housing unit that is in the housing stock and likely to remain habitable. 

How to

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of housing units developed, repaired, or otherwise made available 

as defined here for veterans. This count indicates that the work has been completed to 

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

Inspection report, certificate of occupancy, or other verification from an external 

agency that the work was completed.
130

Measure V7 Number of family members of active duty military service members that received 

CNCS-supported assistance.

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 the United 

States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, the United States 

Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard. This includes members of the 

Reserve Component serving on active duty or full-time training duty, but does not 

include full-time National Guard duty.” (Department of Defense Dictionary of Military 

and Associated Terms, As Amended Through 15 May 2011. 

http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jp1_02.pdf). CNCS 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.

Family members: Immediate family members related by blood, marriage, or adoption 

to a current member of the U.S. armed forces including one who was deceased. 

CNCS-supported assistance: A variety of different supports that enhance the 

quality of life of veterans, military members, and their families, including:

 Coordinate community needs for military families during pre-deployment, 

deployment, and reintegration.

 Promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families 

while a family member is deployed and upon that family member’s return 

home.

 Recruit veterans for national service and volunteer opportunities, including 

opportunities that utilize their military experience, such as disaster response 

projects.

 Assist veterans with access to educational benefits and services.

 Develop educational opportunities for veterans, including opportunities for 

professional certification, licensure, or other credentials.

 Coordinate activities with and assist State and local agencies that provide 

veterans with educational benefits.

 Assist veterans with access to employment benefits and services. 

 Coordinate activities with and assist agencies that serve veterans and military 

families with internships and fellowships that may lead to employment in the 

private and public sectors.

 Assist veterans and active-duty military to access state and federal benefits.

 Promote efforts within a community to serve the needs of veterans and activeduty military.

 Assist veterans to file benefits claims.

 Mentor military children.

 Develop mentoring relationships between veterans and economically 

disadvantaged students.

 Assist veterans with transportation. 

 Develop projects to assist veterans with disabilities, veterans who are 

unemployed, older veterans, and veterans in rural communities with 

transportation and other supportive services.
131

 Provide veterans with legal assistance, assistance accessing mental healthcare, 

and assistance accessing affordable housing.

Assistance cannot simply be referrals to federal services without supplementary 

assistance.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of family members receiving services or assistance from the 

CNCS-supported program. Count is based on the member of the family who is an 

active duty military service member. Services may be provided to the family as a 

group or to individual members but each family member, even if they are part of the 

same military family, should receive a count of “1”. Regardless of the number of times 

the family member returns for services or the number of different services the family 

member may receive from the CNCS-supported program, each family member should 

be counted only once per grant year.

Services may include referrals to federally supported military services but cannot be 

exclusively referrals/education about those services. Services may be provided in 

person, on the phone, or by email. 

Requires a tracking system appropriate to the service. Sign-in sheet, database tracking 

system, etc.
132

Measure V8 Number of veterans’ family members that received CNCS-supported assistance.

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, 

http://veterans.house.gov/sites/republicans.veterans.house.gov/files/documents/

Title%2038-SCRAPrint3.pdf

Family members: Immediate family members related by blood, marriage, or 

adoption to a veteran of the U.S. armed forces, including one who is deceased.

CNCS-supported assistance: could be a variety of different supports to help the 

veterans’ family members have a higher quality of life, but cannot simply be referrals 

to federal services without supplementary assistance. The assistance may be delivered 

by phone, e-mail, or in person. It may be delivered individually or as a group.

CNCS-supported assistance: A variety of different supports that enhance the quality 

of life of veterans, military members, and their families, including:

 Coordinate community needs for military families during pre-deployment, 

deployment, and reintegration.

 Promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families 

while a family member is deployed and upon that family member’s return 

home.

 Recruit veterans for national service and volunteer opportunities, including 

opportunities that utilize their military experience, such as disaster response 

projects.

 Assist veterans with access to educational benefits and services.

 Develop educational opportunities for veterans, including opportunities for 

professional certification, licensure, or other credentials.

 Coordinate activities with and assist State and local agencies that provide 

veterans with educational benefits.

 Assist veterans with access to employment benefits and services. 

 Coordinate activities with and assist agencies that serve veterans and military 

families with internships and fellowships that may lead to employment in the 

private and public sectors.

 Assist veterans and active-duty military to access state and federal benefits.

 Promote efforts within a community to serve the needs of veterans and activeduty military.

 Assist veterans to file benefits claims.

 Mentor military children.

 Develop mentoring relationships between veterans and economically 

disadvantaged students.

 Assist veterans with transportation. 

 Develop projects to assist veterans with disabilities, veterans who are 

unemployed, older veterans, and veterans in rural communities with 

transportation and other supportive services.

 Provide veterans with legal assistance, assistance accessing mental healthcare, 

and assistance accessing affordable housing.
133

Assistance cannot simply be referrals to federal services without supplementary 

assistance.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of family members receiving services or assistance from the 

CNCS-supported program. Regardless of the number of times the family member 

returns for services or the number of different services the family member may receive 

from the CNCS-supported program, each family member should be counted only once 

per grant year.

Requires a tracking system appropriate to the service. Sign-in sheet, database tracking 

system, etc.
134

Measure V9 Number of active duty military service members that received CNCS-supported 

assistance.

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 the United 

States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, the United States 

Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard. This includes members of the 

Reserve Component serving on active duty or full-time training duty, but does not 

include full-time National Guard duty.” (Department of Defense Dictionary of Military 

and Associated Terms, As Amended Through 15 May 2011. 

http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jp1_02.pdf). CNCS 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.

CNCS-supported assistance: A variety of different supports that enhance the quality 

of life of veterans, military members, and their families, including:

 Coordinate community needs for military families during pre-deployment, 

deployment, and reintegration.































Promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families 

while a family member is deployed and upon that family member’s return 

home.

Recruit veterans for national service and volunteer opportunities, including 

opportunities that utilize their military experience, such as disaster response 

projects.

Assist veterans with access to educational benefits and services.

Develop educational opportunities for veterans, including opportunities for 

professional certification, licensure, or other credentials.

Coordinate activities with and assist State and local agencies that provide 

veterans with educational benefits.

Assist veterans with access to employment benefits and services. 

Coordinate activities with and assist agencies that serve veterans and military 

families with internships and fellowships that may lead to employment in the 

private and public sectors.

Assist veterans and active-duty military to access state and federal benefits.

Promote efforts within a community to serve the needs of veterans and activeduty military.

Assist veterans to file benefits claims.

Mentor military children.

Develop mentoring relationships between veterans and economically 

disadvantaged students.

Assist veterans with transportation. 

Develop projects to assist veterans with disabilities, veterans who are 

unemployed, older veterans, and veterans in rural communities with 

transportation and other supportive services.

Provide veterans with legal assistance, assistance accessing mental healthcare, 

and assistance accessing affordable housing.

Assistance cannot simply be referrals to federal services without supplementary 
135

assistance.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of active duty military service members receiving services or 

assistance from the CNCS-supported program. Regardless of the number of times the 

military service member returns for services or the number of different services the 

military service member may receive from the CNCS-supported program, each military 

service member should be counted only once per grant year.

Requires a tracking system appropriate to the service. Sign-in sheet, database tracking 

system, etc.
136

Measure V10 Number of military family members engaged in service opportunities as a National 

Service Participant or volunteer

Definition of 

Key Terms

Military family members: Immediate family members related by blood, marriage, or 

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

deceased. 

Active duty military service member: See definition under V7.

Engaged in: Not simply enrolled or signed up to participate; program should set a 

minimum level at start of year for what “engaged in” means and then count based on 

that level. 

Service opportunities: Helping others through actions including but not limited to: 

disaster services assistance; education services (including tutoring and mentoring); 

environmental stewardship and conservation; independent living; housing, financial 

services or employment assistance (including training and/or job placement services); 

and access to health care services (mental health and/or family supports). The 

assistance may be provided to veterans, other people within the military community or 

external to it.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Unduplicated count of military family members (who are either National Service 

Participants or are recruited as volunteers) participating in service opportunities either 

directly sponsored by the CNCS-supported project or for which the CNCS-supported 

project acted as a direct connection between the military family member and the 

service opportunity. Regardless of how many times the military family member 

participates or in how many different service opportunities, each military family 

member should only be counted once. It is suggested that service hours be tracked as 

well.

Aligned outcome may focus on benefits to the military family member, benefits to the 

population they are serving, or both.

If the military family member is engaged in a CNCS-sponsored opportunity, s/he 

should sign in on a tracking sheet. If it is an opportunity to serve through another 

organization, proof of service may be documented by a letter from the organization 

indicating the military family member’s level of service or a tracking sheet from that 

organization.

Review Notes MSYs must be zero for Teacher Corps (ED12, ED13, ED14, ED17, ED18, ED19) and 

Member Development (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) performance measures and 

any other performance measures that measure member outcomes rather than 

beneficiary outcomes (EN2, EN2.1, V2, V10).
137

Performance Measure Example:

Field What Should Be Entered 

Here

Example

Title Enter a short, descriptive title 

for your performance 

measure. Different aligned 

performance measures 

should have different titles so 

that they can be easily 

referenced.

Veteran Volunteers

Problem Statement Briefly describe the problem 

your program will address 

with this performance 

measure. Your description 

should provide just enough 

context that the program’s 

theory of change will be 

evident without referencing 

the application narrative or 

logic model. Also address 

any definitions from the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions that are relevant 

to the aligned measure as a 

whole, e.g. definition of 

“economically 

disadvantaged.” 

More than half of all veterans 

struggle to re-engage with 

their communities after 

service. The Veterans Still 

Serve AmeriCorps Program 

helps recently returned 

veterans successfully reengage with their 

communities through 

national and community 

service. 

Selected Interventions Select only the interventions 

that contribute to the 

outcomes of this aligned 

performance measure. For 

applicant-determined 

interventions, enter a one or 

two word description of the 

intervention.

Volunteer activity

Description of Interventions Describe the design and 

dosage of the interventions 

The Veterans Still Serve 

AmeriCorps program has 20 

AmeriCorps members placed 
138

you have selected. in teams of 2-4 to involve 

local veterans in volunteer 

opportunities and to train 

veterans as volunteer and 

project leaders. 

Approximately 70% of the 

AmeriCorps members are 

veterans themselves. 

Members partner with local 

veteran serving organizations 

to identify projects and 

veteran volunteers.

Output Either select National 

Performance Measure 

output(s) or enter your own 

output title. If entering an 

applicant-determined output, 

it should be clear what the 

output is counting.

Number of veterans engaged 

in service opportunities as 

National Service Participants 

or volunteers.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the output. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Activity Log

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the dosage that is 

necessary to be counted in 

the output, the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the output, a clear 

description of what the 

instrument will measure, and 

an explanation of how you 

will ensure that beneficiaries 

are not double counted. Also 

describe how the instrument 

Activity logs will be kept for 

each service opportunity and 

veteran volunteers will be 

asked to sign in and note the 

time. After the completion 

of a service event, veteran 

volunteers will be asked to 

sign out and note the time 

again. A veteran will be 

counted under this measure 

if he/she spends a total of 4 

hours or more engaged in 
139

is sufficient to meet the data 

collection requirements 

outlined in the Performance 

Measures Instructions, if 

applicable.

Note: If your output 

measures participation, 

describe the minimum 

dosage necessary to be 

considered a participant. If 

your output measures 

completion, describe the 

dosage necessary to be 

counted as having completed 

the program.

volunteer service through 

one or more service 

opportunities. 

Upon signing in at their first 

service event, veteran 

volunteers are assigned a 

unique identifier that is used 

for any subsequent volunteer 

activities so that no 

individual is counted more 

than once over the course of 

the year, and so that total 

volunteer hours can be 

tracked.

Note: All AmeriCorps 

members that are veterans 

and complete a minimum of 

4 hours of service through 

the program will also be 

counted under this measure. 

The number of hours served 

by veteran AmeriCorps 

members will be 

documented via member 

time sheets.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the output title. 

Targets must be numbers, 

not percents.

514

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

Veterans
140

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Outcome Title Either select National 

Performance Measure 

outcome(s) or enter your 

own outcome title. If 

entering an applicantdetermined outcome, it 

should clearly state a 

measurable change in 

knowledge, attitude, 

behavior or condition.

Number of veterans who 

report an increased sense of 

connection to their 

community

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the outcome. If the

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Pre-Post Survey

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the outcome, a

clear description of what the 

instrument will measure and 

how the construct to be 

measured is defined, the 

timeline for administering 

the instrument and the level 

of improvement that is 

necessary to be counted as 

having improved. Also 

provide details about the 

reliability and validity of the 

instrument, and how the 

instrument is sufficient to 

Before engaging in their first 

service opportunity, 

volunteers and AmeriCorps 

members who are veterans 

will complete a brief 7-

question pre-survey 

assessing (on a five-point 

scale) the level of connection 

they feel to their community. 

After completing a minimum 

of 4 hours of service, veteran 

volunteers and AmeriCorps 

members will complete the 

survey again. Veterans 

whose post-surveys indicate 

an increase of one or more 

points on at least 5 of the 7 
141

meet the data collection 

requirements outlined in the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions, if applicable.

survey questions will be 

counted under this measure.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the outcome 

title. Targets must be 

numbers, not percents.

310

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Veterans
142

CAPACITY BUILDING

Goal 3 Capacity Building Performance Measures

Through Goal 3 of the 2011-2015 Strategic Plan, CNCS seeks to strengthen its collective capacity 

and that of the national service network to measure performance and evaluate program outcomes and 

impact. National service has always been a vehicle for public-private partnership through match 

requirements and strategies requiring local collaboration to receive our resources. 

The performance measures herein are intended to measure the impact of capacity building activities 

that leverage private investment in community solutions. These capacity building activities may be 

provided by national service participants working through our grantees and programs. 

Examples of both planning and implementation of capacity building activities are included in a 

Strategic Plan Framework for Capacity Building companion document that is available at the 

National Service Knowledge Network, https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/. That framework, and 

the standard National Performance Measures for capacity building included in this document, should 

not be construed to represent the full universe of activities that could be associated within a given 

area of capacity building. 

As a general rule, CNCS considers capacity building activities to be indirect services that enable 

CNCS-supported organizations to provide more, better and sustained direct services. To determine 

whether assigned national service participants’ activities qualify as capacity building, think about the 

intended results of those activities. Applicants must understand and distinguish activities that build 

capacity. Capacity building activities cannot be solely intended to support the administration or 

operations of the organization. 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 the most pressing needs identified in the community, 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.
143

Definition of Key Terms

Aligned Outcome Measures: AmeriCorps programs are required to have at least one outcome 

measure aligned with each output measure they select. The opt-in rules (in blue boxes before the 

measures) provide guidance to applicants by indicating the required or recommended pairing, or 

alignment, of output and outcome measures. The rules also denote any constraints that may apply to 

reporting of performance measurement data to CNCS.

Applicant-Determined Performance Measure: Output and outcome measures that are identified by 

the program (vs. pre-determined national performance measures).

Capacity Building: A set of activities that expand the scale, reach, efficiency, or effectiveness of 

programs and organizations. Activities may also leverage resources for programs and/or 

organizations. For example, capacity building activities may expand services, enhance delivery of 

services, or generate additional resources. These activities achieve lasting positive outcomes for the

beneficiary populations served by CNCS-supported organizations. 

CNCS’ six Focus Areas: The 2009 Serve America Act directs CNCS to focus national service on a 

core set of six priority issue areas, as follows: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, 

Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans and Military Families. 

CNCS-Supported Organization: Comprises a) organizations that have national service participants 

(AmeriCorps, VISTA and NCCC members, Senior Corps volunteers and Learn and Serve 

participants) and, b) organizations that receive CNCS funding. This may include K-12 local 

education agencies, state health agencies, other non-federal government agencies, tribes and tribal 

governments, tax-exempt, charitable organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue 

Code, grantees and their sub grantees, and partner organizations with which the aforementioned 

organizations have developed formal collaborations and whose mission supports CNCS issue areas. 

Community Volunteer: Citizens or residents in the community who are recruited and/or managed 

by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned national service participant(s) to offer time, 

knowledge, skills, and expertise for free to support the CNCS-supported program or organization. 

Community volunteers differ from national service participants in that they are under no formal 

obligation to provide a specified amount of assistance (e.g., as measured by service hours), and said 

volunteers are not enrolled in a national service program. Also referred to as “leveraged volunteers.”

Direct Service: Within the context of our framework, direct service refers to any form of assistance 

provided directly to the individuals, targeted groups and communities that make up the beneficiary 

population. For example, direct service may entail face-to-face housing assistance, tutoring, or 

disaster response services. Direct service may also entail hands-on environmental improvements 

performed by national service participants. 

Effectiveness: Improved ability of the organization to achieve outcomes resulting in better success 

rates or better quality of outcomes achieved.
144

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

services with fewer resources.

Indirect Service: Within the context of our framework, indirect service refers to the provision of 

skills, abilities, knowledge, and efforts to support a program or organization in fulfilling its primary 

mission, obligations and programming. For example, indirect services do not involve the one-to-one 

provision of benefits between a national service participant and a member of the beneficiary 

community. Indirect services are capacity building activities provided by the national service 

participants to affect institutional change within CNCS-supported organizations with the intention of 

supporting or enhancing the program delivery model. 

Intermediary or Intermediary Organization: Within the context of our framework, an 

intermediary or intermediary organization coordinates the fundraising, logistics, and operations for 

multiple partner organizations or their own service sites. The intermediary organization typically has 

a primary mission to strengthen partner organizations and their programs. This may include grant 

making organizations.

Leveraged Resources: Additional resources or assets garnered through capacity building activities 

(such as funding, volunteers, in-kind support, and partnerships).

National Performance Measure: Common outputs and outcomes that are pre-determined by CNCS. 

For information on specific measures, see 2012 National Performance Measures: Performance 

Measures Instructions and National Performance Measurement Instrument Packets located at the 

National Service Knowledge Network: http://nationalserviceresources.org/national-performancemeasures/home. 

National service participant: Refers to the individuals supported by CNCS who carry out service 

activities. CNCS’ various programs refer to people who participate in national service in different 

ways, e.g. AmeriCorps members, Learn and Serve America participants and Senior Corps volunteers. 

The broad term “national service participant” encompasses individuals in all CNCS programs. 

National service participants are NOT staff members of the CNCS-supported organization.

Outcome Measures: An assessment of the results of a program activity compared to its intended 

purpose (GPRA Modernization Act of 2010, SEC. 3 (h) DEFINITIONS). In the context of service, 

outcomes describe the intended result of carrying out a program or activity. They define an event or 

condition that is external to the program or activity and that is of direct importance to the intended 

beneficiaries and/or the public. 

Intermediate-outcomes specify changes that have occurred in the lives of national service 

participants and/or beneficiaries, but are short of a significant benefit for them. 

End-outcomes specify changes that have occurred in the lives of national service participants 

and/or beneficiaries that are significant and lasting. End outcomes are the long term impact of 

the service and may not always become evident until more than three years after the initial 

intervention.
145

Output Measures: The tabulation, calculation, or recording of activity or effort that can be 

expressed in a quantitative or qualitative manner (GPRA Modernization Act of 2010, SEC. 3 (h) 

DEFINITIONS). In the context of service, outputs refer to the internal activities of a program (i.e., 

the products and services delivered). Outputs are counts of the amount of service that national service 

participants (NSPs) or volunteers have completed, but do not provide information on benefits to or 

other changes in the lives of NSPs and/or beneficiaries. 

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

number of new people served, new populations served, and/ or new or expanded services. 

Supporting/Enhancing the Program Delivery Model: Specifies that the services provided by the 

CNCS-supported organization or the national service participant engaged in the capacity building 

activity must be for the intended purpose of supporting or enhancing the CNCS-supported program 

delivery model. These capacity building activities cannot be solely intended to support the 

administration or operations of the organization. 

Sustainability: Within the context of our framework, sustainability is a lasting outcome of the 

capacity building activity or intervention. This may include maintaining service after the CNCS 

resource is gone, maintaining enhanced or increased services after the CNCS resource is gone, or 

both. Sustainable projects and programs have institutional procedures, resources and processes that 

assure the continuation of expanded or enhanced beneficiary services. 

Underserved Populations: Populations or groups that are specifically identified by the program as 

in need of program services or that currently receive inadequate service. 

Review Notes 







Unlike Goal 1 measures, the aligned capacity building measures in many cases may not have 

the same units of measure. (e.g., the output may measure the number of volunteers and the 

aligned outcome may measure the number of organizations.) 

Intermediate outcomes are organized by changes in: 







Efficiency and Effectiveness (G3-3.3, G3-3.9 – G3-3.12) 

Scale/Reach (G3-3.13 – G3-3.15) 

Leverage (G3-3.16 - G3-3.17) 

End outcomes are optional for all capacity building applicants (G3-3.18, G3-3.19, and Goal 1 

outcomes are examples of optional end outcomes) 

Common Issues and Points to Consider 

 Any one of the below disqualifies the activity from capacity building: 

o

o

o

Direct service 

Only builds a stronger organization (i.e. activities that support the administration or 

operations of the organization) 

Increased capacity only during the member service term 
146

















Because capacity building measures are agency-wide, some of the activities may be 

prohibited or limited by AmeriCorps State and National requirements: 

Fundraising that is more than 10% of a member’s term (per Sec. 2520.45) and/or is 

unallowable (per Sec. 2520.40) 

Duplicates or displaces staff or volunteers or supplants other funding 

Violates prohibited activities (indirectly or directly) 

Note the warnings on G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.7, G3-3.8, G3-3.12, G3-3.16, and 

G3-3.17. 

Effective volunteer management practices are defined in the “How to Calculate 

Measure/Collect Data” section of the detailed description of G3-3.1 and G3-3.2, in the 

Performance Measures Instructions. 

Applicants that are federated networks with chapters and not stand alone 501(c)(3) 

organizations, would report one (1) as the number of organizations receiving capacity 

building services from national service participants. This is relevant for G3-3.4. 

Though an applicant may feel that capacity building (particularly volunteer management) is 

an integral part of the program design, the organization may not intend to or be able to track 

capacity building outcomes. In this case, the applicant should not opt into capacity building 

measures. Remember, they will have the opportunity to report the number of volunteers as a 

demographic. 
147

Agency-Wide Priority Measures

Strategic Plan Objective 3: Leverage community assets through publicprivate partnerships

Measure 

G3-3.1

Number of community volunteers recruited by CNCS-supported organizations 

or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Community volunteers: Citizens or residents in the community who are 

recruited and/or managed by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned 

national service participant(s) to offer time, knowledge, skills, and expertise for 

free to support the CNCS-supported program or organization. Community 

volunteers differ from national service participants in that they are under no 

formal obligation to provide a specified amount of assistance (e.g., as measured by 

service hours), and said volunteers are not enrolled in a national service 

program. Also referred to as “leveraged volunteers.”

Recruited: Enlisted or enrolled as a direct result of an intentional effort to do 

so.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Only count community volunteers that were specifically recruited by the CNCSsupported organization or the national service participant engaged in the 

capacity building activity for the intended purpose of supporting or enhancing 

the program delivery model may be counted. At the outset of the activity, the 

applicant/grantee should indicate a minimum number of days or hours, or other 

units of service, that must be performed by the individual in order for him or her 

to be counted as a recruited volunteer.

The organization must use some form of volunteer management system, having 

processes or capabilities that allow them to track information about individual 

volunteers such as but not limited to: the volunteer’s name, relevant 

demographic information including location of residence, method of 

recruitment, participation in orientation and/or training activities, planned and 

actual role, assignment(s) or activities, start and end dates of service, and hours 

served related to the program that the capacity building activities were intended 

to support or enhance. 

The total number of volunteers recruited (G3-3.1) and managed (G3-3.2) should 

be an unduplicated count of community volunteers engaged by the CNCSsupported organization or the national service participant during the program

year. Applicants/grantees should control for double counting or select the 

measure that best fits your program model.

Report a separate count of community volunteers recruited for each of the six 

Focus Areas.
148

Other Note National service participants may not recruit volunteers to do activities that they 

themselves are prohibited from doing, including but not limited to managing the 

CNCS-supported projects/grants or community organizing intended to promote 

advocacy activities.

Review Notes Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.
149

Measure 

G3-3.2

Number of community volunteers managed by CNCS-supported organizations 

or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Community volunteers: Citizens or residents in the community who are 

recruited and/or managed by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned 

national service participant(s) to offer time, knowledge, skills, and expertise for 

free to support the CNCS-supported program or organization. Community 

volunteers differ from national service participants in that they are under no 

formal obligation to provide a specified amount of assistance (e.g., as measured by 

service hours), and said volunteers are not enrolled in a national service 

program. Also referred to as “leveraged volunteers.”

Managed: Includes training, direction, coordination and supervision of the 

community volunteer by the CNCS-supported organization or national service 

participant in tasks, duties and services for the intended purpose of supporting 

or enhancing the program delivery model. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Only count community volunteers that were specifically managed of the CNCSsupported organization or the national service participant engaged in the 

capacity building activity for the intended purpose of supporting or enhancing 

the program delivery model may be counted. At the outset of the activity, the 

applicant/grantee should indicate a minimum number of days or hours, or other 

units of service, that must be performed by the individual in order for him or her 

to be counted as a managed volunteer.

The organization must use some form of volunteer management system, having 

processes or capabilities that allow them to track information about individual 

volunteers such as but not limited to: the volunteer’s name, relevant 

demographic information including location of residence, method of 

recruitment, participation in orientation and/or training activities, planned and 

actual role, assignment(s) or activities, start and end dates of service, and hours 

served related to the program that the capacity building activities were intended 

to support or enhance. 

The total number of volunteers recruited (G3-3.1) and managed (G3-3.2) should 

be an unduplicated count of community volunteers engaged by the CNCSsupported organization or the national service participant during the program 

year. Applicants/grantees should control for double counting or select the 

measure that best fits your program model. 

Report a separate count of community volunteers managed for each of the six 

Focus Areas.

Other Note National service participants may not manage volunteers in doing activities that 

they themselves are prohibited from doing, including but not limited to 

managing the CNCS-supported projects/grants or community organizing 

intended to promote advocacy activities.
150

Review Notes Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.
151

Measure 

G3-3.3

Number of organizations implementing three or more effective volunteer 

management practices as a result of capacity building services provided by 

CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Volunteer management: A series of practices that collectively maximize the 

capacity of volunteers to have an impact on behalf of the organization or 

community. Examples of volunteer management practices include but are not 

limited to: development of a written volunteer generation plan, formal 

partnerships for volunteer recruitment, establishment of a volunteer unit within 

the program or organization, creation of volunteer manual/training/curriculum, 

regular supervision and communication with volunteers, liability coverage or 

insurance protection for volunteers, screening and matching volunteers to jobs*, 

regular collection of information on volunteer involvement, written policies and 

job descriptions for volunteer involvement, recognition activities, such as award 

ceremonies, for volunteers*, annual measurement of volunteer impact, training 

and professional development for volunteers*, and training for paid staff in 

working with volunteers.

* These practices correlate strongest to volunteer retention according to a 2004 

study by the Urban Institute, “Volunteer Management Capacity in America's 

Charities and Congregations: A Briefing Report.”

Additional resources on effective volunteer management practices are available 

at the National Service Knowledge Network:





http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/via

http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/ep-vol-man

How to 

Calculate/ 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Only volunteer management practices implemented specifically as a result of 

capacity building activities provided by the CNCS-supported organization or 

national service participant(s) intended to support or enhance the program 

delivery model may be counted.

Count of three or more effective volunteer management practices from the 

examples listed in the above definition, or included in the certification standards 

of an accredited volunteer administration program such as the Council for 

Certification in Volunteer Administration or university-based program, that 

were implemented by the CNCS-supported organization or national service 

participant(s). Each practice should support at least one of eight steps or 

functions for effectively managing volunteers as defined in the report 

“Volunteering Reinvented: Human Capital Solutions for the Nonprofit Sector.”

1. Market Research and Community Needs Assessments

2. Strategic Planning to Maximize Volunteer Impact

3. Recruiting and Marketing to Prospective Volunteers
152

4. Interviewing, Screening, and Selecting Volunteers

5. Orienting and Training Volunteers

6. Ongoing Supervision and Management

7. Recognition and Volunteer Development

8. Measuring Outcomes and Evaluating the Process

Source: Corporation for National and Community Service, 2007, page 4.

http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0719_volunteering_reinvented.pdf

Report a separate count of volunteer management practices implemented for 

each of the six Focus Areas. If the volunteer management practices do not fall 

solely within one focus area, for example the NSP manages volunteers for that 

organization’s housing program and health program, applicants should report 

this count under the focus area in which it operates its primary program. 

Organizations must use a pre-post organizational assessment tool that measures 

capacity in the area of volunteer management, and that includes questions 

related to the organization’s volunteer management practices. Intermediary 

applicants/grantees should ensure that their sub-grantees and/or host sites use 

the same tool. The pre-assessment should be administered before capacity 

building services are provided, and the post-assessment should be done at the 

end of the term of service of the national service participant engaged in the 

capacity building activity. Organizations should follow the guidance of the 

assessment tool they select with respect to which individual(s) at the 

organization respond to the assessment and other protocol for administering the 

tool. Alternatively, the applicant/grantee may choose to use a volunteer 

management tracking log or system to collect these data.

See the National Service Knowledge Network, 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for the organizational assessment 

tool that CNCS recommends applicants/grantees use to measure changes in 

organizational capacity.

PO Review 

Note

Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.

Member development measures (O12, O13, O14, O15, O16, O17) or volunteer 

generation measures (G3-3.1, G3-3.2, G3-3.3) should only be present if these activities 

are the primary focus of the program or a significant component of the program's 

theory of change.
153

Measure 

G3-3.4

Number of organizations that received capacity building services from CNCSsupported organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

CNCS-supported organizations: Comprises a) organizations that have 

national service participants (AmeriCorps, VISTA and NCCC members, Senior 

Corps volunteers and Learn and Serve participants), and b) organizations that 

receive CNCS funding. This may include K-12 local education agencies, state 

health agencies, tribes, tax-exempt, charitable organizations under section 

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, grantees and their sub grantees, and 

partner organizations with which the aforementioned organizations have 

developed formal collaborations and whose mission supports CNCS issue areas.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of the total number of organizations that received capacity building 

activities intended to support or enhance the program delivery model from 

CNCS-supported organization or national service participants. The activities 

must meet the criteria for capacity building described in the Goal Overview 

section of the document. It is the applicant/grantee’s responsibility to ensure the 

capacity building activities meet the criteria provided in these definitions.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
154

Measure 

G3-3.5

Number of staff and community volunteers that received training (of one or 

more types) as a result of capacity building services provided by CNCSsupported organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Staff: Paid or unpaid employees of the CNCS-supported organization. National 

Service Participants are NOT considered staff members of the CNCS-supported 

organization.

Community Volunteer: Citizens or residents in the community who are 

recruited and/or managed by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned 

national service participant(s) to offer time, knowledge, skills, and expertise for 

free to support the CNCS-supported program or organization. Community 

volunteers differ from national service participants in that they are under no 

formal obligation to provide a specified amount of assistance (e.g., as measured by 

service hours), and said volunteers are not enrolled in a national service 

program. Also referred to as “leveraged volunteers.”

Training: An organized activity aimed at imparting information and/or 

instructions to improve the training recipient's performance or to help him or 

her attain a required level of knowledge or skill.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count the number of individual staff members who received training that was 

developed, organized or delivered by the CNCS-supported organization or 

national service participant. The training received should be intended to support 

or enhance the program delivery model. Count each staff member once, even if 

they receive multiple types of training.

At the outset of the activity, the applicant/grantee should indicate the minimum 

amount of days, hours, or other units of service required to complete the activity 

and/or achieve results. When reporting on this performance measure, the 

grantee should only count the number of service beneficiaries who met or 

received that minimum by the end of the year.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
155

Measure 

G3-3.6

Number of organizations that completed a community assessment identifying 

goals and recommendations with the assistance of CNCS-supported 

organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Community Assessment: Involves comprehensive information gathering, 

analysis and documentation to understand a community's concerns, effectively 

characterize its needs and respond with appropriate interventions. Discovering 

those things that matter to the community, what issues the community feels are 

most important to address, and what resources are available to bring about 

change may be accomplished through interviews with community members, and 

by conducting listening sessions, public forums, and other place-based research, 

resulting in an assessment (or profile) of the community that helps identify and 

prioritize critical issues and plan future interventions.
156

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of organizations that received capacity building assistance from the 

CNCS-supported organization or assigned national service participant(s) intended 

to support or enhance the program delivery model, that reported having 

completed a community assessment containing goals and recommendations. 

At the outset of the activity, the applicant/grantee should indicate the minimum 

amount of days, hours, or other level of assistance required in order to

determine that the assistance provided by the CNCS-supported organization or 

assigned national service participant was substantive and instrumental in 

completing the activity and/or achieving results. Applicants/grantees may define 

the level of assistance as including but not being limited to: coordinating the 

community assessment effort on behalf of the community and local 

organization; serving as the primary point of contact and liaison for all 

stakeholders involved in the community assessment effort; researching the 

community history, assets, issues, barriers, resources, goals etc. through 

document review, interviews, focus groups, etc., and/or writing or significantly 

contributing to the community assessment documentation.

Applicants are encouraged to use an established framework for conducting the 

community assessment. The framework should address the following core 

elements of a community assessment, as outlined by the Community Tool Box:

1. Describe the makeup and history of the community to provide a context 

within which to collect data on its current concerns. 

2. Describe what matters to people in the community.

3. Describe what matters to key stakeholders.

4. (For each candidate problem/goal) Describe the evidence indicating 

whether the problem/goal should be a priority issue.

5. Describe the barriers and resources for addressing the identified issue(s).

6. (Based on the assessment) Select and state the priority issue (or issues) 

to be addressed by the group.

Additional tools, examples and how-to information for assessing community 

needs and resources can be found on the Community Tool Box website: 

http://ctb.ku.edu/en/dothework/tools_tk_2.aspx

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
157

Measure 

G3-3.7

Hours of service contributed by community volunteers who were recruited by 

CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Hours of service: Consists of all the hours that recruited community volunteers 

devote to serving, including training time that they may have to participate in. 

Does not include hours served by community volunteers engaged in prohibited 

activities for CNCS-supported organizations, such as community organizing 

intended to promote advocacy activities (see Other Note below).

Community volunteers: Citizens or residents in the community who are 

recruited and/or managed by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned 

national service participant(s) to offer time, knowledge, skills, and expertise for 

free to support the CNCS-supported program or organization. Community 

volunteers differ from national service participants in that they are under no 

formal obligation to provide a specified amount of assistance (e.g., as measured by 

service hours), and said volunteers are not enrolled in a national service 

program. Also referred to as “leveraged volunteers.”

Recruited: Enlisted or enrolled as a direct result of an intentional effort to do 

so.
158

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

The count of hours served must include only those hours served by volunteers 

included in the count of community volunteers recruited by the CNCSsupported organization or assigned national service participant(s) engaged in the 

capacity building activity (measured in G3-3.1). This should be an unduplicated 

count of hours served by each recruited community volunteer during the 

program year.

The organization must use some form of volunteer management system, having 

processes or capabilities that allow them to track information about individual 

volunteers such as but not limited to: the volunteer’s name, relevant 

demographic information including location of residence, method of 

recruitment, participation in orientation and/or training activities, planned and 

actual role, assignment(s) or activities, start and end dates of service, and hours 

served related to the program that the capacity building activities were intended 

to support or enhance. 

Applicants/grantees may count both GAAP services (that may qualify as pro 

bono services) and non-GAAP volunteer services in the total count of hours 

served. GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 

 Pro bono services are professional services that are donated that 

someone, or another business or organization would normally have to 

pay the donor for. 

 Volunteer services come from individuals that would not normally 

charge for their time and skills they donate. 

Report a separate count of hours served by recruited community volunteers for 

each of the six Focus Areas. If the service hours contributed by community 

volunteers do not fall neatly within one focus area, applicants should report this 

count under the focus area in which it operates its primary program.
159

Other Note The count of hours may not include time spent on activities that are outside the 

scope of allowable activity for Members and community volunteers, i.e. time 

spent doing activities that national service participants are prohibited from 

doing themselves. The following activities are prohibited in § 2520.65 

AmeriCorps subtitle C programs:

(a) While charging time to the AmeriCorps program, accumulating service or 

training hours, or otherwise performing activities supported by the AmeriCorps 

program or CNCS, staff and members may not engage in the following 

activities: 

(1) Attempting to influence legislation; 

(2) Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes; 

(3) Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing; 

(4) Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining 

agreements; 

(5) Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to 

influence the outcome of an election to any public office; 

(6) Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include 

advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, 

proposed legislation, or elected officials; 

(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing 

instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or 

worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or 

worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious 

instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization; 

(8) Providing a direct benefit to—

(i) A business organized for profit; 

(ii) A labor union; 

(iii) A partisan political organization; 

(iv) A nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions 

contained in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 except 

that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent participants from 

engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at their own initiative; and

(v) An organization engaged in the religious activities described in 

paragraph (g) of this section, unless Corporation assistance is not used to 

support those religious activities; 

(9) Conducting a voter registration drive or using Corporation funds to conduct 

a voter registration drive; 

(10) Providing abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services; and 

(11) Such other activities as CNCS may prohibit. 

(b) Individuals may exercise their rights as private citizens and may participate 

in the activities listed above on their initiative, on non-AmeriCorps time, and 

using non-Corporation funds. Individuals should not wear the AmeriCorps logo 

while doing so. 
160

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.

Measure 

G3-3.8

Hours of service contributed by community volunteers who were managed by 

CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Hours of service: Consists of all the hours that managed community volunteers 

devote to serving, including training time that they may have to participate in. 

Does not include hours served by community volunteers engaged in prohibited 

activities for CNCS-supported organizations, such as community organizing 

intended to promote advocacy activities (see Other Note below).

Community volunteers: Citizens or residents in the community who are 

recruited and/or managed by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned 

national service participant(s) to offer time, knowledge, skills, and expertise for 

free to support the CNCS-supported program or organization. Community 

volunteers differ from national service participants in that they are under no 

formal obligation to provide a specified amount of assistance (e.g., as measured by 

service hours), and said volunteers are not enrolled in a national service 

program. Also referred to as “leveraged volunteers.”

Managed: Includes training, direction, coordination and supervision of the 

community volunteer by the CNCS-supported organization or national service 

participant in tasks, duties and services for the intended purpose of supporting 

or enhancing the program delivery model.
161

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

The count of hours served must include only those hours served by volunteers 

included in the count of community volunteers managed by the CNCSsupported organization or assigned national service participant(s) engaged in the 

capacity building activity (measured in G3-3.2) . This should be an 

unduplicated count of hours served by each managed community volunteer 

during the program year.

The organization must use some form of volunteer management system, having 

processes or capabilities that allow them to track information about individual 

volunteers such as but not limited to: the volunteer’s name, relevant 

demographic information including location of residence, method of 

recruitment, participation in orientation and/or training activities, planned and 

actual role, assignment(s) or activities, start and end dates of service, and hours 

served related to the program that the capacity building activities were intended 

to support or enhance. 

Applicants/grantees may count both GAAP services (that may qualify as pro 

bono services) and non-GAAP volunteer services in the total count of hours 

served. GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 





Pro bono services are professional services that are donated that 

someone, or another business or organization would normally have to 

pay the donor for. 

Volunteer services come from individuals that would not normally 

charge for their time and skills they donate. 

Report a separate count of hours served by managed community volunteers for 

each of the six Focus Areas. If the service hours contributed by community 

volunteers do not fall neatly within one focus area, applicants should report this 

count under the focus area in which it operates its primary program.
162

Other Note The count of hours may not include time spent on activities that are outside the 

scope of allowable activity for Members and community volunteers, i.e. time 

spent doing activities that national service participants are prohibited from 

doing themselves. The following activities are prohibited in § 2520.65 

AmeriCorps subtitle C programs:

(a) While charging time to the AmeriCorps program, accumulating service or 

training hours, or otherwise performing activities supported by the AmeriCorps 

program or CNCS, staff and members may not engage in the following 

activities: 

(1) Attempting to influence legislation; 

(2) Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes; 

(3) Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing; 

(4) Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining 

agreements; 

(5) Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to 

influence the outcome of an election to any public office; 

(6) Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include 

advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, 

proposed legislation, or elected officials; 

(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing 

instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or 

worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or 

worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious 

instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization; 

(8) Providing a direct benefit to—

(i) A business organized for profit; 

(ii) A labor union; 

(iii) A partisan political organization; 

(iv) A nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions 

contained in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 except 

that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent participants from 

engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at their own initiative; and

(v) An organization engaged in the religious activities described in 

paragraph (g) of this section, unless Corporation assistance is not used to 

support those religious activities; 

(9) Conducting a voter registration drive or using Corporation funds to conduct 

a voter registration drive; 

(10) Providing abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services; and 

(11) Such other activities as CNCS may prohibit. 

(b) Individuals may exercise their rights as private citizens and may participate 

in the activities listed above on their initiative, on non-AmeriCorps time, and 

using non-Corporation funds. Individuals should not wear the AmeriCorps logo 

while doing so. 
163

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
164

Measure 

G3-3.9

Number of organizations reporting that capacity building activities provided by 

CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants have helped to 

make the organization more efficient

Definition of 

Key Terms

More efficient: Improved outcomes with the same level of resources, or 

improved or consistent quality of services with fewer resources.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of the number of organizations reporting that their organization is now 

more efficient as a result of the new capacity. The organizations included in the 

count should conform to what CNCS considers capacity building activities to be 

and not to be as defined in the Goal Overview section of this document. It is the 

applicant/grantee’s responsibility to ensure the activities performed by the 

CNCS-supported organization or national service participant(s) meet the eligibility 

requirements provided in these definitions.

Organizations must use a pre-post organizational assessment tool to measure 

sustained changes in efficiency within the organization. Intermediary 

applicants/grantees should ensure that their sub-grantees and/or host sites use 

the same tool. Applicants/grantees should select a tool that includes questions 

that measure the areas of efficiency in which the organization seeks to improve, 

and that are intended to support or enhance the program delivery model. The 

pre-assessment should be administered before capacity building services are 

provided, and the post-assessment should be done at the end of the term of 

service of the national service participant engaged in the capacity building 

activity. Organizations should follow the guidance of the assessment tool they

select with respect to which individual(s) at the organization respond to the 

assessment and other protocol for administering the tool.

See National Service Knowledge Network, https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, 

to search for the organizational assessment tool that CNCS recommends 

applicants/grantees use to measure changes in organizational capacity.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
165

Measure 

G3-3.10

Number of organizations reporting that capacity building activities provided by 

CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants have helped to 

make the organization more effective

Definition of 

Key Terms

More effective: Improved ability of the organization to achieve outcomes

resulting in better success rates or better quality of outcomes achieved. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of the number of organizations reporting that their organization is now 

more effective as a result of the new capacity. The organizations included in the 

count should conform to what CNCS considers capacity building activities to be 

and not to be as defined in the Goal Overview section of this document. It is the 

applicant/grantee’s responsibility to ensure the activities performed by the 

CNCS-supported organization or national service participant(s) meet the eligibility 

requirements provided in these definitions.

Organizations must use a pre-post organizational assessment tool to measure 

sustained changes in effectiveness within the organization. Intermediary 

applicants/grantees should ensure that their sub-grantees and/or host sites use 

the same tool. Applicants/grantees should select a tool that includes questions 

that measure the areas of effectiveness in which the organization seeks to 

improve, and that are intended to support or enhance the program delivery 

model. The pre-assessment should be administered before capacity building 

services are provided, and the post-assessment should be done at the end of the 

term of service of the national service participant engaged in the capacity building 

activity. Organizations should follow the guidance of the assessment tool they 

select with respect to which individual(s) at the organization respond to the 

assessment and other protocol for administering the tool.

See the National Service Knowledge Network, 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for the organizational assessment 

tool that CNCS recommends for measuring changes in organizational capacity.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
166

Measure 

G3-3.11

Number of new systems and business processes (technology, performance 

management, training, etc.) or enhancements to existing systems and business 

processes put in place as a result of capacity building services provided by 

CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Business processes: A collection of related, structured activities or tasks that 

produce a specific service or product (serve a particular goal) for a particular 

customer or customers.

Enhancements: New features and functions or significant improvements made 

to existing systems or processes that improve efficiency and productivity or 

provide new capabilities that were not previously possible in support of the 

program delivery model. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of new and enhanced systems and business processes at organizations as 

a result of capacity building activities provided by the CNCS-supported 

organization or the national service participant(s) intended to support or 

enhance the program delivery model. Count each system or process only once. 

Do not count upgrades to new systems or processes already included in the 

count.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
167

Measure 

G3-3.12

Number of organizations that monitored their progress towards the goals 

identified in their community assessment with the assistance of CNCSsupported organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Monitor progress: Having a systematic process for collecting data and tracking 

outputs and outcomes related to goals and recommendations identified in the 

assessment. 

Community Assessment: Involves comprehensive information gathering, 

analysis and documentation to understand a community's concerns, effectively 

characterize its needs and respond with appropriate interventions. Discovering 

those things that matter to the community, what issues the community feels are 

most important to address, and what resources are available to bring about 

change may be accomplished through interviews with community members, and 

by conducting listening sessions, public forums, and other place-based research, 

resulting in an assessment (or profile) of the community that helps identify and 

prioritize critical issues and plan future interventions. 
168

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of organizations that received capacity building assistance from the 

CNCS-supported organization or assigned national service participant(s) 

intended to support or enhance the program delivery model, reporting that: they 

have completed a community assessment; their organization identified goals as 

a part of that process, and they have continued monitoring their progress toward 

those goals at the time of reporting.

At the outset of the activity, the applicant/grantee should indicate the minimum 

amount of days, hours, or other level of assistance required in order to 

determine that the assistance provided by the CNCS-supported organization or 

assigned national service participant was substantive and instrumental in 

completing the activity and/or achieving results. Applicants/grantees may define 

the level of assistance as including but not being limited to: establishing a 

performance management systems and processes, creating evaluation 

instruments, and/or developing a reporting template for the organization to 

monitor progress against the goals identified in the community assessment.

Organizations must use a pre-post organizational assessment tool that includes 

questions related to the organization’s capacity to monitor and evaluate goals 

and objectives. Intermediary applicants/grantees should ensure that their subgrantees and/or host sites use the same tool. The pre-assessment should be 

administered before capacity building services are provided, and the postassessment should be done at the end of the term of service of the national 

service participant engaged in the capacity building activity. Organizations 

should follow the guidance of the assessment tool they select with respect to 

which individual(s) at the organization respond to the assessment and other 

protocol for administering the tool.

See the National Service Knowledge Network, 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for the organizational 

assessment tool that CNCS recommends for measuring changes in 

organizational capacity.

Other Note AmeriCorps State and National requirements that pertain to allowable capacity 

building activities (45 CFR 2520.30) stipulate that AmeriCorps capacity 

building activity must not include tasks that have to do with managing the 

CNCS-supported projects/grants such as measuring the impact of the 

AmeriCorps program.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
169

Measure 

G3-3.13

Number of additional activities completed and/or program outputs produced by 

the program as a result of capacity building services provided by CNCSsupported organizations or national service participants in a) Disaster Services, b) 

Economic Opportunity, c) Education, d) Environmental Stewardship, e) Healthy 

Futures and/or f) Veterans and Military Families

Definition of 

Key Terms

Additional activities/program outputs: Can include any capacity building 

activities or outputs that have been completed or produced, such as the number 

of community outreach meetings coordinated, communication tools developed, 

manuals written, trainings piloted, etc., which is more than what the 

organization could have completed or produced absent the capacity building 

services. 

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Only additional activities and program outputs specifically resulting from 

capacity building activities provided by the CNCS-supported organization or 

assigned national service participant(s) intended to support or enhance the 

program delivery model may be counted.

Organizations must use a pre-post organizational assessment tool that measures 

capacity in the area of program and service delivery, and that includes questions 

related to the organization’s specific services, activities and/or program 

offerings. Intermediary applicants/grantees should ensure that their sub-grantees 

and/or host sites use the same tool. The pre-assessment should be administered 

before capacity building services are provided, and the post-assessment should 

be done at the end of the term of service of the national service participant

engaged in the capacity building activity. Organizations should follow the 

guidance of the assessment tool they select with respect to which individual(s) 

at the organization respond to the assessment and other protocol for 

administering the tool.

Alternatively, the applicant/grantee may choose to use a sample service request 

and program delivery tracking log to collect these data.

See the National Service Knowledge Network, 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for the organizational assessment 

tool that CNCS recommends for measuring changes in organizational capacity.

Report a separate count of activities and program outputs for each of the six 

Focus Areas.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
170
171

Measure 

G3-3.14

Number of organizations that have experienced an increase in requests for their 

programs and services as a result of capacity building services provided by 

CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

N/A

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Only requests specifically resulting from capacity building activities provided 

by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned national service participant(s) 

intended to support or enhance the program delivery model may be counted. 

Requests may come from community members, partners, or other organizations. 

The organization must keep administrative records or other information 

management systems that enable them to track details about service requests 

that allow them to verify the nature and intent of the request, such as but not 

limited to: the stated reason or rationale for the request for services related to 

the program that the capacity building activities were intended to support or 

enhance, the date of the request, and relevant demographic and organizational 

details about the person and/or organization that made the request. 

Organizations must use a pre-post organizational assessment tool that measures 

capacity in the area of program and service delivery, and that includes questions 

related to the organization’s specific services, program offerings and/or 

recruitment and outreach activities. Intermediary applicants/grantees should 

ensure that their sub-grantees and/or host sites use the same tool. The preassessment should be administered before capacity building services are 

provided, and the post-assessment should be done at the end of the term of 

service of the national service participant engaged in the capacity building 

activity. Organizations should follow the guidance of the assessment tool they

select with respect to which individual(s) at the organization respond to the 

assessment and other protocol for administering the tool.

Alternatively, the applicant/grantee may choose to use a sample service request 

and program delivery tracking log to collect these data.

See the National Service Knowledge Network, 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for the organizational assessment 

tool that CNCS recommends for measuring changes in organizational capacity.

Report a separate count of service requests for each of the six Focus Areas.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
172

Measure 

G3-3.15

Number of additional types of services offered by organizations as a result of 

capacity building services provided by CNCS-supported organizations or 

national service participants in a) Disaster Services, b) Economic Opportunity, c) 

Education, d) Environmental Stewardship, e) Healthy Futures and/or f) 

Veterans and Military Families

Definition of 

Key Terms

Types of service: includes qualitatively distinct service activities that enable the 

program to address different needs or different populations in need of the 

organization’s services.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Only additional types of service specifically resulting from capacity building 

activities provided by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned national 

service participant(s) intended to support or enhance the program delivery 

model may be counted.

Organizations must use a pre-post organizational assessment tool that measures 

capacity in the area of program and service delivery, and that includes questions 

related to the organization’s specific services, activities and/or program 

offerings. Intermediary applicants/grantees should ensure that their sub-grantees 

and/or host sites use the same tool. The pre-assessment should be administered 

before capacity building services are provided, and the post-assessment should 

be done at the end of the term of service of the national service participant

engaged in the capacity building activity. Organizations should follow the 

guidance of the assessment tool they select with respect to which individual(s) 

at the organization respond to the assessment and other protocol for 

administering the tool.

Alternatively, the applicant/grantee may choose to use a sample service request 

and program delivery tracking log to collect these data.

See the National Service Knowledge Network, 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/, to search for the organizational assessment 

tool that CNCS recommends applicants/grantees use to measure changes in 

organizational capacity.

Report a separate count of services for each of the six Focus Areas.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
173

Measure 

G3-3.16

Dollar value of cash resources leveraged by CNCS-supported organizations or 

national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

Cash resources: Cash, check, or other monetary gift.

Leverage: To garner additional resources or assets through capacity building 

activities (such as funding, volunteers, in-kind support, and partnerships).

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Only cash resources raised specifically as a result of capacity building activities 

provided by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned national service 

participant(s) engaged in the capacity building activity intended to support or 

enhance the program delivery model may be counted.

The organization must keep administrative records or other information 

management systems that enable them to track and verify the origin, intent and 

other transactional information on commitments and contributions of cash and 

in-kind resources. Inclusion of cash or in-kind resources in the count is subject 

to IRS limitations, and should not include contributions made to specific 

individuals, political organizations or candidates. Adhere to the following 

provisions adapted from the IRS’ Deducting Charitable Contributions, 

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=106990,00.html:

6. Regardless of the amount, to count a contribution of cash, check, or other 

monetary gift, the applicant/grantee must maintain a bank record, payroll 

deduction records or a written communication from the individual or 

organization containing the name of the organization, the date of the 

contribution and amount of the contribution. For text message donations, a 

telephone bill will meet the record-keeping requirement if it shows the name of 

the receiving organization, the date of the contribution, and the amount given.

Report a separate count of dollars raised for each of the six Focus Areas.

Other Note These activities and measure primarily apply to VISTA members. 

For AmeriCorps State & National: AmeriCorps members may not raise funds for 

the organization in general. Only program-specific fundraising is allowable. 

AmeriCorps State/National fundraising requirements are: AmeriCorps members 

may raise resources directly in support of the program's service activities. 

AmeriCorps members may not: (1) Raise funds for living allowances or for an 

organization's general (as opposed to project) operating expenses or 

endowment; (2) Write a grant application to CNCS or to any other Federal 

agency. 45 CFR 2520.40. An AmeriCorps member may spend no more than 

ten percent of his or her originally agreed-upon term of service, as reflected in 

the member enrollment in the National Service Trust, performing fundraising 

activities §2520.45.
174

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
175

Measure 

G3-3.17

Dollar value of in-kind resources leveraged by CNCS-supported organizations 

or national service participants

Definition of 

Key Terms

In-kind resources: Non-cash contributions, including donated goods or 

services, expert advice, equipment or property.

Leverage: To garner additional resources or assets through capacity building 

activities (such as funding, volunteers, in-kind support, and partnerships).

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Only in-kind resources raised specifically as a result of capacity building 

activities provided by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned national 

service participant(s) d engaged in the capacity building activity intended to 

support or enhance the program delivery model may be counted.

The organization must keep administrative records or other information 

management systems that enable them to track and verify the origin, intent and 

other transactional information on commitments and contributions of cash and 

in-kind resources. The estimated value of in-kind resources should be calculated 

following IRS guidance for determining the value of non-cash charitable 

contributions, including donated property, for purposes of claiming tax 

deductions. Inclusion of cash or in-kind resources in the count is subject to IRS 

limitations, and should not include contributions made to specific individuals, 

political organizations or candidates. Adhere to the following provisions 

adapted from the IRS’ Deducting Charitable Contributions, 

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=106990,00.html:

3. If the applicant/grantee receives a benefit because of the contribution such as 

merchandise, tickets to a ball game or other goods and services, then only the 

amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit received can be 

included in the calculated value.

4. Donations of stock or other non-cash property are usually valued at the fair 

market value of the property. Clothing and household items must generally be 

in good used condition or better to be deductible. Special rules apply to vehicle 

donations.

5. Fair market value is generally the price at which property would change 

hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither having to buy or 

sell, and both having reasonable knowledge of all the relevant facts. 

If the tangible expenses of providing pro bono services or the costs associated 

with volunteering are paid for by the volunteer or assumed by another 

organization, these costs can be at least partially included in the valuation of inkind resources contributed. Applicants/grantees should consult and conform to

IRS regulations for deducting charitable contributions to determine whether to 

include such expenses in the value of non-cash contributions.

Examples of tools for calculating the value of in-kind resources include but are 

not limited to: Goodwill Industries’ Donation Value Guide 

(http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/taxes-and-your-donation/),

Charity Navigator’s Guide to Donating Noncash Items 

(http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=335), 
176

and TurboTax’s free ItsDeductible product (http://turbotax.intuit.com/personaltaxes/itsdeductible/). 

Report a separate count of in-kind resources raised for each of the six Focus 

Areas.

Other Note These activities and measure primarily apply to VISTA members. 

For AmeriCorps State & National: AmeriCorps members may not raise funds for 

the organization in general. Only program-specific fundraising is allowable. 

AmeriCorps State/National fundraising requirements are: AmeriCorps members 

may raise resources directly in support of the program's service activities. 

AmeriCorps members may not: (1) Raise funds for living allowances or for an 

organization's general (as opposed to project) operating expenses or 

endowment; (2) Write a grant application to CNCS or to any other Federal 

agency. 45 CFR 2520.40. An AmeriCorps member may spend no more than 

ten percent of his or her originally agreed-upon term of service, as reflected in 

the member enrollment in the National Service Trust, performing fundraising 

activities §2520.45.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
177

Measure 

G3-3.18

Number of new beneficiaries that received services as a result of capacity 

building efforts in a) Disaster Services, b) Economic Opportunity, c) Education, 

d) Environmental Stewardship, e) Healthy Futures and/or f) Veterans and 

Military Families

Definition of 

Key Terms

New beneficiaries: Individuals who were clients or service recipients in the 

current reporting period who were not clients or service recipients in previous 

reporting periods.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of the number of new beneficiaries receiving assistance or services as a 

result of capacity building efforts provided by the CNCS-supported 

organization or assigned national service participant(s) in a) Disaster Services, 

b) Economic Opportunity, c) Education, d) Environmental Stewardship, e) 

Healthy Futures and/or f) Veterans and Military Families. Applicants/grantees 

consider beneficiaries as “new” if they have not received any services from the 

organization in the past grant cycle. At the outset of the activity, the 

applicant/grantee should indicate a minimum number of days or hours, or other 

units of service received are required in order for the person to be considered a 

beneficiary.

New beneficiaries of service should be the direct result of one or more capacity 

building activities intended to support or enhance the program delivery model, 

such as new or expanded programming, new outreach or marketing campaigns. 

Report a separate count of new beneficiaries served for each of the six Focus 

Areas. If a new beneficiary receives services in more than one focus area and/or 

more than one service within a focus area, the new beneficiary should be 

counted only once under the focus area in which it operates its primary 

program. 

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
178

Measure 

G3-3.19

Number of new beneficiaries from one or more targeted or underserved 

populations (counts by target population, e.g., racial or ethnic group) that 

received services as a result of capacity building efforts in a) Disaster Services, 

b) Economic Opportunity, c) Education, d) Environmental Stewardship, e) 

Healthy Futures and/or f) Veterans and Military Families

Definition of 

Key Terms

New beneficiaries: Individuals who were clients or service recipients in the 

current reporting period who were not clients or service recipients in previous 

reporting periods.

Underserved populations: Populations or groups that are specifically 

identified by the program as in need of program services or that currently 

receive inadequate service.

How to 

Calculate 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Count of the number of new beneficiaries from one or more targeted or 

underserved populations (counts by target population, e.g., racial or ethnic 

group) receiving assistance or services as a result of capacity building efforts 

provided by the CNCS-supported organization or assigned national service 

participant(s) in a) Disaster Services, b) Economic Opportunity, c) Education, 

d) Environmental Stewardship, e) Healthy Futures and/or f) Veterans and 

Military Families. Applicants/grantees consider beneficiaries as “new” if they 

have not received any services from the organization in the past grant cycle. At 

the outset of the activity, the applicant/grantee should indicate a minimum 

number of days or hours, or other units of service received are required in order

for the person to be considered a beneficiary.

New beneficiaries of service should be the result of one or more capacity 

building activities intended to support or enhance the program delivery model, 

such as new or expanded programming, new outreach or marketing campaigns. 

The targeted or underserved population(s) that the applicant/grantee intends to 

reach should be identified in the application, or the position/assignment 

description of the national service participant before the start of the program.

Report a separate count of new beneficiaries served in each targeted or 

underserved population for each of the six Focus Areas. If a new beneficiary 

receives services in more than one focus area and/or more than one service 

within a focus area, the new beneficiary should be counted only once under the 

focus area in which it operates its primary program.

PO Review Note Capacity Building interventions must meet the CNCS definition of capacity-building in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.
179

Performance Measure Example:

Field What Should Be Entered 

Here

Example

Title Enter a short, descriptive title 

for your performance 

measure. Different aligned 

performance measures 

should have different titles so 

that they can be easily 

referenced.

Capacity Building

Problem Statement Briefly describe the problem 

your program will address 

with this performance 

measure. Your description 

should provide just enough 

context that the program’s 

theory of change will be 

evident without referencing 

the application narrative or 

logic model. Also address 

any definitions from the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions that are relevant 

to the aligned measure as a 

whole, e.g. definition of 

“economically 

disadvantaged.” 

Small, community-based 

organizations in the rural 

community of Small Town 

lack staff capacity to 

effectively recruit and 

manage volunteers.

Selected Interventions Select only the interventions 

that contribute to the 

outcomes of this aligned 

performance measure. For 

applicant-determined 

interventions, enter a one or

two word description of the 

intervention.

Volunteer Management

Description of Interventions Describe the design and 

dosage of the interventions 

Full-time members recruit 

and manage volunteers at 

nonprofits in the areas of 
180

you have selected. Education, Environmental 

Stewardship, and Economic 

Opportunity. Each member 

will manage an average of 5 

volunteers. Members also 

implement effective 

volunteer management 

practices that can be 

sustained after their terms of 

service. 

Output Either select National 

Performance Measure 

output(s) or enter your own 

output title. If entering an 

applicant-determined output, 

it should be clear what the 

output is counting.

Number of community 

volunteers managed by 

CNCS-supported 

organizations or national 

service participants.

Select Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the output. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Volunteer Management 

System

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the dosage that is 

necessary to be counted in 

the output, the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the output, a clear 

description of what the 

instrument will measure, and 

an explanation of how you 

will ensure that beneficiaries 

are not double counted. Also 

describe how the instrument 

is sufficient to meet the data 

collection requirements 

Members will track the 

number of volunteers they 

directly manage using an 

online Volunteer 

Management System. Each 

volunteer will be tracked by 

name and unique identifier 

to ensure that each 

individual will be counted 

only once. In addition, 

members will record 

information in the system 

about each volunteer 

including relevant 
181

outlined in the Performance 

Measures Instructions, if 

applicable.

Note: If your output 

measures participation, 

describe the minimum 

dosage necessary to be 

considered a participant. If 

your output measures 

completion, describe the 

dosage necessary to be 

counted as having completed 

the program.

demographic information 

(e.g., age, address, and 

education), person managing 

the volunteer, status of 

orientation/training, and 

volunteer assignment. Each 

volunteer’s dates and hours 

of service will be tracked 

according to type of 

programming (i.e., 

Environmental Stewardship, 

Education or Economic 

Opportunity). Individuals 

must tutor/mentor for at 

least six one-hour sessions to 

be counted as a managed 

volunteer for Education or 

Economic Opportunity; 

volunteers serving with 

Environmental Stewardship 

programs will serve during at 

least two service projects in 

order to be counted as a 

managed volunteer. Each 

member will manage an 

average of 5 volunteers; 

volunteers managed by 

program staff, volunteer 

leaders, or other national 

service programs will be 

tracked and reported 

separately from the efforts of 

the AmeriCorps members.

Target # The number of beneficiaries 

described in the output title. 

Targets must be numbers, 

not percents.

50

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

Volunteers
182

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantdetermined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)

Outcome Title Either select National 

Performance Measure 

outcome(s) or enter your 

own outcome title. If 

entering an applicantdetermined outcome, it 

should clearly state a 

measurable change in 

knowledge, attitude, 

behavior or condition.

Number of organizations 

implementing three or more 

effective volunteer

management practices as a 

result of capacity building 

services provided by CNCSsupported organizations or 

National Service Participants.

Data Collection Method Select the data collection 

method you will use to 

measure the outcome. If the 

National Performance 

Measure(s) you have 

selected require a specific 

instrument, you must select 

that instrument.

Pre/Post Organizational 

Assessment Tool

Instrument Description In this text field you must 

provide the name of the 

instrument you will use to 

measure the outcome, a 

clear description of what the 

instrument will measure and 

how the construct to be 

measured is defined, the 

timeline for administering 

the instrument and the level 

of improvement that is 

necessary to be counted as 

having improved. Also 

provide details about the 

The program will use a prepost organizational 

assessment tool that includes 

questions related to the 

organization’s volunteer 

management practices, 

including a written volunteer 

generation plan and formal 

partnerships for recruitment; 

screening and matching 

volunteers to assignments; 

recognition events for

volunteers; written 

descriptions of volunteer 
183

reliability and validity of the 

instrument, and how the 

instrument is sufficient to 

meet the data collection 

requirements outlined in the 

Performance Measures 

Instructions, if applicable.

assignments; written 

volunteer policies; and 

training/orientation 

curriculum. The AmeriCorps 

program staff will administer 

the assessment to the 

appropriate staff member(s) 

at each site. The assessment 

will be administered before 

the member provides 

capacity building services; 

the same assessment will be 

administered at the end of 

the member’s term of 

service. In order to be 

counted for this outcome, an 

organization must implement 

at least three of the effective 

volunteer management 

practices as a result of the 

AmeriCorps members’ 

activities. Volunteer 

management practices will 

be designated by the main 

focus area Environmental 

Stewardship, Education or 

Economic Opportunity. The 

relevant contributing 

member activities will be 

listed for each volunteer 

management practice.

Target The number of beneficiaries 

described in the outcome 

title. Targets must be 

numbers, not percents.

8

Unit of Measure The unit of measure specified 

in the output title. The unit 

of measure auto-populates 

for National Performance 

Measures. For applicantOrganizations
184

determined measures, the 

unit of measure should 

describe the population you 

intend to count (children, 

miles, etc.)
185

Appendix A: Understanding MSY and Member Allocations in the 

AmeriCorps State and National Application

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.1 Member and MSY allocations entered in the 

application are understood to be the program’s best estimate of how member time will be allocated to 

various program objectives.

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. All members spend some time contributing to the K-12 Success objective. Only 

the program’s 105 full-time and half-time members contribute to the School Readiness objective. 

Objective #1: K12 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

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

Total Members 135 Total MSYs 60.63

 

1 Objectives are objectives of the CNCS strategic plan. Activity that does not contribute to a 

strategic plan objective is categorized as “Other.”
186

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 MSY

HT .5 X 5 X .20 = .5 MSY

RHT .3809524 X 0 X 0 =

QT .26455027 X 0 X 0 =

MT .21164022 X 0 X 0 =

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 for these objectives and allocate 
187

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 K12 Success and School Readiness objectives are in the Education Focus Area, Table 1 shows 100% of 

MSYs in Education.

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

on the MSY/Members tab:

Note that the total number of members does not accurately reflect the number of slots the program is 

requesting since some members are performing service in both objectives. The total number of MSYs 

does, however, reflect the total number of MSYs requested by the program.
188

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 an aligned performance measure, it must indicate how many MSYs and how 

many members will contribute to the outcomes of the aligned measure. Based on the MSY allocations 

already entered for the sample program, the program may allocate no more than 60.63 MSYs to K-12 

Success performance measures, and no more than 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. 

Our sample program has three performance measures, one for the K-12 Success objective and two for 

the School Readiness objective. 
189

Objective #1: K-12 Success

Intervention Aligned 

Performance 

Measure

Percent of K12 Success 

Time Spent 

on Achieving 

PM 

Outcomes

X Total MSYs in 

Objective

= MSYs 

Allocated to 

Performance 

Measure

Percent 

of Total 

MSYs

Mentoring ED3A, ED4A, 

ED27A

.75 X 60.63 = 45.47 41%

Parent 

Engagement

No 

performance 

measure.

.25 X 60.63 NA 14%

Objective #2: School Readiness

Intervention Aligned 

Performance 

Measure

Percent of K12 Success 

Time Spent 

on Achieving 

PM 

Outcomes

X Total MSYs in 

Objective

= MSYs 

Allocated to 

Performance 

Measure

Percent 

of Total 

MSYs

Tutoring 1:1 ED20, ED21, 

ED23

.75 X 50.5 = 37.88 34%

Parent 

Engagement

ApplicantDetermined 

Measure

.25 X 50.5 = 12.62 11%

Note: Any aligned performance measure that has member outcomes rather than beneficiary outcomes 

should have an MSY allocation of 0 members since MSY allocations are designed to show how programs’ 

resources are allocated to achieving beneficiary outcomes.
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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 to no performance 

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

(ED3A/4A/27A and ED20/21/23), accounting for 75% of total MSYs. The program has one applicantdetermined measure, and a small percentage of program activity is not being measured.

CNCS requires all applicants to have one aligned performance measure for the primary intervention. 

Applicants may have additional aligned measures provided that they measure significant programmatic 

activities. There is no expectation that 100% of program activity would be allocated to National 

Performance Measures, or to any performance measures at all. 
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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 clarification. The checklist is not a comprehensive list of all 

performance measure items that may require clarification. Refer to the Performance Measure Instructions 

and FAQs for full requirements.

Note: In this version of the PM Instructions, items pertaining to specific performance measures 

have been moved to the Reviewer Notes Section for those performance measures. Assess the 

following items for ALL performance measures unless otherwise noted:

Alignment with Narrative/TOC

Focus areas, objectives, interventions, outputs and outcomes are consistent with the application 

narrative, logic model and theory of change.

Interventions

The interventions selected contribute directly to the outputs and outcomes.

Interventions are not repeated in multiple aligned performance measures.

Dosage

The dosage (frequency, intensity, duration of intervention) is described and is sufficient to achieve 

outcomes.

Resource Allocation

MSY and member allocation charts are consistent with the member activities/time spent on member 

activities described in the application narrative.

MSY allocations for performance measures are reasonable. (If it is clear that not all interventions are 

being measured, then 100% of MSYs should not be allocated to performance measures. CNCS 

expects an accurate estimate of MSYs that will lead to performance measure outcomes and does not 

require applicants to measure 100% of program activity or to allocate a certain percentage of activity 

to National Performance Measures.)

Selection Rules/Performance Measure Instructions

Unless the applicant is a continuation, no retired measures (e.g., measures marked deleted or not 

appearing in the 2015 Performance Measures Instructions) have been selected.

The applicant has at least 1 aligned performance measure for the primary intervention.

National Performance Measures conform to selection rules, definitions and data collection 

requirements specified in the Performance Measure Instructions. (Compliance with definitions and 

data collection requirements must be clearly explained in the performance measure text boxes or 
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must be clarified.)

It is clear that beneficiaries are not double-counted in an aligned performance measure.

National Performance Measures count beneficiaries, not AmeriCorps members, unless the measure 

specifies that national service participants are to be counted. 

The population counted in each National Performance Measure is the population specified in the 

Performance Measure Instructions.

Applicant is not using applicant-determined member development or volunteer generation measures 

that are the same or similar to National Performance Measures or Grantee Progress Report 

demographic indicators (e.g., number of volunteers.)

Alignment & Quality

Applicant-determined outputs and outcomes are aligned correctly.

Outputs and outcomes clearly identify what is counted.

Each output or outcome counts only one thing (except certain National Performance Measures).

Outcomes clearly identify a change in knowledge, attitude, behavior or condition. (Counts that do 

not measure a change are outputs and must be labeled as such.)

Outcomes clearly specify the level of improvement necessary to be counted as "improved" and it is 

clear why this level of improvement is significant for the beneficiary population served.

Outcomes count individual level gains, not average gains for the population served.

Outcomes measure meaningful/significant changes and are aligned with the applicant's theory of 

change. (Note: Outcomes that do not measure significant changes in knowledge, attitude, behavior or 

condition should be revised. If the applicant is not able to propose a meaningful outcome, the aligned 

performance measure should be removed. CNCS prefers that applicants measure a small number of 

meaningful outcomes rather than a large number of outputs paired with insignificant outcomes.)

Outcomes can be measured during a single grant year.

Data Collection/Instruments

Data collection methods are appropriate.

Instruments are likely to yield high quality data.

The instrument, and what it measures, is clearly described.

If the Performance Measure Instructions specify the instrument to be used, the applicant is using that 
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instrument (e.g., pre/post test).

The instrument measures the change specified in the outcome. (For example, if the outcome is a 

change in knowledge, the proposed instrument measures a change in knowledge, not a change in 

attitude.)

Output instruments are sufficient to count all beneficiaries served and to ensure that individuals are 

not double-counted.

Outcome instruments will be administered to all beneficiaries receiving the intervention or 

completing the program. (Note, competitive grantees may propose a sampling plan for CNCS 

approval if this is not the case. Formula grantees are not permitted to sample.)

Pre/Post Test (PO Note: Skip this section if the applicant is not using a pre/post test.)

If using a pre/post test to measure knowledge gains from training activities, it is clear how the 

pre/post test is connected to the learning objectives of the training.

The timeline for administering the pre/post test is clear.

If a pre/post test is required by the Performance Measure Instructions, the instrument described is a 

pre/post test.

The applicant can successfully match pre-test data with post-test data at the individual level. The 

same instrument must be used for the pre-test and the post-test.

Targets

Target values appear ambitious but realistic/It is clear how targets were set.

Outcome targets are smaller than output targets, with some exceptions (i.e., capacity-building 

National Performance Measures). Note: In some cases it may be appropriate for the outcome target 

to be equal to the output target.

The output and outcome targets are reasonably proportional. Note: What constitutes reasonably 

proportional may depend on what is being counted, how and when.

Unit of Measure

The unit of measure is not AmeriCorps members except in National Performance Measures that 

count national service participants.

The unit of measure is consistent for all outputs or outcomes in the PM unless otherwise specified in 

the Performance Measure Instructions.

The unit of measure is not hours.

The unit of measure is a number, not a percent.
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Sampling (PO Note: If the applicant does not propose sampling, skip this section.)

If sampling is proposed, the targets represent the total for the population being served, not just the 

sample. (Note: Formula grantees are not permitted to sample.)

If sampling is proposed, the sampling plan is forwarded to CNCS for consideration. (Note: Formula 

grantees are not permitted to sample.)

Misc.

The applicant has not opted into National Performance Measures but has the potential to do so. (In 

this case, clarify why the applicant has not opted into National Performance Measures and, if 

applicable, direct them to select appropriate National Performance Measures.)

The applicant has not created applicant-determined measures that are identical to National 

Performance Measures. (Note: This is a common problem that occurs when applicants have not 

selected the correct objective. Applicants must review the selection rules and choose the correct 

objectives or the corresponding performance measures will not be available for selection. Applicantdetermined 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 with the number of a national measure.)
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Appendix C: Frequently Asked Questions

Performance Measures

What are AmeriCorps’ performance measurement requirements?

AmeriCorps programs must have an aligned output and outcome that reflects the program‘s primary 

intervention and aligns with the program’s theory of change.

What are National Performance Measures? 

CNCS 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, CNCS has 

created National Performance Measures in order to aggregate the results of similar programs and 

demonstrate the impact across our agency programs and initiatives. 

What is the difference between Priority Measures and Complementary Program Measures? 

The National Performance Measures are split into two groups: Priority Measures and Complementary 

Program Measures. Priority Measures are performance measures that are included in CNCS’s strategic 

plan. Complementary Program Measures are additional measures that are important to AmeriCorps but 

not included in the strategic plan. 

What is an “applicant-determined” performance measure? 

An applicant-determined performance measure is one in which the applicant identifies the outputs 

and/or outcomes that will be measured, based on its intervention. This is different from the National 

Performance Measures, where CNCS pre-determines common outputs and, in some instances, 

outcomes with specific definitions and data collection methods that applicants must use.

If I select National Performance Measures this year, will I maintain the same measures next year?

Yes. Performance measures should be consistent over the life of a three-year grant so that progress can 

be measured over time. However, it is possible that some measures, definitions and guidance may 

change. 

Are National Performance Measures required? 

The use of National Performance Measures is strongly encouraged but is not required.

 

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 Performance Measures 

Instructions, the grantee should choose a different performance measure. 
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Some performance measures are available for selection in eGrants but do not appear in the 

performance measure instructions. May I select these measures? 

New and recompete applicants should select only the performance measures that are included in the 

performance measures instructions. Some performance measures have been eliminated but are still 

available in the system for use by continuation applicants who wish to retain these measures through 

the end of their three-year grant.

What is an aligned performance measure? 

An aligned performance measure is an output paired with an outcome. Most of our National 

Performance Measures include aligned measures, but in some cases you may need to create your own 

aligned applicant-determined outcome.

How many performance measures should I propose? 

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

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

other significant components of your program. Performance measures reflecting non-primary activities 

should not be included in your application and will not be reported to CNCS, although you might still 

collect the data for your own purposes. 

Are member development and volunteer generation performance measures required? 

Member development and volunteer generation are required components of all AmeriCorps programs, 

but performance measures for these activities should only be included in your application if this is the 

primary focus of your program or a significant component of your theory of change. Programs that focus 

on member development should review the member-focused Economic Opportunity Measures to see if 

they are applicable. Programs that focus on volunteer generation can select the Capacity Building 

volunteer generation Priority Measures. It is also important to note that all programs need to report on 

volunteers generated in their progress report. 

If I select National Performance Measures, are there specific outputs and outcomes I am required to 

use? 

Yes, in most cases there are specific requirements for outputs and outcomes as well as data definitions 

and collection expectations. Please read the National Performance Measures Instructions carefully. 

Can I count AmeriCorps Members as beneficiaries of service if my program selects National 

Performance Measures? 

Most of the National Performance Measures are NOT designed to capture the impact the program may 

have on the AmeriCorps members. There are specific Teacher Corps measures in the Education Focus 

Area, and certain Measures in the Economic Opportunity and Veterans and Military Families Focus Areas 

where AmeriCorps members are either the sole focus or may be included in the count of people served. 

Programs may count AmeriCorps members as beneficiaries of the services if the members receive the 

services as a member of the general public (or target population) rather than as part of their AmeriCorps 

service or training. 
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Do the AmeriCorps members in my program have to be directly providing the service counted in the 

National Performance Measures? 

The National Performance Measures selected by an AmeriCorps program should reflect the expected 

result of the AmeriCorps program activities. The AmeriCorps members do not have to interact directly 

with the beneficiaries of the service, but they must provide direct support that makes the program‘s 

results possible. One exception is when the AmeriCorps members are providing organizations with 

capacity building services. 

Can I count the same people in more than one National Performance Measure output? 

Read the Performance Measures Instructions carefully. Unless otherwise specified, the same individuals 

may be counted more than once across different Measures for different services (interventions) they 

may be receiving. For example, if you helped the same individual both prepare for a disaster and then 

respond to a disaster, you may count that individual in both DS1 and DS2. However, programs cannot 

count the same individual more than once within any one specific National Performance Measure. 

Can two or more National Performance Measure outputs have the same outcome? 

It depends on the program model. If the program model represents a continuum of care/services where 

participating leads from one level of service to another, then it makes sense to create an aligned 

measure of multiple outputs that lead to a single outcome. If there are two completely different 

interventions that lead to the same outcome, those should be reported with each output/outcome as 

their own aligned measure.

Can one National Performance Measure have more than one outcome? 

Yes. There may be more than one desired outcome for 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 outcome indicated. If the outcomes are resulting from different populations being served, 

there should be multiple outputs.

If I select a National Performance Measures that includes a specific definition for the beneficiary 

population, will I be required to prove that my program is serving that population? 

Your application narrative should include a depiction of the need your program will address, including 

the beneficiary population, and documentation that the need exists for this population. The National 

Performance Measures you select should align with your application narrative. For instance, if you select 

an Education performance measure that defines the target population as students eligible for free or 

reduced lunch, then your application narrative might provide data to show that your AmeriCorps 

members will be serving at a school for which the majority of the population is eligible for free or 

reduced lunch. In this example, you would not be expected to collect and maintain eligibility data for 

each individual student served. Through your application narrative and the implementation of your 

program, you are expected to provide reasonable assurance that you are serving the intended 

population. 

How do I indicate that I am selecting National Performance Measures? 
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Programs will select Focus Areas and National Performance Measures in the eGrants performance 

measure screens at the time of application. In addition, the Focus Areas, National Performance 

Measures, and proposed targets should be referenced in the application narrative and/or logic model as 

outlined in the NOFO and Application Instructions. 

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 cost reimbursement grants, these costs must be 

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

Why does CNCS require applicants to provide information on the proportion of Member Service Years 

(MSYs) devoted to each Focus Area? 

The Focus Areas listed in the Serve America Act create the expectation that CNCS will be able to report 

resources allocated by Focus area. Because many applicants direct their activities to more than one 

Focus Area, it is important for CNCS to collect expected MSYs devoted to each Focus Area. 

Is my program expected to monitor member time to ensure that it corresponds to what is entered into 

the MSY charts for the Focus Areas and strategic plan objectives? 

Grant applicants will enter MSYs into the MSY charts 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.

Where do I find a copy of the webinar that helps applicants walk through the performance measures 

module?

This tutorial, http://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/performance-measurement/egrantsperformance-measures-module-americorps, guides users through the new eGrants performance 

measures screens. It demonstrates how to complete the pages in the new performance measure section 

of the application. The tutorial also includes some program specific content information as well as shows 

users how to create an aligned performance measure for their chosen primary focus area and 

intervention. 

On the logic model chart there are three outcome levels (short, medium and long) being requested. 

Should all of these outcomes be entered as performance measures? 

The logic model is a well-specified conceptual framework that identifies key components of the 

proposed intervention (i.e., the active “ingredients” that are hypothesized to be critical to achieving the 

relevant outcomes) and describes the relationships among the key components and outcomes, 

theoretically and operationally. A program may have a theory of change that is based on accomplishing 

a long-term change in conditions that is not measurable in the program year. However, there may be 

shorter-term changes that can be linked to this ultimate goal that are strong indicators that the longterm change is likely to happen. All of these outcomes may be included in the logic model, and grantees 

are not required to measure or report on all outcomes that appear in the logic model. For performance 

measurement purposes, outcomes must measure changes that can be measured within the program 
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year. Not all programs will include all three types of outcomes – just those that are relevant to a solid 

understanding of their theory of change and the indicators of change that they will measure in the 

performance measures. 

Do all members have to work on the exact same activities or can the activities differ slightly, if they are 

all working toward the same performance measure targets? 

As long as the activities in which the AmeriCorps members engage are consistent with your program’s 

theory of change and align with the performance measure instructions for the National Performance 

Measures you wish to use, the activities do not have to be exactly the same for all members.

Is there a guide that we can print out that defines interventions listed under each performance 

measurement objective? 

We do not have a list of interventions or a guide that describes them, as they are fairly generic under 

each objective, such as “training,” “tutoring,” etc. If the applicant does not see an intervention that 

describes their activity, they can always select “other.” 

What is the definition of "National Service Participant"? 

National Service Participant refers to the AmeriCorps members themselves. 

Is there a preference for having applicants use national performance measures to the greatest extent 

possible? 

Your performance measures should be consistent with your program’s theory of change. If the national 

performance measures align with your program design and your theory of change, you should use them. 

CNCS does not require programs to allocate 100% of program activity, or any specific percentage of 

program activity, to national performance measures.

or rates of success for any performance measures, including applicant-determined measures.

How many performance measures should we have in our application?

You are encouraged to use measures that reflect the most significant member activities. It is common 

for programs to track data that they do not necessarily report to CNCS. The quality of performance 

measures and how well they are aligned with the program’s theory of change are more important than 

the quantity of performance measures. There are some programs that have many measures, but it is not 

common.

Can we include the interventions of volunteers we recruit and manage in our performance 

measures? For example, if the AmeriCorps members recruit and manage the volunteers who deliver 

tutoring services, may we report the outputs and outcomes of that service?

Yes. The National Performance Measures selected by an AmeriCorps program should reflect the 

expected result of the AmeriCorps program activities. The AmeriCorps members do not have to interact 
200

directly with the beneficiaries of the service, but they must provide direct support that makes the 

program‘s results possible. 

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 Instructions to determine which objective to 

select for each performance measure. 

Sampling

Under what circumstances is it ok for grantees to use sampling?

Methodologically speaking, sampling is appropriate 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.

When would CNCS not allow sampling? 

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

population. CNCS 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.

How does a grantee set targets and outputs 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.

If an existing program has not been sampling, can it switch to sampling now? 

We 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. If a program is currently collecting data from the whole 

population, they would need to make a compelling case for why they can no longer do so.

Should sample data collection tables be included in the application? Where should they be placed?

eGrants will not allow you to submit tables. In the eGrants Performance Measures section you will 

describe your data collection strategy. Follow the instructions for entering the performance measures 

and enter this information in the Description of the Intervention field.