250 E Street SW

Washington, D.C. 20525 

202-606-5000/ 800-942-2677 

Days of Service New Grantee 

Resource Guide

Volunteer Initiatives 

Version 1

December 2023
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Table of Contents

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 2

Part I: Introduction .................................................................................................................. 2

Overview of Days of Service .............................................................................................. 2

AmeriCorps Staff Roles ...................................................................................................... 3

Part II: Grant Award Process .................................................................................................. 6

Pre-Grant Award Requirements ........................................................................................ 6

Pre-Award Costs ................................................................................................................. 6

Award Notification .............................................................................................................. 7

Part III: Support ....................................................................................................................... 7

Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) ......................................................................... 7

Part IV: Governing Authorities and Guidance ..................................................................... 7

Days of Service Specific Rules ........................................................................................... 8

Other Requirements ........................................................................................................... 9

Part V: Program Start-up Considerations ............................................................................ 9

Financial Management Systems ....................................................................................... 9

Policies and Procedures .................................................................................................. 11

Subgrant Management .................................................................................................... 11

Training and Technical Assistance ................................................................................. 12

Performance Measurement and Data Collection ......................................................... 13

AmeriCorps Electronic Data Management Systems (eGrants) ................................... 13

Part VI: Program Implementation ....................................................................................... 14

Monitoring ......................................................................................................................... 14

Reporting ........................................................................................................................... 15

Performance Measures .................................................................................................... 16

Grant Continuation: Application Required ................................................................... 17

Grant Closeout .................................................................................................................. 17

Appendix I: Resources ....................................................................................................... 18
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Summary

This is a training tool designed to help AmeriCorps Days of Service grantees manage 

their programs. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law 

and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to 

provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency 

policies. 

Part I: Introduction

Congratulations on being awarded a Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service 

or September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance grant from 

AmeriCorps. Starting a new AmeriCorps program requires a significant amount of 

time and effort and a thorough understanding of program requirements and 

regulations that guide AmeriCorps. This document is intended to help you with the 

program start-up and management process by highlighting requirements and where 

to find them and by helping you become familiar with the AmeriCorps Grant Terms 

and Conditions, Regulations, and your Notice of Grant Award. This document is 

intended for informational purposes only.

Overview of Days of Service 

In 1994 and 2009 respectively, Congress designated AmeriCorps as the federal 

agency responsible for implementing the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on the 

federal holiday bearing his name and the September 11th National Day of Service 

and Remembrance. Projects developed for these Days of Service should occur on or 

near the day and offer ongoing opportunities to serve or volunteer throughout the 

year.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day of Service projects honor Dr. King’s life example 

with projects that increase economic, environmental, educational, or other forms of 

equity and that meet an important, immediate community need and/or help to 

addresses systemic issues. 

September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance projects honor and pay tribute to 

those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose 

in service in response to that tragedy, as well as meet an important, immediate 

community need and/or help to addresses systemic issues.
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AmeriCorps Staff Roles 

There are various staff you will work with at AmeriCorps as you implement and lead 

your Day of Service program. AmeriCorps Office of Regional Operations (ORO) staff 

serve as your primary point of contact. Your assigned Portfolio Manager (PM) will 

provide you with regular program technical assistance and agency communications. 

Below is an overview of all AmeriCorps departments that will support your program 

operations as a grantee. 

While we will do all that we can to maintain staffing continuity with your program, 

assignments may change during your time as a grantee due to changes in 

AmeriCorps staffing or to evenly distribute workload among our staff, etc. Changes in 

AmeriCorps contacts should not cause disruptions to your program, as all staff are 

committed to providing you with quality and timely assistance. Please do not hesitate 

to contact us with your questions and concerns. 

Office of Regional Operations

• Location: Headquartered in Washington, D.C. and eight regional offices: 

o Mid-Atlantic 

o Midwest 

o Mountain 

o North Central 

o Northeast 

o South Central 

o Southeast 

o West 

• Office Purpose: Responsible for providing support, technical assistance, and 

oversight to AmeriCorps Days of Service grantees 

• Grantee Interaction: Primary point of contact, frequent direct communications 

with assigned Portfolio Manager 

• Regional Office Key Staff:

o Regional Administrator 

o Deputy Regional Administrator 

o Senior Portfolio Manager 

o Portfolio Manager 

o Associate Portfolio Manager 

• Contact: AmeriCorps Region Offices
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AmeriCorps Volunteer Initiatives Program Office

• Location: Washington, D.C. 

• Office Purpose: Leads Volunteer Generation Fund and Days of Service grant 

programs. Responsible for assessing, creating, and implementing governance 

policies and procedures, managing grant competitions, and providing 

AmeriCorps Days of Service specific training and support to the Office of 

Regional Operations staff. 

• Grantee Interaction: Secondary point of contact (receives indirect grantee 

communication from Office of Regional Operations staff), monthly newsletter, 

quarterly community of practice opportunities and regular communications via

DaysofService@americorps.gov and GovDelivery messages

(CNCS@delivery.nationalservice.gov). Increased interaction will occur in the 

three months prior to the day of service to provide resources, support, and 

engagement.

• Key Staff:

o Project Manager for Volunteer Initiatives 

o Volunteer Initiatives Grand Specialist 

• Contact: DaysofService@americorps.gov 

Office of Grant Administration

• Location: Washington, D.C. 

• Office Purpose: Responsible for facilitating competitive grant application 

review processes; conducting pre-award due diligence, issuing all awards and 

Days of Service grants, ensuring AmeriCorps’ compliance with 

governmentwide grantmaking requirements, and providing guidance and 

occasional training for grantee financial grants management activities (such as 

preparing Federal Financial Reports and closing out grants). 

• Grantee Interaction: Limited direct interaction beyond sending occasional 

communications via AmeriCorpsOGA@americorps.gov (this mailbox is not 

regularly monitored for incoming messages), and as requested by Portfolio 

Managers. 

• Key Staff: 

o Director 

o Deputy Director 
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o Grant Application Review Process Team 

o Award Team 

o Training Team 

o Grant Support Team

• Contact: Portfolio Manager, who will engage the Office of Grant 

Administration if needed. 

Office of Monitoring

• Location: Washington, D.C. 

• Office Purpose: Responsible for identifying and resolving noncompliance 

through the completion of standard monitoring activities of AmeriCorps 

grantees in order to increase their impact, strengthen their capacity to reduce 

risks, and promote a holistic approach to continuous improvement. 

• Grantee Interaction: Grantees selected for monitoring activities will have direct 

contact with an assigned Monitoring Officer and/or Associate Monitoring 

Officer as well as a Corrective Action Planning Specialist. 

• Key Staff: 

o Director 

o Deputy Director 

o Senior Monitoring Officers 

o Monitoring Officers 

o Corrective Action Planning (CAP) Specialists 

o Associate Monitoring Officers 

o Monitoring Support Assistants 

o Monitoring Analysts

o Criminal History Check Program Manager 

o Office of Audit and Debt Resolution Team

• Contact: Monitoring@americorps.gov

Designating Your Agency Contact

Once you have determined your internal communication structure for managing your 

grant, please ensure that the correct contacts for your program are updated in the 

eGrants system to receive all grantee communications from Volunteer Initiatives 

(DaysofService@americorps.gov). Please refer to the Populating the Contact 

Information Module in eGrants to update your contacts. (Information related to 

accessing eGrants is covered later in this document). It is important to make these 

updates so that your program receives pertinent communications from AmeriCorps. 
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Part II: Grant Award Process

Pre-Grant Award Requirements 

The Office of Grant Administration will send you an email correspondence via 

eGrants regarding the completion and submission of the related forms and any ecourses for new grantees. Please be sure to complete these activities as soon as 

possible to avoid delays in accessing grant funds. 

One particularly important requirement for new AmeriCorps grantees is establishing 

an account with the Department of Human Services’ Payment Management System 

(PMS). This will enable you to draw down funds on your award, as PMS disburses 

grant funds on behalf of AmeriCorps.

All programs must complete a semiannual report Federal Financial Report (FFR) on 

the funds that you have received through the Payment Management System. This 

form is submitted via eGrants, AmeriCorps’ online grants management system.

Reports are due semiannually on April 30 and October 30 for the preceding two 

quarters during the time that your grant is active. You must also submit a final 

financial report within 120 days of the end of your period of performance as part of 

completing the financial reconciliation of your grant during the closeout process.

Pre-Award Costs 

The Office of Management and Budget authorizes federal agencies to allow preaward costs under certain circumstances (§ 200.458 Pre-award costs). Of note, only 

costs that would be allowable post-award would be allowable pre-award. All preaward costs are incurred at the organization’s own risk. AmeriCorps is under no 

obligation to reimburse for pre-award costs if the organization does not receive an 

award or if the award is less than anticipated and inadequate to cover such costs.

For AmeriCorps Days of Service grantees, the agency may approve costs that support 

program start-up by allowing the grantee to establish an infrastructure to complete 

training and National Service Criminal History Checks before the grant period begins. 

Prospective grantees entering year one of a new grant may request approval for preaward costs by submitting a written request to their Portfolio Manager. The Portfolio 

Manager will review the request and make a recommendation to the Office of Grant 

Administration. If approved, the Office of Grant Administration will issue the formal 

approval to you, the grantee, via correspondence in eGrants. Pre-award costs may 

not be requested during continuation years.
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Award Notification 

Soon after you receive notification that your organization has been approved for a 

grant, your Portfolio Manager will contact you to inform you of any steps you must 

take before the grant can be awarded and/or before members may begin service. If 

your award has a special condition(s), make note of the special condition(s) and be 

sure to adhere to the resolution deadline and any consequences for non-compliance. 

The agency recommends you inform your subgrantees and other stakeholders of the 

start-up process timeframe, including the budget period start. 

Part III: Support 

AmeriCorps is a large national network and will provide resources to support you in 

the start-up and ongoing implementation of your program. Below is a summary of 

these resources, with particular emphasis on the ones that you will use most in the 

start-up phase of your program. 

Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) 

• Portfolio Manager Check-in Calls: Portfolio Managers schedule regular 

check-in calls with grantees. The purpose of these calls is to receive updates on 

the program and provide technical assistance aimed at supporting the 

program’s success. 

• Days of Service Monthly Newsletter: Grantees will receive a monthly 

newsletter from the Volunteer Initiatives program office to provide updates 

from the agency, as well as resources and other important information. As a 

Days of Service grantee, you will automatically receive this newsletter.

• Days of Service Training and Technical Assistance (TTA): Grantee will 

receive increased support in the three months prior to the Day of Service. 

• Online Resources: The agency website, AmeriCorps.gov, offers a variety of 

resources for grantees, including policy guidance, process guides, and 

templates. To locate these resources, navigate to the website homepage, click 

Grantees & Sponsors, and navigate to Volunteer Generation Fund and Days of 

Service Grantees. From there, scroll down to the “Grantee Resources”

Part IV: Governing Authorities and Guidance 

Please spend a significant amount of time during the start-up phase becoming 

familiar with the rules and regulations of your AmeriCorps grant, as well as applicable 
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state and federal requirements. This point cannot be over-emphasized. As a recipient 

of a taxpayer-funded award, you have the responsibility to know the rules and 

regulations that govern the use of these funds, since improper use may result in your 

reimbursement of all or some of the funds and other possible actions. One 

recommendation is to thoroughly review your Notice of Grant Award with everyone in 

your organization who will be involved with your grant because it is the binding 

agreement between you and AmeriCorps. It also includes links to applicable Terms 

and Conditions and other guidance related to your specific Day of Service award.

Days of Service Specific Rules 

In order to run an effective program, grantees must know the rules of their Day of 

Service grant, which can be difficult to navigate even for organizations that have prior 

federal grant experience. 

Days of Service grant requirements are found in our statute, regulations, and Terms 

and Conditions. 

• The statute that authorizes federal funding for the Days of Service grants is the 

National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA), as amended by the King 

Holiday and Service Act of 1994 and the Serve America Act of 2009. The 

provision governing the MLK Day grant program can be found in Section 

198(i), 42 U.S.C. § 12653(i), of the NCSA. The provision governing the 

September 11th grant program can be found in Section 198(k), 42 U.S.C. § 

12653(k), of the NCSA.

• The regulations are AmeriCorps’ interpretations of the statute and set out the 

agency's purpose and powers, and the circumstances of applying the statute. 

Regulations are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 

AmeriCorps’ regulations can be found in Title 45 of the CFR. AmeriCorps 

begins with Chapter 7, section 1200, section 2520.10. All federal grantees 

must also follow the Uniform Administrative Requirements outlined in 2 CFR 

200. Citations for regulations are written like this: 45 C.F.R. §2522.230 or 

abbreviated as §2522.230.

• AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions are additional grant requirements that 

have two versions: General (all AmeriCorps) and Program-Specific (Days of 

Service). New Terms and Conditions are issued each year, and citations are 

written like this: [AC I. B.2]. 
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• Notice of Funding Opportunity (Notice) and Application Instructions for 

which your grant was awarded contain important information. You will find it a 

helpful reference at many times.

• Notice of Grant Award (NGA): this is the contract between grantees and 

AmeriCorps for the specific grant award. All Terms and Conditions of direct 

grantees must be passed on to subrecipients. 

• AmeriCorps Policies provide supplemental and recent guidance relevant to 

AmeriCorps funded grants. 

Other Requirements 

• State Laws: AmeriCorps grantees must become aware of the laws of all the 

states in which their program is active. For example, you should find out about 

the state laws pertaining to taxes, workers compensation, background checks, 

etc. 

• Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance: The Uniform 

Guidance in the Code of Federal Regulations outlines administrative 

requirements and cost principles for federal grant recipients. It also includes 

requirements for federal agencies related to grants and cooperative 

agreements. 

Part V: Program Start-up Considerations 

As you read the Governing Authorities and Policies, you will see that there are many 

required policies and procedures that you will need to develop and manage. This 

section will highlight some of the systems or aspects of program management you 

will develop during the start-up period. These examples are not the only aspects of 

program management you will need to consider and develop during start-up. Please 

discuss others with your AmeriCorps Portfolio Manager. 

Financial Management Systems

Under AmeriCorps regulations, grantees must maintain financial management 

systems that provide accurate, complete, and current disclosure of AmeriCorps grant 

finances. 

Components of a financial management system include: 

• adequate practices that address regulatory requirements; 
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• segregation of duties for key financial functions;

• written policies and procedures, including for: 

o managing federal cash drawdowns;

o procurement; and

o subrecipient monitoring;

• documentation of expenses; 

• cash management systems; 

• an efficient accounting system; 

• budget controls; 

• time and activity documentation; 

• documentation of matching requirements and in-kind contributions; 

• timely, complete, and accurate reporting; and

• internal controls. 

The following are several important financial management facts for new grantees:

• Each AmeriCorps grant must be tracked separately from other grants and 

programs. 

• Staff identified on the AmeriCorps grant budget — whether paid with 

AmeriCorps funds or match (called “Grantee Share” in the eGrants budget) —

must have a timekeeping system that documents the actual amount of time 

spent on each AmeriCorps grant and on other activities. Staff timesheet 

requirements follow regulations set forth in the OMB Uniform Guidance.

• Grantees are required to complete the Key Concepts of Financial Grants 

Management eCourse each year they are awarded an AmeriCorps grant. The 

course provides a helpful overview of financial grant management 

requirements.

If a subgrantee is found to be out of compliance with grant requirements, 

AmeriCorps will hold the grantee liable. Please note that, in addition to the Key 

Concepts of Financial Grants Management eCourse, there are a number of for-profit 
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and nonprofit organizations that offer training on federal grants management. Such 

courses would be especially helpful for grantee organizations that have no or minimal 

experience with federal grants management. While these trainings do not focus on 

the specifics of managing finances for an AmeriCorps program, they provide general 

guidance on federal requirements and setting up sound accounting practices. It is the 

grantee’s responsibility to ensure that adequate financial systems and well-trained 

staff are in place to manage AmeriCorps resources. 

Policies and Procedures 

During the start-up period, you should develop and document policies and 

procedures that outline how your program will be managed. A well-written and 

comprehensive set of policies and procedures will help your program run more 

efficiently and effectively, while simultaneously ensuring compliance with regulatory 

requirements. Some policies are required by mandated grant requirements, but you 

will want to create other policies as well that are tailored to your program and your 

organization. 

Required Policies: Before you begin your Day of Service program, create policies 

compliant with AmeriCorps requirements. Refer to the regulations and grant Terms 

and Conditions for guidance on developing your policies. Your Portfolio Manager 

can help point you to appropriate resources to guide your policy development. Your 

program policies and program oversight must ensure compliance with grant 

requirements, including, but not limited to: 

• non-discrimination; 

• prohibited activities; 

• reasonable accommodation; 

• drug-free workplace; 

• grievance procedures; and

• National Service Criminal History Checks (NSCHC). 

Subgrant Management

If your Day of Service program is awarding subgrants, effective subgrant

management is a critical component of a successful program. During the program 

start-up period, dedicate ample time to putting subgrant management systems in 

place. Key elements include: 
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• communicating regularly with subgrantees; 

• communicating expectations; 

• providing training and technical assistance; 

• holding them accountable through monitoring and oversight; and

• ensuring all subgrantees are committed to achieving shared program goals. 

Subgrant Agreements: Subgrant agreements (also called a contract or 

memorandum of understanding) outline the terms of each subgrantee’s participation 

in your AmeriCorps program. Written subgrant agreements are part of your subgrant 

management. Ensuring subgrantees are aware of all applicable grant requirements is 

required, but the agreement content is not written by AmeriCorps. Organizations find 

it useful to: 

• outline expectations; 

• outline responsibilities; 

• outline compliance requirements; 

• clarify program and fiscal management tasks handled by the subgrantees; 

• specify organizational match requirements; 

• include program-specific policies; 

• include reporting requirements; and

• include the AmeriCorps Regulations and Terms and Conditions.

Training and Technical Assistance 

Grantees are responsible for providing orientation, training, and technical assistance 

to anyone associated with the program, including parent organization staff and 

subgrantee staff, on the tasks that are required of them. Many programs find it helpful 

to spend part of the start-up period developing a staff training plan that consists of: 

• one-on-one technical assistance; 

• check-in calls; 

• group conference calls; 
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• cross-site mentoring; 

• training calls; and

• subgrantee visits. 

Training should include information on the AmeriCorps Regulations and Terms and 

Conditions. Refer to trainings listed on the Manage Your Grant webpage for existing 

trainings made available by AmeriCorps. Your Portfolio Manager and other project

directors are good additional resources for information on the topics that might be 

useful to include in your training plan.

Performance Measurement and Data Collection 

Demonstrating the impact of your program through performance measurement is 

crucial to your success as a grantee. Project Progress Reports (PPRs) will be submitted 

to AmeriCorps annually (annual PPR) and at the conclusion of the grant (final PPR). In 

the interim, collecting and aggregating data on an ongoing basis from subgrantees 

will help set you up for success. During the start-up period, spend time developing 

data collection tools that will demonstrate program impact. Contact your Portfolio 

Manager if you have questions about performance measurement and data collection.

AmeriCorps Electronic Data Management Systems (eGrants) 

As an AmeriCorps grantee, you will use the online grants management system

eGrants for: 

• grant applications; 

• grant amendments; 

• financial reporting; and

• programmatic reporting. 

Grantees and applicants should have a unique login account for each necessary staff 

member. eGrants account information should not be shared among staff. The 

Grantee Administrator user role has the responsibility of determining who at your 

organization has access. Access the eGrants User Guide for guidance on creating 

accounts and designating user roles.

If you need assistance with eGrants, contact the AmeriCorps Hotline. Please notify 

your Portfolio Manager of any outstanding Hotline tickets, as they can escalate tickets 

on your behalf. Be sure to include the Hotline ticket number in your communications.
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Part VI: Program Implementation 

Once you have developed the necessary policies and procedures for your program, 

you can enter the program implementation stage. You can begin to use the systems 

and tools you developed during the program start-up period. The following subsections provide tips for moving forward. 

Monitoring 

As stewards of public funding, grantees need to ensure that their subgrantees are 

aware of their contractual requirements and are in compliance with all of the rules, 

regulations, and provisions governing Day of Service funds and programs. 

Providing sufficient oversight of subgrantees is also in the best interest of programs, 

because AmeriCorps holds the grantee responsible for infractions at the subgrantee 

level. 

To achieve quality oversight, program staff must create adequate systems, tools, and 

protocols for monitoring subgrantees that are fully implemented and available in 

writing. An adequate monitoring strategy features an array of oversight activities with 

subgrantees, including: 

• document review; 

• compliance reviews; 

• program quality and performance reviews; 

• special audits or surveys; 

• one-on-one technical assistance to resolve any issues; and

• special efforts to ensure that prohibited activities (outlined in 45 CFR 2520.65) 

are not violated. 

Your Portfolio Manager will provide you with a copy of the AmeriCorps monitoring 

tool at the start of your grant year. Many grantees find it helpful to model their own 

monitoring tool on the agency’s tool. Be prepared to review your monitoring strategy 

with your Portfolio Manager. You can also find a copy of the AmeriCorps monitoring 

tool (‘Overview of Uniform Monitoring Package’) on the Monitoring section of the 

website under the “Resources” section.
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AmeriCorps staff also monitor your grant performance by reviewing your progress 

and financial reports. In addition, the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General (OIG) 

conducts and supervises independent and objective audits, evaluations, and 

investigations of AmeriCorps’ programs and operations. The OIG is available to assist 

AmeriCorps grantees that become aware of suspected criminal activity in connection 

with the AmeriCorps program. Grantees should immediately contact the OIG when 

they first suspect that a criminal violation has occurred. The OIG may be reached by 

email at hotline@americorpsoig.gov or by telephone at (800) 452-8210.

The Office of Audit and Debt Resolution (OADR) is a unit within the Office of 

Monitoring. OADR manages audit resolution of OIG audits and single audits, 

establishes debts in instances of noncompliance which result in disallowed grant 

costs, and helps grantees establish indirect cost rates when AmeriCorps is the 

cognizant agency for indirect costs. If your organization is required to have a single 

audit, OADR staff may contact you for audit resolution purposes. You can also contact 

OADR if you would like more information about establishing an indirect cost rate 

(indirectcostrate@americorps.gov). More information on the requirements for having 

a single audit can be found in 2 CFR §200. (See especially 2 CFR §200.501, Audit 

Requirements).

Reporting

Programmatic Reporting: All Days of Service grantees must submit one progress 

report per year and a final progress report at the end of the grant in addition to an 

annual report for the last grant year. These reports are called Project Progress 

Reports (PPRs) and are submitted in eGrants. See the Reporting Requirements section 

of the Days of Service Terms and Conditions for information on due dates for the 

reporting periods. The Volunteer Initiatives Program Office will provide guidance on 

how to complete the PPR prior to its due date. Your Portfolio Manager will review 

your progress reports and provide feedback. 

Pre- and Post-Event Snapshot Reporting: In addition to formal progress reports, 

Days of Service grantees are expected to share basic event information with 

AmeriCorps six weeks before the day of service and updated event information two 

weeks after the day of service. Grantees will be asked to share the following details 

about all events sponsored by their Day of Service program: 

• Project host organization name; 

• Project city and state; 

• Venue address; 
16

• Project date and time; 

• Event contact name, email, and phone number; 

• Description of event; 

• Planned number of volunteers; 

• Any elected officials or other VIPs you plan to invite and/or who will be in 

attendance; 

• Whether you would like support from AmeriCorps in reaching out to elected 

officials or other VIPs (grantees that say yes will be required to share additional 

event information);

• Whether any AmeriCorps members or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will be 

in attendance; and

• Plans for publicizing the event, including social media and shareable links. 

Financial Reporting: Days of Service grantees must submit two Federal Financial 

Reports (FFRs) per year and a final financial report at the end of the grant. See the 

Reporting Requirements section of the Days of Service Terms and Conditions for 

information on FFR due dates and reporting periods.

Grantees must set their own submission deadlines for their subgrantee financial and 

programmatic reports that will enable you to provide timely and accurate information 

on your Day of Service program to AmeriCorps. The agency suggests including 

reporting deadlines on your organizational calendar.

Performance Measures

In the annual progress reports you submit to AmeriCorps you will be required to 

report on the performance measures included in your application. Performance 

measures are a tool used for program accountability and quality improvement, and 

provide AmeriCorps with valuable information about the outputs and outcomes of 

your program.

Days of Service grantees are not required to use performance measures. However, if 

you included any performance measures in your application, you must report on 

them.
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Performance measure data you report to AmeriCorps should be valid, accurate, 

complete, and verifiable. If you will be reporting on performance measures, it is 

recommended that you complete the National Performance Measurement Core 

Curriculum to gain a full understanding of AmeriCorps performance measures and

ensure that your data collection procedures yield high-quality reporting data. 

Grant Continuation: Application Required 

Although Day of Service funding is a three-year grant, you are required to apply each 

year to continue receiving funding. Second- and third-year applications are referred 

to as continuation applications. Continuation applications are less involved than the 

process of writing a new application; however, it is equally important to devote 

sufficient time to complete all the required elements. The agency will post the Notice 

of Federal Funding Opportunity and Application Instructions for future grant 

competitions on the Funding Opportunities page on the AmeriCorps website.

Grant Closeout

At the conclusion of your three-year VGF grant, you will be required to take steps 

towards grant closeout. Closeout is the process by which the federal awarding 

agency and the grantee complete all necessary financial, program, and administrative 

actions required under the grant. 

Thirty (30) days prior to the end of your grant’s project period, you will receive a 

closeout notification letter outlining the required steps, including submission of a 

final Federal Financial Report (FFR), final Project Progress Report (PPR), and 

equipment and supply inventory forms. Questions about the closeout process should

be directed to your Portfolio Manager.
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Appendix I: Resources

AmeriCorps Resources: 

• AmeriCorps.gov is the AmeriCorps website, where you can find agency 

information, funding opportunities, grant resources, agency news, and more. 

• eGrants is AmeriCorps’ online grants system for submitting grant applications 

and managing awards.

• The AmeriCorps Hotline provides eGrants assistance via live chat, webform, or 

phone (1-800-942-2677). 

• The Manage Your Grant page contains extensive resources for all AmeriCorps 

grantees, including Terms and Conditions, pre-award requirements, postaward requirements, and training and technical assistance resources. 

Days of Service Resources:

• The Grantee Resources page of the AmeriCorps website contains resources for 

Days of Service and Volunteer Generation Fund grantees including general 

and grant-specific Terms and Conditions, instructions for submitting PPRs, and 

governing authorities for Days of Service grants. 

• The Fiscal Year 2023 Days of Service Grants funding opportunity webpage

provides information on the closed 2023 Days of Service competition and 

continuation process, including the Notice of Funding Opportunity and 

Application Instructions. 

• Amending a Volunteer Generation Fund or Days of Service Award, available on 

the Grantee Resources page under “Access program tools”, provides guidance 

for grantees on initiating and submitting award amendments.

• The MLK Day and MLK Day Resources pages of the AmeriCorps website 

contain resources for planning, implementing, and promoting MLK Day 

projects, including links to register volunteer opportunities, project planning 

webinars, and a communication toolkit.

• The 9/11 Day and 9/11 Day Resources pages of the AmeriCorps website 

contain resources for planning, implementing, and promoting September 11th 

projects, including links to register volunteer opportunities, project planning 

webinars, and a communication toolkit.
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Statute and Regulations: 

• The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 

Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200) are legal guidelines that all 

recipients of federal resources are required to follow.

• Title 45 Chapter XXV of the CFR outlines regulations specific to AmeriCorps, 

with which all AmeriCorps grantees must comply. 

• The National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA), as amended by the

King Holiday and Service Act of 1994 and the Serve America Act of 2009. 

Statute relevant to MLK Day grants can be found in the King Holiday and 

Service Act (36 U.S.C. 169j) and Section 198(i), 42 U.S.C. § 12653(i), of the 

NCSA. Statute relevant to September 11th grants can be found in Section 

198(k), 42 U.S.C. § 12653(k), of the NCSA. 

Online Courses and Trainings:

• Litmos is AmeriCorps’ online learning platform. Access the Litmos Getting 

Started Guide to set up an account and access AmeriCorps eCourses. 

• Key Concepts in Financial Grants Management is a required eCourse on grants 

management and compliance that all grantees must complete annually. 

• The NSCHC eCourse is a required training on criminal history check 

requirements and procedures that all grantees must complete annually. 

• Ensuring Correct and Supported Salary Allocations is a recommended 

eCourse on compliant timekeeping and salary allocation practices for 

AmeriCorps grants. 

• The FFR Training for Grantees is a recommended eCourse on successful and 

compliant completion of semiannual financial reports.

• The National Performance Measurement Core Curriculum is a six-part modular 

course on AmeriCorps’ national performance measures and best practices in 

data collection and performance measurement.

NSCHC Resources:

• The National Service Criminal History Checks webpage contains 

comprehensive resources, guidance, and recorded trainings on conducting 

compliant criminal history checks, including the following.
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o The Getting Started with NSCHC Resources guide is an introduction to 

NSCHC for new grantees and staff. 

o Common Findings of NSCHC Noncompliance outlines common ways 

grantees fall out of compliance with NSCHC requirements and how to 

avoid them.

o The NSCHC Manual is a comprehensive guide to NSCHC requirements, 

components, timing, and monitoring and enforcement.

Monitoring Resources:

• The Monitoring webpage contains resources on monitoring activities, 

worksheets and forms, information on corrective action plans, and training on 

the Office of Monitoring’s WebGrants site for grantees who have been 

selected for monitoring activities, including the following.

o The Uniform Monitoring Package (UMP) provides an overview of 

monitoring questions that grantees may be asked if selected for 

monitoring.

o Remote Monitoring At a Glance and On-Site Monitoring At a Glance

provide information on the steps and timeline of the remote and on-site 

monitoring processes, respectively.

o The Office of Monitoring FAQ provide answers to questions commonly 

asked by grantees during the monitoring process.

PMS Resources:

• The Payment Management System (PMS), not run by AmeriCorps, is where 

AmeriCorps grantees draw down grant funds. Grantees can receive assistance 

with PMS via the PMS Help Desk. 

• Grantees can access the PMS User Guide and PMS Grant Recipient Training for 

additional support using PMS.