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NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Federal Agency Name: AmeriCorps 

Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2022 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program Quarter 4 Renewal 

and Continuation

Announcement Type: Final Announcement

Assistance Listing Number: 94.002

Disclosure: This Notice is for current grantees going into an administrative renewal application (Year 1) 

or continuations applications (Years 2 or 3). Publication of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (Notice) 

does not obligate AmeriCorps to award any specific number of grants or to commit any amount of 

funding. The actual level and timing of grant funding will be subject to the availability of appropriations.

Important Dates – For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications

• Applications are due Thursday, March 10, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 

• Successful applicants will be issued awards in June 2022.

Please see updated sections highlighted in yellow.

Table of Contents

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................... 3

A.1. Purpose of AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Funding...................................................................................3

A.2. Funding Priorities..................................................................................................................................3

A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes...........................................................................................4

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION - ......................................................................... 4

B.1. Estimated Available Funds....................................................................................................................5

B.2. Estimated Award Amount.....................................................................................................................5

B.3. Period of Performance...........................................................................................................................5

B.4. Type of Award ......................................................................................................................................5

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION - .................................................................................. 5

C.1. Eligible Applicants................................................................................................................................5

C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching......................................................................................................................6

C.3. Other Eligibility Requirements .............................................................................................................6

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION ................................................. 6

D.1. Address to Request an Application Package.........................................................................................7

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission......................................................................................7

D.2.a. Application Content...................................................................................................................................7

D.2.b. Page Limits................................................................................................................................................7

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) .................................................8

D.4. Submission Dates and Times................................................................................................................8

D.4.a. Application Submission Deadline..............................................................................................................8

D.4.b. Additional Documents Deadline................................................................................................................9

D.4.c. Late Applications.......................................................................................................................................9
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D.5. Intergovernmental Review....................................................................................................................9

D.6.a. Award Funding Requirements...................................................................................................................9

D.6.b. Indirect Costs ..........................................................................................................................................10

D.6.c. Pre-Award Costs .....................................................................................................................................10

D.6.d. Budget Guidance.....................................................................................................................................10

D.7. Other Submission Requirements.........................................................................................................10

D.7.a. Electronic Application Submission in eGrants........................................................................................10

D.7.b. Submission of Additional Documents......................................................................................................11

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................ 12

E.1. Review Criteria....................................................................................................................................12

E.1.a. Executive Summary..................................................................................................................................12

E.1.b. Program Design.......................................................................................................................................12

E.1.c. Notice Priority:........................................................................................................................................13

E.1.d. Work Plan................................................................................................................................................13

E.1.f. Recruitment and Development of Volunteers ...........................................................................................14

E.1.g. Program Management .............................................................................................................................14

E.1.h. Organizational Capability .......................................................................................................................15

E.1.i. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy:................................................................................................15

E.1.j. Other-Evaluation Plan .............................................................................................................................15

E.2. Review and Selection Process.............................................................................................................15

E.2.a. Initial Application Compliance and Eligibility Review ...........................................................................16

E.2.c. Applicant Clarification ............................................................................................................................16

E.2.d. Pre-Award Risk Assessment.....................................................................................................................17

E.2.e. Consideration of Integrity and Performance System Information ...........................................................18

E.2.f. Selection for Funding ...............................................................................................................................18

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION....................................... 19

F.1. Federal Award Notices........................................................................................................................19

F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements..............................................................................19

F.2.a. Uniform Guidance ...................................................................................................................................19

F.2.b. Requests for Monitoring or Payment Integrity Information ....................................................................19

F.2.c. AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions..........................................................................................................19

F.2.d. National Service Criminal History Check Requirements.........................................................................19

F.2e. Official Guidance......................................................................................................................................20

F.3. Use of Material ....................................................................................................................................20

F.4. Reporting .............................................................................................................................................20

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS ........................................................ 21

H. OTHER INFORMATION............................................................................................. 21

I. IMPORTANT NOTICES ............................................................................................... 21
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FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE

Program Description

A.1. Purpose of AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Funding

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications – see sections A1. – A4.

AmeriCorps Seniors, one of the oldest programs in national service, empowers seniors to serve in their 

communities through dedicated grantmaking within the federal agency of AmeriCorps. For more than 

five decades, volunteers aged 55 and older have been serving their communities through AmeriCorps 

Seniors’ three signature programs – Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP, and Senior Companion Program

– that allow volunteers to take their commitment, to both country and community, and apply it to our 

nation’s most pressing challenges. In 2021, AmeriCorps Seniors awarded more than $230 million in 

grants to 1,100 grantee organizations that engaged more than 170,000 volunteers in national service in 

all 50 states and many US territories.

RSVP, established in 1971, is one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, engaging 

people aged 55 and older to address a wide range of community needs. RSVP volunteers recruit and 

manage other volunteers, mentor and tutor children, support workforce development and training in 

job readiness skills, provide disaster preparedness and mitigation assistance, serve veterans and military 

families, and address a host of other critical community needs. 

RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging 

from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. There are no income restrictions. The agency 

awards grants for the RSVP program on a competitive basis.

A.2. Funding Priorities

Incumbent projects that currently receive an AmeriCorps Seniors’ RSVP grant are invited to submit 

applications for the AmeriCorps Seniors’ RSVP grant sponsored by their organization. Incumbents are 

invited to apply for grant renewal or continuation based on the determination that your project is 

continuing to meet the eligibility criteria as detailed in this document.

AmeriCorps Seniors funding priorities for this grant cycle are:

• AmeriCorps Seniors is committed, in this grant cycle, to serving more communities that have 

faced historical inequities and the organizations that have support those communities, such as, 

programs and organizations that are led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and 

that actively address the impacts of structural and institutional inequities, advance racial equity, 

and increase opportunities in order to achieve sustainable change in communities. Grant 

applicants are also encouraged to include work plans that advance justice and equity in areas 

such as Healthy Futures.

• AmeriCorps Seniors encourages applicants to focus on efforts to help local communities respond 

to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may propose programming in focus 

areas such as healthy futures to aid communities as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, 

programming in education to help get children back on track with learning loss that may have 
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resulted from technical challenges due to remote learning, or programming to support veterans 

and military families.

To receive priority consideration, applicants must show that the priority area is a significant part of the 

program focus and intended outcomes and must include a high-quality program design. Proposing 

programs that receive priority consideration does not guarantee funding. 

A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes

National Performance Measures 

AmeriCorps expects applicants to use National Performance Measures as part of a comprehensive 

performance measurement strategy that relies on both performance and evaluation data to learn from 

their work and make tactical and strategic adjustments to achieve their goals. 

Applicants are required to use the specific performance measures outlined in this Notice. For more 

information, please refer to the National Performance Measures Instructions at Appendix B: 

performance measures RSVP (americorps.gov) (americorps.gov)

Applicants must identify a Primary Focus Area. Work plans must include at least one service activity in 

the selected Primary Focus Area. The Primary Focus Area should represent the area in which the 

incumbent aims to make the most impact.

All proposed volunteers and the intended impact of their service must be represented in the narratives, 

in a Performance Measure and the budget. 

This funding opportunity requires applicants to demonstrate cost-effective practices in achieving 

performance goals through the services described in the proposed work plans. Applications must 

include work plans that meet the following minimum requirements:

• For every $1,000 in annual base federal funding, at least one unduplicated volunteer worth of 

service must be incorporated in work plans.

• Work plans, when combined, must – at minimum – include the total number of unduplicated 

volunteers*listed in Appendix A for the geographic service area affected.

*Unduplicated RSVP Volunteers: Each volunteer can only be counted once even if they are assigned to 

more than one service activity. The volunteer should be counted in the area where he/she will make the 

most impact – in terms of the focus area, the type of service, or the scope of service (such as the 

number of hours served).

A.4. Program Authority 

Awards under this Notice are authorized by the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as 

amended, (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended (42 

U.S.C. 5001.).

B. Federal Award Information -

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications –see Sections B.1. – B.4.
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B.1. Estimated Available Funds

AmeriCorps Seniors anticipates approximately $18,000,000 for FY 2022 RSVP awards. The actual level of 

funding is subject to the availability of appropriations. 

B.2. Estimated Award Amount

Award amounts will vary, as determined by the scope of the projects. AmeriCorps Seniors expects to 

make awards in the range of $0.00 to $435,000.00.

B.3. Period of Performance

Successful applicants will be issued awards by June 2022.

AmeriCorps Seniors anticipates making three-year grant awards. AmeriCorps Seniors generally makes an 

initial award for the first year of the period of performance, based on a one-year budget. 

Continuation funding for years 2 and 3 is not guaranteed and may be dependent upon:

• Satisfactory performance that signals the grantee is on track to achieve its proposed 

performance measures at the end of the grant;

• Demonstrated capacity to manage the grant;

• Compliance with grant requirements, including terms and conditions, criminal history checks, 

reporting and securing the required non-federal share; and/or;

• Availability of Congressional appropriations.

AmeriCorps Seniors reserves the right to adjust the amount of an award or elect not to continue 

funding.

B.4. Type of Award 

Award recipients will be assigned to an AmeriCorps Portfolio Manager, who will be responsible for 

reviewing recipient performance, providing training and technical assistance, and serving as the primary 

point of contact for the AmeriCorps Seniors grant. 

The FY 2022 RSVP Program grants will be awarded on a cost reimbursement basis.

C. Eligibility Information -

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications – see Sections C.1. – C.3.

C.1. Eligible Applicants

Through this Notice, only AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grantees who currently receive federal funds for an 

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant may apply for funding. 

The following non-federal entities (all of which are defined in 2 CFR 200.69) are eligible to apply: 

• American Indian tribes 

• Institutions of higher education 

• Local governments 

• Nonprofit organizations 

• States governments
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In addition to Indian tribes as defined in 2 CFR 200.1, tribal organizations that are controlled, sanctioned, 

or chartered by federally recognized Indian tribes are also eligible to apply. If an entity applies for an 

award as a tribal organization that is controlled or chartered by one or more Indian tribes, the 

organization must provide copies of, or links to, documentation which demonstrates that the 

organization is controlled or chartered by a federally recognized Indian tribe. If an entity applies as an 

organization sanctioned by a federally recognized tribe, or multiple specific federally recognized tribes, it 

must submit a sanctioning resolution, adopted by the Tribal Council (or comparable tribal governing 

body) of each American Indian tribe. The resolution(s) must identify the entity applying for an

AmeriCorps Seniors award by name as a tribal organization that is sanctioned by the American Indian 

tribe(s) for the purpose of applying for AmeriCorps Seniors funding (or federal grant funds generally). 

Entities must have a valid SAM registration and SAM-generated Unique Entity Identifier to receive an 

award. See Section D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) for more 

information.

C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Applicants are required to match funds of their requested program budget. The required match in Year 

1 of the grant is at least 10 percent of the total project budget. The required match for Year 2 is 20 

percent, and 30 percent in Year 3 and subsequent years if the grant is renewed beyond three years. The 

applicant’s match can be non-AmeriCorps Seniors cash and/or in-kind contributions. Applicants must 

indicate whether the match is proposed or secured. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to meet 

the ten percent match requirement at the time of application submission. See Section D.6. Funding 

Restrictions for more information.

C.3. Other Eligibility Requirements

Applications that propose to engage in activities that are prohibited under AmeriCorps’ statutes, 

regulations, or the terms and conditions of its awards are not eligible to receive AmeriCorps funding.

Note that under appropriations provisions annually enacted by Congress, if AmeriCorps is aware that 

any corporation has any unpaid federal tax liability

• that has been assessed

• for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed 

• that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority 

responsible for collecting the tax liability

that corporation is not eligible for an award under this Notice. However, this exclusion will not apply to a 

corporation which a federal agency has considered for suspension or debarment and has made a 

determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the federal 

government.

Pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization described in the Internal Revenue Code 

of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 501 (c)(4) that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to apply for AmeriCorps

Seniors funding.

D. Application and Submission Information –

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications – see Sections D1. – D.7.
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This Notice should be read together with the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP regulations, 45 CFR 

§§ Part – 2552, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Grant Application Instructions, Appendix A: List of Funding 

Opportunities, and the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Performance Measures. These documents are available 

online at https://americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/rsvp. 

D.1. Address to Request an Application Package

All information associated with this funding opportunity is available through the AmeriCorps Seniors

Funding Opportunities webpages. Applicants should refer to AmeriCorps Seniors Funding Opportunities

for more information and instructions on how to fully respond to this Notice. Applicants can also send 

an email to the assigned Regional Office for a printed copy of the Notice and Guidance. AmeriCorps also 

offers live text chat at https://americorps.gov/contact

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.2.a. Application Content 

Complete applications must include the following elements: 

• Standard Form 424 (SF-424) Face Sheet: This is automatically generated when applicants 

complete the data elements in the eGrants system. 

• Narrative Sections: 

o Executive Summary: This is a brief description of the proposed program. Executive 

Summaries must match the language templates as provided in application instructions.

Executive Summaries of all compliant applications are made available to the public 

following grant awards.

o Program Design

o Organizational Capability

o Other -Evaluation Plan

o Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy

• Standard Form 424A Budget

• Performance Measures

• Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications 

(https://egrants.cns.gov/cnsmisc/ECERTS.HTM, and 

https://egrants.cns.gov/cnsmisc/EASSUR.HTM)

D.2.b. Page Limits

Applications may not exceed 15 double-spaced pages as the pages print out from eGrants. The 

application sections that count towards the page limit are the:

• SF-424 Face Sheet 

• Executive Summary 

• Program Design, Organizational Capability, Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy, and Other

Evaluation Plan.

The application page limit does not include the Budget, Performance Measures, or any required 

additional documents. 
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Please note that the length of the application as a word processing document may differ from the length 

of the document printed out from eGrants. The character limits in eGrants do not align with page limits 

set in the Notice. AmeriCorps Seniors strongly encourages applicants to print out the application from 

the “Review and Submit” tab in eGrants prior to submission in order to confirm that the application 

does not exceed the page limit.

AmeriCorps Seniors will not consider the results of any alternative printing methods when determining if 

an application complies with the page limit. Reviewers will also not consider material that is over the 

page limit, even if eGrants allows applicants to enter and submit additional text.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) 

All applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) at

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is 

complete. If an applicant is awarded a grant, it must maintain an active SAM registration throughout the 

life of the award. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees.

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SAM registration must be renewed annually. AmeriCorps Seniors suggests that applicants finalize a new 

registration or renew an existing one at least three weeks before the application deadline, to allow time 

to resolve any issues that may arise. Applicants must use their SAM-registered legal name and physical 

address on all grant applications to AmeriCorps Seniors.

AmeriCorps Seniors will not make awards to entities that do not have a valid SAM registration, a SAMgenerated Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a valid DUNS number. If an applicant has not fully complied 

with these requirements by the time AmeriCorps Seniors is ready to make a Federal award, AmeriCorps

Seniors may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that 

determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Applications must include an Employer Identification Number.

Applications must include a DUNS number. Applicants can obtain a DUNS number at no cost by calling 

the DUNS number request line at (866) 705-5711 or by applying online at the DUNS Request Service2. 

AmeriCorps Seniors recommends registering at least 30 days before the application due date. 

D.4. Submission Dates and Times

D.4.a. Application Submission Deadline

Applications are due Thursday, March 10, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 

AmeriCorps Seniors will not consider applications received after the deadline, except as noted in Section 

D.4.c. Late Applications. AmeriCorps Seniors reserves the right to extend the submission deadline. 

AmeriCorps Seniors will post a notification in the event of an extended deadline on AmeriCorps Seniors’

website. 

1

SAM Quick Reference Guide for Grantees: 

https://sam.gov/SAM/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_Grants_Registrations.pdf

2 DUNS Request Service: https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
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AmeriCorps recommends that applicants create an eGrants account and begin the application at least 

three weeks before the deadline. Applicants should draft the application as a Word document, then 

copy and paste the text into the appropriate eGrants field no later than 10 days before the deadline.

D.4.b. Additional Documents Deadline

Additional documents are due by the application submission deadline. See Sections D.4.a. Application 

Submission Deadline and D.7.b. Submission of Additional Documents for more information.

D.4.c. Late Applications

All applications received after the submission deadline published in this Notice of Thursday, March 10, 

2022 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time are presumed to be non-compliant. To overcome this presumption, the 

applicant must:

• submit a written explanation or justification of the extenuating circumstance(s) that caused the 

delay, including: 

o the timing and specific cause(s) of the delay

o the ticket number if a request for assistance was submitted to the AmeriCorps Hotline

o any information provided to the applicant by the AmeriCorps Hotline

o any other documentation or evidence that supports the justification

ensure that AmeriCorps Seniors receives the written explanation or justification and any other evidence 

that substantiates the claimed extenuating circumstance(s), via email to AmeriCorpsSeniors@cns.gov no 

later than 24 hours after the application deadline of Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time,

as stated in the Notice.

Communication with AmeriCorps Seniors staff, including an applicant’s portfolio manager, is not a 

substitute for a written explanation or justification of the extenuating circumstance that caused the 

delay as outlined above. Applicants are required to continue working in eGrants, AmeriCorps web-based 

application system and with the National Service Hotline to submit the application. 

Please note: AmeriCorps Seniors will not consider an advance request to submit a late application.

Please carefully review and follow the guidance in this section and submit your application as soon as 

possible.

D.5. Intergovernmental Review

This Notice is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” 

D.6. Funding Restrictions 

D.6.a. Award Funding Requirements

Awards under this Notice are subject to cost share or matching requirements. The amount of 

AmeriCorps Seniors funding provided will be limited to at least 10 percent of the total allowable costs 

for the funded activity, as determined under 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles. 

There are also limitations on the use of federal funds to recover indirect costs. As provided in 2 CFR 

200.306(c), unrecovered indirect costs may be included as part of an applicant’s cost sharing or 

matching requirements. 
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D.6.b. Indirect Costs

Application budgets may include indirect costs. Based on qualifying factors, applicants may either use a 

federally-approved indirect cost rate, a 10 percent de minimis rate of modified total direct costs, or may 

claim certain costs directly, as outlined in 2 CFR 200.413. States, local governments, and Indian tribes 

may use previously approved indirect cost allocation plans. All methods must be applied consistently 

across all federal awards. Applicants that have a federal negotiated indirect cost rate or that will be 

using the 10 percent de minimis rate must enter that information in the Organization section in eGrants. 

The instructions for how to enter the organization’s indirect cost rate are located here: eGrants Indirect 

Cost Rate User Instructions. Applicants should not submit documentation addressing the indirect cost 

rate agreement via email.

Please note: To request a Federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, when AmeriCorps is the 

applicable cognizant agency for an organization’s indirect costs, the applicant must submit a request to 

IndirectCostRate@cns.gov. The applicant may also obtain instructions and additional information by 

contacting the email address above.

D.6.c. Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs, where authorized, are allowed after receiving written approval from the Office of 

Grants Administration.

D.6.d. Budget Guidance 

All applicants must include a line item in the budget for training of the Project Director, which may 

include any training events approved by AmeriCorps Seniors. Applicants may budget for an additional 

staff member to attend the training events if funds permit. The recommended amount, for budgeting 

purposes is $1,000 per year. Long distance travel funds may be re-budgeted later if not fully spent 

depending on actual training activities.

D.7. Other Submission Requirements

D.7.a. Electronic Application Submission in eGrants

Applicants must submit applications electronically via eGrants, AmeriCorps’ web-based application 

system. AmeriCorps Seniors recommends that applicants create an eGrants account and begin the 

application at least three weeks before the deadline. Applicants should draft the application as a Word 

document, then copy and paste the text into the appropriate eGrants field no later than 10 days before 

the deadline.

The applicant’s authorized representative must be the person who submits the application. The 

authorized representative must use their own eGrants account to sign and submit the application. A 

copy of the governing body’s authorization for this official representative to sign must be on file in the 

applicant’s office.

Applicants should contact the AmeriCorps Hotline at (800) 942-2677 or via eGrants Questions if they 

have a problem when they create an account, prepare, or submit the application. AmeriCorps Hotline 

hours are posted at https://questions.americorps.gov/app/ask.
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Be prepared to provide the application ID, organization’s name, and the competition to which the 

organization is applying. If the issue cannot be resolved by the deadline, applicants must continue 

working with the AmeriCorps Hotline to submit via eGrants.

If circumstances make it impossible for an applicant to submit in eGrants, applicants may send a paper 

copy of the application via overnight carrier to the address below. Applicants must include a written 

explanation and any other documentation or evidence that support their inability to submit their 

application electronically. 

AmeriCorps

ATTN: Office of Grant Administration (OGA)/ FY 2022 AmeriCorps Seniors’ Senior RSVP Q4 

Application 

250 E Street, SW, Suite 300

Washington, DC 20525

Please use a non-U.S. Postal Service carrier to avoid security-related delays. All deadlines and 

requirements in this Notice also apply to paper applications. AmeriCorps Seniors does not accept 

applications submitted via fax or email.

D.7.b. Submission of Additional Documents 

Applicants are required to submit the following additional documents by the application submission 

deadline:

• All applicants who are submitting a Year 1 application are required to submit an Operational and 

Financial Management Survey (OFMS)3. Please submit the OFMS as a Word document. Forms 

submitted as a PDF or any other document format may not be accepted.

• Diversity Questionarie – this is required for all renewals and continuations and must be 

submitted via this Survey Monkey

Failure to submit the required additional documents by the deadline will have a negative effect on the 

assessment of your application.

Additional documents must be emailed to AmeriCorpsSeniors@cns.gov with the following subject line: 

“Legal Applicant Name” – “Application ID Number.” Emails should include:

• The legal applicant’s name and its point of contact information

• The application ID number

• A list of documents that are attached to the email

• Individually attached files that are clearly labeled, and that include the legal applicant’s name 

and application ID number within the heading of each document. To ensure that all required 

additional documents are received, please provide each document as an individual file. Please 

do not send all documents as one scanned file.

• If the size of an applicant’s files requires multiple emails, please also include an ordering system 

in the subject line, such as “(1 of 3).”

Do not submit any items that are not requested in this Notice and Application Instructions, AmeriCorps 

Seniors will not review or return them.

3 OFMS: https://americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/OFMS-Control-Number-3045_0102_FY21.docx
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E. Application Review Information –

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Renewal Year 1 applications - see Sections E.1 – E.2. 

Continuation applications are not required to update any part of E.1.a-j. unless required by Portfolio 

Manager to ensure application reflects the actual service of AmeriCorps Seniors’ RSVP volunteers. All 

continuation applications must comply with all elements under Section E.2.

E.1. Review Criteria 

Applications should include a well-designed plan with clear and compelling justifications for receiving 

the requested funds. Reviewers will assess the quality of applications by using the selection criteria 

described below and will rate them accordingly. 

Categories/Subcategories

Executive Summary

Program Design

• Strengthening Communities

• Description of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

• Notice Priority

• Work Plan

• Recruitment and Development of Volunteers

Organizational Capability 

• Program Management

• Organizational Capability

Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy 

Other- Evaluation Plan

E.1.a. Executive Summary

Please fill in the blanks of these sentences to complete the Executive Summary. Do not deviate from the 

template below.

“The [Name of the organization] proposes to have [Number of] AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who will 

[service activities the members will be doing] in [the locations the AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will 

serve]. The primary focus area of this project is [fill in AmeriCorps Focus Area]. At the end of the threeyear grant, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will be responsible for [fill in the anticipated outcome (s)]. 

The AmeriCorps federal investment of $ [fill in the annual federal grant amount or the requested 

amount] will be supplemented by $ [fill in the anticipated level of non-federal resources].” 

E.1.b. Program Design

Reviewers will consider the quality of the application’s response to the criteria below. Do not assume all 

sub-criteria are of equal value.

The Strengthening Communities narrative shall address: 

• The proposed interventions are responsive to the identified community problem(s). 
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• The applicant’s proposed interventions are clearly articulated including the design, dosage, 

target population, and roles of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers. The applicant’s intervention is 

likely to lead to the outcomes identified in the applicant’s work plans. 

• The expected outcomes articulated in the Strengthening Communities narrative and 

Performance Measures represent meaningful progress in addressing the community problems

identified by the applicant. 

• The rationale for utilizing AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to deliver the intervention(s), 

addressing the community need is reasonable.

• How the service of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will produce significant contributions to 

existing efforts to address the stated problem. 

• For incumbent organizations, if the anticipated outcomes (Performance Measures) were not 

met in the previous three-year grant cycle and those same outcomes are included in this 

application, include what actions will be taken to meet those outcomes under this new award. 

The section on Description of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) shall address (to be 

included in the Strengthening Communities Narrative):

• Provide the applicant’s (organizations or institution’s) definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion, 

and accessibility, AND share activities the organization is engaged in related to diversity, equity,

inclusion, and accessibility.

• Describe how you will ensure your project engages a diverse and inclusive group of volunteers.

• Describe how you will ensure your project serves members of your community through an 

equity lens.

• Include demographic, income, and additional relevant information about the communities you’ll 

be serving.

• Complete the Diversity Questionnaire, a requirement for all renewals and continuations. 

E.1.c. Notice Priority:

• The applicant proposed program fits within one or more of the AmeriCorps Seniors funding 

priorities as outlined in the Funding Priorities section and Focus Area.

E.1.d. Work Plan

(Series of Performance Measures) are to include:

• Description of the community problem being addressed by the individual performance measure. 

• Description of the service activities that address the community problem. 

• Description of the intended outcome of the service activity. 

• Each Performance Measure logically connects the four major elements to each other and are 

aligned with National Performance Measures.

1. The community need(s) identified

2. The service activities that will be carried out by AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers

3. The instrument description and data collection plans

4. Work plans include target numbers that lead to outcomes or outputs, and are 

appropriate for the total number of volunteers assigned to the Performance Measure 

• The service activities that are defined in each Performance Measure must include the 

intervention the AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will implement or deliver, including: 

o The duration of the intervention (e.g., the total number of weeks, sessions or months of the 

intervention) 

o The dosage of the intervention (e.g., the number of hours per session or sessions per week) 
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o The target population for the intervention (e.g., disconnected seniors/youth, third graders 

at a certain reading proficiency level) 

o The measurable outputs that result from delivering the intervention (i.e. number of 

beneficiaries served, types and number of activities conducted). If applicable, identify which 

National Performance Measures will be used as output indicators

o Outcomes that demonstrate changes in knowledge/skill, attitude, behavior, or condition 

that occur because of the intervention. If applicable, identify which National Performance 

Measures will be used as outcome indicators.

E.1.f. Recruitment and Development of Volunteers 

Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a plan and the 

organization’s infrastructure to provide for effective volunteer recruitment and management through 

the following criteria:

• Describe how the proposed recruitment strategy is a strategic response to the demographics in 

the community served.

• Demonstrate a plan and infrastructure to ensure volunteers received training needed to succeed 

in the service activities described in the Performance Measures.

• Describe the demographics of the community served and plans to recruit AmeriCorps Seniors 

volunteers from geographic or demographic communities in which the program operates. This 

could include but not limited to the following:

a. Volunteers from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color) communities

b. Volunteers from LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) 

communities 

c. Individuals with varying degrees of English language proficiency

d. Individuals with disabilities

e. Veterans and military family members as volunteers

• Demonstrate a plan and adequate infrastructure to retain and recognize volunteers. This 

includes:

a. An explanation of how the applicant will foster an inclusive service culture where 

different backgrounds, talents, and capabilities are welcome retain and recognize 

volunteers.

b. A description of how engaged volunteers will remain active over the course of grant 

funding. 

• Demonstrated a plan for developing and growing a culture of inclusion at volunteer stations to 

ensure volunteer station supervisors who are involved in the recruitment of volunteers are 

invested in address community disparities and the root causes of biases in recruitment efforts. 

Organizational Capability:

E.1.g. Program Management 

Reviewers will consider the extent to which the applicant demonstrates:

• Narratives describe the plans and infrastructure to ensure management of volunteer stations 

are in compliance with the program regulations

• Demonstrated plan to address culture of volunteer stations to be safe inclusive spaces for 

diverse volunteers.
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• Narratives demonstrate plans and infrastructure to develop and/or oversee volunteer stations 

to ensure that volunteers are performing their assigned service activities, including 

a. Sufficient guidance and support of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for provide effective 

service.

b. Adequate training and preparation of station supervisors to follow AmeriCorps Seniors 

program regulations, priorities, and expectations.

E.1.h. Organizational Capability 

• Describe the organizations commitment to equity when addressing critical communities needs 

reflected in the organizations mission and vision, as well as the applications Performance 

Measures.

• Describe the plans and infrastructure to provide sound programmatic and fiscal oversight (both 

financial and in-kind) and day-to-day operational support to ensure the following:

a. Compliance with program requirements (statutes, regulations, and applicable OMB 

circulars); Accountability, and Efficient and effective use of available resources. 

b. Plans to engage non-federal funding sources for sustainability of programming.

• Narratives clearly define paid staff positions, including identification of current staff assigned to 

the project (name, title, and brief position description) and how these positions will ensure the 

accomplishment of program objectives. 

• Describe your agencies experience with, and/or plans for diversity, equity, and inclusion within 

your organization. This can include the inclusion of diversity on the Board of Directors, agency 

staff and leadership, and/or volunteers.

• Narratives demonstrate organizational capacity to develop and implement internal policies and 

operating procedures to provide governance and manage risk, such as accounting, personnel 

management, and purchasing. 

E.1.i. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy:

Reviewers will consider the extent to which the proposal logically connects:

• Have a reasonable cost per volunteer in proposed work plan that leads to National Performance 

Measure requirements (See Appendix B and section A.3 of the Notice).

• Have plans and infrastructure to secure the non-federal support for program sustainabilityincluding dedicated staff, grant proposal processes and other plans.

E.1.j. Other-Evaluation Plan 

Evaluation is a tool for improving a program and increasing its ability to serve people more efficiently 

and effectively. To ensure the applicant has a quality evaluation plan, describe the following:

• A description of the applicant’s data collection system and how it is sufficient to collect high 

quality performance measurement data. If the applicant does not yet have a data collection 

system, describe the plan and timeline for developing a high-quality system during the propose

planning period.

• A description of how the applicant will use performance data.

For more information, about evaluation plans and data collection methods, please visit the AmeriCorps 

Evaluation Resources: https://americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/evaluation-resources

E.2. Review and Selection Process

AmeriCorps Seniors will engage Staff Reviewers with relevant knowledge and expertise to assess and 

provide input on the eligible applications. The review and selection process are intended to produce a 
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diversified set of high-quality programs that represent the priorities and strategic considerations 

described in this Notice. The determinations made by AmeriCorps Seniors reviewers may be different 

from what the applicant self-determined upon submission of its application. The stages of the review 

and selection process follow:

E.2.a. Initial Application Compliance and Eligibility Review

AmeriCorps Seniors will conduct an initial Compliance and Eligibility Review to determine if an 

application meets the eligibility requirements published in this Notice and advances to the next stage of 

the review process. 

An application is compliant if the applicant: 

• Is an eligible organization

• Applied by the submission deadline

• Submitted an application that complies with the following program-specific requirements: 

o required additional documents 

o an application for the entire geographic service area as described in Appendix A; as only 

the areas listed in Appendix A are eligible for funding.

Reviewing for eligibility is intended to ensure that only those applications that are eligible for award are 

further reviewed. However, determinations of eligibility can take place at any point during the 

application review and selection process. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive 

an award.

E.2.b. Application Review 

Internal Review

AmeriCorps Seniors Staff Reviewers will assess the applications based on the Program Design, 

Organizational Capability, Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, and Other Evaluation Plan Selection 

Criteria. Staff Reviewers will also consider the priorities and strategic considerations detailed in this 

Notice. AmeriCorps Seniors will recruit and select Staff Reviewers based on demonstrated expertise in 

AmeriCorps Seniors programming and/or the Focus Areas, as well as experience assessing applications. 

All Staff Reviewers will be screened for conflicts of interest. 

Post-Review Quality Control

After the initial review process is complete, AmeriCorps Seniors staff will review the initial results for 

fairness and consistency. Some applications may be selected for a Post-Review Quality Control 

assessment. This additional level of review will be used to ensure fairness and provide assurances that 

an application was not disadvantaged in the original review.

E.2.c. Applicant Clarification

AmeriCorps Seniors may ask an applicant for clarifying information. AmeriCorps Seniors staff will use 

this information to make funding recommendations. A request for clarification does not guarantee an

award. Applicants may be recommended for funding even if they are not asked for clarifying 

information. An applicant’s failure to respond to a request for clarification adequately and in a timely 

manner may result in the removal of its application from consideration. 
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E.2.d. Pre-Award Risk Assessment

AmeriCorps Seniors staff will evaluate the risks to the program posed by each applicant to assess an 

applicant’s ability to manage federal funds. This evaluation is in addition to assessments of the 

applicant’s eligibility and the quality of its application based on the Selection Criteria. Results from this 

evaluation will inform funding decisions. If AmeriCorps Seniors determines that an award will be made 

to an applicant with assessed risks, special conditions that correspond to the degree of assessed risk 

may be applied to the award. Additionally, if AmeriCorps Seniors concludes that the reasons for 

applicants having poor risk assessment are not likely to be mitigated, those applications may not be 

selected for funding. 

In evaluating risks, AmeriCorps Seniors may consider the following criteria: 

Due Diligence:

• Federal debt delinquency

• Suspension and debarment

• Information available through OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility 

qualification or financial integrity information, such as:

o Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

o U.S. Treasury Bureau of Fiscal Services

o System for Award Management (SAM)

o “Do Not Pay” 

• Reports and findings from single audits performed under Uniform Administrative Guidance and 

findings of any other available audits or investigations

• IRS Tax Form 990

• Oversight.gov

• Public Litigation Records

Operational and Financial Management:

• Financial stability

• Operational and Financial Management Survey

Past Performance: 

Applicant’s record in managing previous AmeriCorps Seniors awards (if applicable), cooperative 

agreements, or procurement awards, including: 

• Timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements

• Accuracy of data reported

• Validity of performance measure data reported

• Conformance to the terms and conditions of previous federal awards

• applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed 

on award recipients

• Meeting matching requirements

• The extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards

• Criminal history check compliance. Note that AmeriCorps Seniors is best able to determine 

compliance with criminal history check requirements for grant recipients using the 

AmeriCorps Seniors - approved contracted vendors

Other Programmatic Risks:

• Publicly available information, including information from the applicant organization's website
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• Amount of funding requested by the organization 

E.2.e. Consideration of Integrity and Performance System Information

Prior to making any award that exceeds the $250,000, AmeriCorps is required to review and consider 

any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system 

accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (See 41 U.S.C. 2313). Additionally, AmeriCorps may expand 

upon these requirements and use its discretion to review and consider information about any applicant 

receiving an award, including those under $250,000.

Any applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance 

systems accessible through FAPIIS and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding 

agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system 

accessible through FAPIIS.

AmeriCorps may consider comments by any applicant, in addition to the other information in the 

designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, 

business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing its review of risk 

posed by the applicant under the Risk Assessment Evaluation section of this Notice. 

E.2.f. Selection for Funding

The review and selection process is designed to: 

• Identify how well eligible applications are aligned with the application review criteria

• Build a diversified portfolio based on the following strategic considerations: 

o AmeriCorps Seniors Funding Priorities (See Section A.2. Funding Priorities)

o Meaningful representation of 

▪ Geographic diversity 

▪ Rural communities

▪ Small and medium programs 

▪ Focus Area

Based on the evaluation of these strategic considerations, applications may be selected for funding over 

applications with a greater degree of alignment with the review criteria. In selecting applicants to 

receive awards under this Notice, the Program Director will endeavor to include a diverse portfolio of 

applications based on staff recommendations and strategic considerations.

AmeriCorps Seniors reserves the right to award applications in an amount other than at the requested 

level of funding and will document the rationale for doing so.

AmeriCorps Seniors reserves the right to adjust or make changes to the review process, if unforeseen 

challenges or urgent circumstances make it impossible, impracticable, or inefficient to conduct the 

review process as planned. Any such adjustments or changes will not affect the selection criteria that 

will be used to assess applications.
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F. Federal Award Administration Information

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications – see Sections F.1. – F.4.

F.1. Federal Award Notices 

AmeriCorps Seniors will make awards contingent on the availability of congressional appropriations. All 

applicants, successful or not, will be notified of funding decisions via email.

Notification of an award is not an authorization to begin activities. The Notice of Grant Award signed by 

the Office of Grant Administration is the authorizing document. An awardee may not expend federal 

funds until the start of the Period of Performance identified on the Notice of Grant Award.

F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F.2.a. Uniform Guidance

All awards made under this Notice will be subject to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 

Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 2205.

F.2.b. Requests for Monitoring or Payment Integrity Information

AmeriCorps Seniors may request documentation from recipients in order to monitor the award or to 

comply with other legal requirements, such as the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002, as 

amended. Failure to make timely responses to these requests may result in award funds being placed on 

manual hold, reimbursement only status, or other remedies may be applied as appropriate. 

F.2.c. AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions

All awards made under this Notice will be subject to the 2022 AmeriCorps General Terms and 

Conditions, and the AmeriCorps Seniors 2022 Program-Specific Terms and Conditions for the particular 

program. These Terms and Conditions contain detailed, mandatory compliance and reporting 

requirements. Current versions of the AmeriCorps General and Program-Specific Terms and Conditions 

for each of its programs is available at http://www.americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/rsvp filter to 

Terms and Conditions 

F.2.d. National Service Criminal History Check Requirements

The National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) is a specific screening procedure established by law 

to protect the beneficiaries of national service. We encourage grantees to minimize barriers to service 

without putting their program beneficiaries at genuine risk. 

• In general, award recipients and subrecipients must conduct an NSCHC for AmeriCorps 

members, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, and staff funded under, or whose salary is reflected 

as match on, the award.

• AmeriCorps strongly encourages applicants to review the regulations and additional guidance to 

fully understand how to comply with the requirements.4

• AmeriCorps also strongly encourages funded applicants to utilize the two AmeriCorps-approved 

vendors to conduct the required NSCHCs.5

• Failure to conduct a compliant NSCHC may result in significant disallowed costs. 

4 NSCHC regulations and guidance: https://americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/history-check

5 Two pre-approved NSCHC vendors: https://americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/history-check.
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• The cost of conducting NSCHC is an allowable expense under the award and the individual 

subject to the NSCHC may not be required to cover the cost without being reimbursed.

An NSCHC consists of a check of the:

1. National Sex Offender Public website through NSOPW.gov (nationwide check);

2. State criminal history record repository or agency-designated alternative for the individual's 

State of residence and State of service; and

3. Fingerprint-based check of the FBI criminal history record database through the State criminal 

history record repository or agency-approved vendor.

All checks must be conducted, reviewed, and an eligibility determination made before the individual 

begins work or service.

An individual is not eligible to serve or work in a position subject to the NSCHC requirements if: 

• the individual refuses to consent to a criminal history check;

• makes a false statement in connection with a criminal history check; 

• is registered, or is required to be registered, on a state sex offender registry or the National Sex 

Offender Registry; or

• has been convicted of murder. 

See 45 CFR 2540.200– 2540.207 and National Service Criminal History Check Resources for complete 

information and FAQs.

F.2e. Official Guidance

All AmeriCorps Seniors active guidance is available on the agency’s Guidance webpage: 

https://americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/history-check. The contents of these documents do not have 

the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way unless incorporated into a 

contract or grant agreement. These documents are intended only to provide clarity to the public 

regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

F.3. Use of Material

To ensure that materials generated with AmeriCorps Seniors funding are available to the public and 

readily accessible to recipients and non-recipients, AmeriCorps Seniors reserves a royalty-free, 

nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to obtain, use, modify, reproduce, publish, or disseminate 

publications and materials produced under the award, including data, and to authorize others to do so 

(2 CFR §200.315).

F.4. Reporting 

Recipients are required to submit a variety of reports which are due at specific times during the life cycle 

of an award. All reports must be accurate, complete, and submitted on time.

Recipients are required to provide Project Progress Reports (PPR) lite and PPR annual and semi-annual 

financial and narrative progress reports through eGrants, AmeriCorps’ web-based grants management 

system. All recipients must submit quarterly financial reports to the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services Payment Management System.
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In addition, at the end of the award period, recipients must submit final financial and progress reports 

that are cumulative over the entire award period and consistent with the close-out requirements. The 

final reports are due 120 days after the end of the project period. 

Award recipients will be required to report at https://www.FSRS.gov on all subawards over 

$30,000, and may be required to report on executive compensation for the recipient organization and 

its subrecipients. Recipients must have the necessary systems in place to collect and report this 

information. See 2 CFR Part 170 for more information and to determine how these requirements apply. 

Once the grant is awarded, recipients will be expected to have data collection and data management 

policies, processes, and practices that provide reasonable assurance that they are reporting high quality 

performance measure data. At a minimum, recipients should have policies, processes, and practices that 

address the following five aspects of data quality for themselves and for subrecipients (if applicable):

• The data measures what it intends to measure

• The data reported is complete

• The recipient collects data in a consistent manner

• The recipient takes steps to correct data errors

• The recipient actively reviews data for accuracy prior to submission. 

Failure to submit accurate, complete, and timely required reports may affect the recipient’s ability to 

secure future AmeriCorps Seniors funding.

For further guidance and training resources see: Evaluation Resources | AmeriCorps.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts 

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications.

For more information, call or email the assigned Regional Office. AmeriCorps also offers live text chat at 

Contact us | AmeriCorps. 

For technical questions and problems with the eGrants system, call the National Service Hotline at (800) 

942-2677. AmeriCorps Hotline hours are posted at https://questions.americorps.gov/app/ask. Potential 

applicants can also use this link: eGrants Questions. Be prepared to provide the application ID, 

organization’s name, and the name of the Notice to which the organization is applying.

H. Other Information 

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications.

Technical Assistance

AmeriCorps Seniors will host technical assistance calls to answer questions about the funding 

opportunity and eGrants. AmeriCorps Seniors strongly encourages all applicants to participate in these 

sessions. Call-in information for the technical assistance calls is on the American Rescue SDP Funding 

Opportunities page.

I. Important Notices 

For all AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP renewal and continuation applications.
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Public Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for collection of information under this Notice of 

Funding is estimated to average six hours per submission, including reviewing instructions, gathering 

and maintaining the data needed, and completing the application and reporting forms. 

AmeriCorps Seniors informs people who may respond to this Notice of Funding that they are not 

required to respond unless the OMB control number and expiration date are current valid. (See 5 C.F.R. 

1320.5(b)(2)(i).) The OMB Control Number for the information collection is 3045-0187. It expires on 

9/30/2020.

Privacy Act Statement: The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C 552a) requires that we notify you that the 

information requested under this Notice of Funding is collected pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12592 and 12615 

of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended, and 42 U.S.C. 4953 of the Domestic 

Volunteer Service Act of 1973 as amended. Purposes and Uses - The information requested is collected 

for the purposes of reviewing grant applications and granting funding requests. Routine uses may 

include disclosure of the information to federal, state, or local agencies pursuant to lawfully authorized 

requests. In some programs, the information may also be provided to federal, state, and local law 

enforcement agencies to determine the existence of any prior criminal convictions. The information may 

also be provided to appropriate federal agencies and contractors that have a need to know the 

information for the purpose of assisting the government to respond to a suspected or confirmed breach 

of the security or confidentiality or information maintained in this system of records, and the 

information disclosed is relevant and unnecessary for the assistance. Effects of Nondisclosure - The 

information requested is voluntary; however, to be a recipient of this grant program, disclosure of 

personal or sensitive information is required to receive federal benefits.