APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

State and National Competitive New and Continuation 

As applicable to the Notice of Funding Opportunity or Notice of Funding Availability

OMB Control #: 3045-0047 Expiration Date: 09/30/2026
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IMPORTANT NOTICE

These application instructions conform to the Corporation for National and Community Service’s 

online grant application system, eGrants. All competitive funding announcements by the Corporation 

for National and Community Service, dba as AmeriCorps, are posted on www.americorps.gov and 

www.grants.gov. 

Public Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 

average 80 hours per submission, including reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data 

needed, and completing the form. Comments on the burden or content of this instrument may be sent 

to AmeriCorps, Attn: Arminda Pappas, 250 E Street, SW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20525. 

AmeriCorps informs people who may respond to this collection of information that they are not 

required to respond to the collection of information unless the OMB control number and expiration 

date displayed on page one are current and valid. (See 5 CFR 1320.5(b)(2)(i).) 

Privacy Act Notice: The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C § 552a) requires that the following notice be 

provided to you: The information requested on the AmeriCorps Application Instructions is collected 

pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 12581 - 12585 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 - 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 Department contractors that have a need to know the information for the 

purpose of assisting the Department’s efforts 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. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity

for AmeriCorps’ transparency in grantmaking information. The information will not otherwise be 

disclosed to entities outside of AmeriCorps without prior written permission. Effects of Nondisclosure - 

The information requested is mandatory in order to receive benefits. 

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act: Grant recipients will be required to report at 

www.FSRS.gov on all subawards that equal or exceed $30,000 and may be required to report on 

executive compensation for recipients and 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.

Indirect Cost Rates: AmeriCorps allows applicants to include indirect costs in application budgets. 

Based on qualifying factors, applicants have the option of using a federally approved indirect cost rate, 

a 10% de minimis rate of modified total direct costs, or may claim certain costs directly as outlined in 2 

CFR § 200.413 Direct costs. Applicants who hold a federal negotiated indirect cost rate must use that 

rate in lieu of the AmeriCorps 5/10% allocation of administrative costs or the 10% de minimis rate. 

AmeriCorps eGrants Indirect Cost Rate (IDCR) User Instructions

Universal Identifier: Applicants must include a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applicants must obtain 

their UEI and register their entity through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). All grant 

recipients are required to maintain a valid SAM.gov registration, which must be renewed annually. The 

Grantee Administrator role in eGrants is the only user that can add the UEI to eGrants. The UEI is 

added to the organizational attributes page, and then will automatically populate onto all of the 

applications that are tied to the organization. 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Notice.................................................................................................................................................2

Application Resources .................................................................................................................... 4

Submitting Your Application in eGrants ......................................................................................... 4

I. Applicant Info.....................................................................................................................................5

II. Application Info..................................................................................................................................5

III. Narratives............................................................................................................................................5

IV. Logic Model........................................................................................................................................7

V. Performance Measures .....................................................................................................................7

VI. Program Information .........................................................................................................................7

VII. Documents .........................................................................................................................................8

VIII. Budget Instructions............................................................................................................................9

IX. Funding/Demographics..................................................................................................................10

X. Operation Sites ...............................................................................................................................11

XI. Review, Authorize, and Submit.......................................................................................................11

XII. Continuation Requests.................................................................................................... 12

Tables

Table 1: Requirements in the AmeriCorps Regulations ................................................................................4

Table 2: Match Requirements in the AmeriCorps Regulations.....................................................................9

ATTACHMENTS

These attachments are w orksheets only. All information must be entered in eGrants. 

A. Performance Measure Instructions (eGrants Performance Measures Section)....................................15

B. Detailed Budget Instructions for Cost Reimbursement Grants .............................................................18

C. Budget Worksheet .....................................................................................................................................24

D. Detailed Budget Instructions for Fixed Amount Grants.........................................................................28

E. Fixed-Amount Budget Worksheet ...........................................................................................................30

F. Budget Checklist........................................................................................................................................31

G. Alternative Match and Match Waiver Request Instructions ...................................................................33

H. Beale Codes and County-Level Economic Data .....................................................................................34
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APPLICATION RESOURCES

Please use these application instructions if you are a new or recompeting applicant to AmeriCorps. 

If you are submitting a request for continuation to AmeriCorps, please see the Continuation 

Instructions in this document.

Use these instructions in conjunction with the Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity (Notice) and the 

AmeriCorps Regulations, 45 CFR §§ 2520–2550. The Notice includes deadlines, eligibility 

requirements, submission requirements, maximum amount of funding per Member Service Year 

(MSY),1 and other information that is specific to the grant competition. 

The AmeriCorps regulations include pertinent information (see Table 1, below). The Notice can be 

found on website. 

The full regulations are available online at: 

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR

Table 1: Requirements in the AmeriCorps Regulations

Topics Citation in the AmeriCorps Regulations

Member Service Activities §2520.20 - §2520.55

Prohibited Activities §2520.65

Tutoring Programs §2522.900-2522.950

Matching Funds §2521.35-2521.90

Member Benefits §2522.240-2522.250

Calculating Cost Per Member Service Year (MSY) §2522.485

Performance Measures §2522.500-2522.650

Evaluation §2522.500-2522.540 and §2522.700-

2522.740 

Selection Criteria and Selection Process §2522.400-2522.475

If there is any inconsistency between the AmeriCorps Regulations, the Notice, and the Application 

Instructions, the order of precedence is as follows:

1. AmeriCorps Regulations 45 CFR §§ 2520–2550 take precedence over the

2. Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity/Notice of Federal Funding Availability, which takes 

precedence over the

3. Application Instructions.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION IN EGRANTS

New and Recompeting Applicants 

New applicants need to establish an eGrants account by accessing the eGrants website: 

https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.jsp and selecting “Don’t have an eGrants account? Create an 

account.”

In eGrants, before Starting Section I, you will need to:

• Start a new Grant Application

1 One Member Service Year (MSY) is equivalent to at least 1700 service hours, which is a full-time 

AmeriCorps position. The CNCS cost per MSY is determined by dividing the CNCS share of budgeted 

grant costs by the number of MSYs requested in the application. It does not include childcare or the 

cost of the education award.
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• Select a Program Area (AmeriCorps)

• Select the correct NOFA that corresponds to your application type and year specified on the 

Notice (see the Notice for a listing)

Your application consists of the following components. Make sure to complete each section.

I. Applicant Info 

II. Application Info

III. Narratives

IV. Logic Model

V. Performance Measures

VI. Program Information

VII. Documents

VIII. Budget

IX. Funding/Demographics 

X. Review 

XI. Authorize, and Submit

I. Applicant Info

Information entered in the Applicant Info, Application Info, and Budget sections will populate the SF 

424 Facesheet. If you can only submit your application in hard copy, please follow the 

instructions in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. 

• If you are recompeting (in the final year of a competitive funding cycle and applying for a new 

grant cycle), select Continuation/Renewal.

• If you are not a current grantee but have received a competitive AmeriCorps grant in the past five 

years, select Continuation/Renewal.

• If you are applying for the first time, have only received formula funding in the past, or are a former 

grantee (non-formula) whose last AmeriCorps grant was received more than five years ago, select 

New. (Note: previous competitive funding history for the same project, even if more than 

five years ago, may still affect some application requirements; see the Notice of Funding 

Opportunity for more details)

• If you are a current planning grantee applying for an implementation grant, select New.

Enter or update the requested information in the fields that appear. The contact person needs to 

be the person who can answer questions about the application.

II. Application Info

In the Application Info Section enter:

• Areas affected by your proposed program. Please include the two-letter abbreviation with both 

letters capitalized for each state where you plan to operate. Separate each two-letter state 

abbreviation with a comma. For city or county information, please follow each one with the twoletter capitalized state abbreviation.

• Requested project period start and end dates. The length of the project period is specified in the 

Notice. 

• The Application is Subject to Review by State Executive Order 12372 Process: This is pre-filled as 

“No, this is not applicable.” 

• Indicate Yes or No if you are delinquent on any federal debt. If Yes, provide an explanation. 

• State Application Identifier: Enter N/A.
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III. Narratives

The narrative section of the application is your opportunity to convince reviewers that your project 

meets the selection criteria as outlined in the Notice. Below are some general recommendations to 

help you present your project in a way the reviewers will find compelling and persuasive.

• Lead from your program strengths and be explicit. Do not make the mistake of trying to 

stretch your proposed program description to fit funding priorities and special 

considerations articulated in the regulations or the Notice. 

• Be clear and succinct. Do not use jargon, boilerplate, rhetoric, or exaggeration. Describe 

clearly what you intend to do and how your project responds to the selection criteria. 

• Avoid circular reasoning. The problem you describe should not be defined as the lack of 

the solution you are proposing.

• Explain how. Avoid simply stating that the criteria will be met. Explicitly describe how the 

proposed project will meet the criteria.

• Don’t make assumptions. Even if you have received funding from AmeriCorps in the past, 

do not assume your reviewers know anything about you, your proposed program, your 

partners, or your beneficiaries. Avoid overuse of acronyms.

• Use an impartial proofreader. Before you submit your application, let someone who is 

completely unfamiliar with your project read and critique the project narrative.

• Follow the instructions and discuss each criterion in the order they are presented in 

the instructions. Use headings to differentiate narrative sections by criterion.

In eGrants, you will enter text for 

• Executive Summary

• Rationale and Approach (Program Design) 

• Organizational Capability 

• Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy 

Note: The Narratives Section also includes fields for Evaluation Summary or Plan, Clarification 

Summary, Amendment Justification, and Continuation Changes. Please enter N/A in these fields.

The latter three fields may be used at a later date to enter information for clarification following 

review, to request amendments once a grant is awarded, and to enter changes in the narrative 

in continuation requests. 

Reviewers will assess your application against the selection criteria. To best respond to the criteria 

listed in the Notice and Application Instructions, we suggest that you include a brief discussion of each 

bullet if it pertains to your application.

A. Executive Summary

Please complete the executive summary per the instructions in the Notice. 

B. Selection Criteria

Each application must clearly describe a project that will effectively deploy AmeriCorps members to 

solve a significant community problem. Specifics about the selection criteria are published in the 

Notice.

1. Program Design (50 percent)

In assessing Rationale and Approach/Program Design, reviewers will examine the degree to which the 

applicant demonstrates how AmeriCorps members and the proposed intervention are particularly 

well-suited to addressing the identified community problem. 
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2. Organizational Capability (25 percent)

Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant demonstrates organizational background and 

staffing and structures, including compliance and accountability, to support the proposed program. 

3. Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (25 percent)

In assessing Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, reviewers will examine the degree to which the 

budget is cost effective and appropriate for the program being proposed. 

C. Evaluation Summary or Plan 

Enter N/A. If you have previously received three or more years of competitive funding for the same 

project proposed in your application (see the Mandatory Supplemental Information for the 

AmeriCorps definition of “same project”), you must submit an evaluation plan as an attachment. Please 

use the evaluation plan template available on the Notice webpage. 

D. Amendment Justification

Enter N/A. This field will be used if you are awarded a grant and need to amend it. 

E. Clarification Information

Enter N/A. This field may be used to enter information that requires clarification in the post-notification

period. Please clearly label new information added during clarification with the date.

F. Continuation Changes

Enter N/A. This field will be used to enter changes in your narratives in your continuation requests. 

IV. Logic Model

Complete the logic model using the instructions provided in the Notice. 

To begin entering your logic model from your eGrants application page, select “Logic Model” in the 

left side navigation menu.

In the first blank row of the logic model, click “edit.” Clicking this link will open a pop-up screen with 

fields for each column of the logic model. Complete any fields that are applicable; there are no 

required fields in this screen. When you are finished, click “save and close.”

You may add an unlimited number of rows to the logic model by clicking “add a new row.” However, 

please be mindful of any page limits specified elsewhere in the Application Instructions or Notice.

You may edit or delete an existing row by clicking “edit” or “delete” in the last column of the logic 

model. 

V. Performance Measures

All applicants must submit performance measures with their application. See Attachments for 

instructions for entering performance measures, and see the Performance Measure Instructions for 

details about the number and type of performance measures required. 

VI. Program Information

In the Program Information Section, applicants must check the relevant boxes that align with the 

proposed program design. Applicants should only check the boxes for those characteristics that 

represent a significant part of the program. 

AmeriCorps Funding Priorities
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Check any priority area(s) that apply to the proposed program. Only select priorities that represent a 

significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes. 

Grant Characteristics

Check any grant characteristics that are a significant part of the proposed program.

VII. Documents

In addition to the application submitted in eGrants, you are required to provide your evaluation, labor 

union concurrence (if necessary – see B., below), other required documents listed in the Notice (if 

applicable), and an explanation of federal debt delinquency (if applicable) as part of your application. 

After you have submitted the documents via the instructions in the Notice, change the status in eGrants 

from the default “Not Sent” to the applicable status “Sent,” “Not Applicable,” or “Already on File at 

AmeriCorps.” 

A. Evaluation

Submit any completed report as described in F., below. Select Evaluation, and select “Sent” once you 

have submitted a completed evaluation report. If an evaluation is required, you must submit a copy at 

the time of application even if AmeriCorps may already have it on file.

B. Labor Union Concurrence

1) If a program applicant— 

a) Proposes to serve as the placement site for AmeriCorps members; and

b) Has employees engaged in the same or substantially similar work as that proposed to be 

carried out by AmeriCorps members; and

c) Those employees are represented by a local labor organization

--then the application must include the written concurrence of the local labor organization 

representing those employees. Written concurrence can be in the form of a letter or e-mail 

from the local union leadership.

2) If a program applicant:

a) Proposes to place AmeriCorps members at sites where they will be engaged in the same 

or substantially similar work as employees represented by a local labor organization, then 

the applicant must submit a written description of how it will ensure that:

i) They will not place AmeriCorps members in positions that were recently occupied by 

paid staff. 

ii) They will not place any AmeriCorps member into a position for which a recently 

resigned or discharged employee has recall rights as a result of a collective bargaining 

agreement, from which a recently resigned or discharged employee was removed as a 

result of a reduction in force, or from which a recently resigned/discharged employee 

is on leave or strike. 

For the purposes of this section, “program applicant” includes any applicant to AmeriCorps or a State 

Commission, as well as any entity applying for assistance or approved national service positions 

through an AmeriCorps grantee or subgrantee.

C. Federally Approved Indirect Cost Agreement

Applicants applying directly to AmeriCorps that include a federally approved indirect cost rate amount 

in their budget must enter the current approved indirect cost rate agreement information into eGrants

at the same time they submit their application. See AmeriCorps eGrants Indirect Cost Rate (IDCR) User 

Instructions. 

D. Other Documents
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Provide other required documents listed in the Notice (if applicable) via the email listed in the Notice

as part of your application. For example: Evaluations, Labor Union Concurrence, Other Required 

Documents, and Explanation of Federal Debt Delinquency, as applicable. 

E. Delinquent on Federal Debt

Any applicant who checks Yes to the question on federal debt delinquency must submit a complete 

explanation to AdditionalDocuments@cns.gov at the same time they submit their application.

VIII. Budget Instructions

For Fixed Amount grants, including EAPs: Use the Budget Instructions for Fixed Amount 

applicants (Attachment) and the Budget Worksheet (Attachment) to prepare your budget. 

A. Match Requirements

Program requirements, including requirements on match, are located in the AmeriCorps Regulations 

and summarized below. 

Table 2: Match Requirements in the AmeriCorps Regulations

Grant Type Match Requirement

Cost Reimbursement including 

States and Territories without 

Commissions, Native Nations. 

(Note: Public Health AmeriCorps 

grantees are exempt from the 

match requirements)

Minimum grantee share is 24% of program costs for the first 

three years. Overall grantee share of total program costs 

increases gradually beginning in year four to 50% by the 

tenth year of funding and any year thereafter.

EAP Fixed Amount Grants There are no specific match requirements for fixed amount 

grants. Grantees pay all program costs over the cost in the 

Notice provided by AmeriCorps.

Professional Corps Fixed Amount 

Grants

There are no specific match requirements for fixed amount 

grants. Grantees pay all program costs over the cost in the 

Notice provided by AmeriCorps.

Stipended Fixed Amount Grants There are no specific match requirements for full-cost fixed 

amount grants. Grantees pay all program costs over the 

maximum cost in the Notice provided by AmeriCorps.

• Grantees are required to meet an overall matching rate that increases over time. You have the 

flexibility to meet the overall match requirements in any of the three budget areas, as long as you 

maintain the minimum match of 24% for the first three years and the increasing minimums in years 

thereafter. See 45 CFR §§ 2521.35–2521.90 for the specific regulations.

• If you are applying for the first time, you must match with cash or in-kind contributions at least 24% 

of the project’s total Operating Costs (Section I) plus Member Costs (Section II) plus Administrative 

Costs (Section III). If you are recompeting, please see 45 CFR §§ 2521.40-2521.95 for the match 

schedule. 

• The acceptable sources of matching funds are federal, state, local, and/or private sector funds in 

accordance with applicable AmeriCorps requirements. 

• In the “Source of Funds” field that appears at the end of Budget Section III, enter a brief description 

of the match. Identify each match source separately. Identify if the match is secured or proposed. 

Include dollar amount, the match classification (cash or in-kind), and the source type (Private, 

State/Local, or Federal) for your entire match. (The total amount in the Source of Funds field 

should match the total amount in the budget narrative exactly.) Define all acronyms the first time 
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they are used. See Attachment G for instructions for applying for the Alternative Match Schedule

and/or a match waiver. 

Note: AmeriCorps legislation permits the use of non-AmeriCorps federal funds as match for the 

grantee share of the budget. Please discuss your intention of using federal funds to match an 

AmeriCorps grant with the other agency prior to submitting your application. Section 121(e)(5) of the 

National Community Service Act requires that grantees who use other federal funds as match for an 

AmeriCorps grant report the amount and source of these funds to AmeriCorps. If you use other federal 

funds as match, you must ensure you can meet the requirements and purpose of both grants. Grantees 

who use federal funds as match will be required to report the sources and amounts on the Federal 

Financial Report (FFR). 

B. Preparing Your Budget

Your proposed budget should be sufficient to allow you to perform the tasks described in your 

narrative. Reviewers will consider the information you provide in this section in their assessment of the 

Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy selection criterion. 

Follow the detailed budget instructions in the Attachments to prepare your budget. We recommend 

that you prepare your budget in the same order as indicated in the Budget Worksheets in the 

Attachments. 

As you enter your detailed budget information, eGrants will automatically populate a budget summary 

and budget narrative report. Prior to submission be sure to review the budget checklist (Attachment) 

to ensure your budget is compliant. In addition, eGrants will perform a limited compliance check to 

validate the budget. If eGrants finds any compliance issues, you will receive a warning and/or error 

messages. You must resolve all errors before you can submit your budget.

As you prepare your budget:

• All the amounts you request must be defined for a particular purpose. Do not include 

miscellaneous, contingency, or other undefined budget amounts.

• Itemize each cost and present the basis for all calculations in the form of an equation.

• Do not include unallowable expenses, e.g. entertainment costs (which include food and beverage 

costs), unless they are justified as an essential component of an activity.

• Do not include fractional amounts (cents).

• Please add the costs associated with the National Service Criminal History Checks. These 

include the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), state check, and FBI check for 

criminal history checks for each covered position in the budget. If funds are not budgeted, 

you must note in the budget an explanation for how you will cover the costs.

Programs must comply with all applicable federal laws, regulations, and the requirements of the 

Uniform Guidance. Please refer to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 

Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200) for allowable, allocable, and reasonable cost 

information, as well as audit requirements, including the need to provide audits to the Clearinghouse if 

expending over $750,000 in federal funds. The Uniform Guidance is online. 

IX. Funding/Demographics

In the Funding/Demographics Section, enter the information requested which could include:

• Other Revenue funds. Enter the amount of funds that your program uses to run the program that 

are not identified on the application budget as CNCS share or grantee share (match). Note: 

Programs should not enter the total operating budget for their organization unless the entire 

operating budget supports the AmeriCorps program. Programs that have additional revenue 

sources not included in the matching funds section of the budget should provide the amount of 

this additional revenue that supports the program. This amount should not include the CNCS or 
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grantee share amounts in the budget. Fixed amount grantees should enter all non-CNCS funds 

that support the program in this field. All fixed amount grants will have other revenue.

• Number of Volunteers Generated by AmeriCorps members. Please enter the number of volunteers 

participating in one-day service projects or ongoing volunteer commitments that the proposed 

AmeriCorps members will generate.

X. Operating Sites (for multi-state applicants only)

In the Multi-State Operating Section (for applicants that are operating in more than one state):

• Please fill in the following information for your operating sites: organization name, address, city, 

state, zip code + 0000 (eGrants will correct the last four digits to the correct numbers), proposed 

amount of funding going to the operating site (if applicable), and number of proposed 

AmeriCorps members who will be located at the site.

XI. Review, Authorize, and Submit

Applicants must submit common federal government-wide Representations and Certifications through 

SAM.gov. Entities creating new registrations in SAM.gov and existing entities completing their annual 

registration renewals in SAM.gov are required to review financial assistance representations and 

certifications before their registration can be activated. As entities renew and re-register their 

accounts, the data collected make SAM.gov the federal repository for the government-wide 

information.

eGrants requires that you review and verify your entire application before submitting, by completing 

the following sections in eGrants:

• Review

• Authorize

• Assurances

• Certifications

• Verify

• Submit

Read the Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications carefully. The person who authorizes the 

application must be the applicant’s Authorized Representative or their designee and must have an 

active eGrants account to sign these documents electronically. An Authorized Representative is the 

person in your organization authorized to accept and commit funds on behalf of the organization. You 

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

the applicant’s office.

Be sure to check your entire application to ensure that there are no errors before submitting it. When 

you verify the application, eGrants will also generate a list of errors if there are sections that need to be 

corrected prior to submission. If someone else is acting in the role of the applicant’s Authorized 

Representative, that person must log into their eGrants account and proceed with Authorize and 

Submit. After signing off on the Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications, their name will override 

any previous signatory who may appear and show on the application as the Authorized 

Representative.

 

Note: Anyone within your organization w ho will be entering information in the application at 

any point during application preparation and submission in the eGrants system must have their 

ow n eGrants account. Individuals may establish an eGrants account by accessing the eGrants 

webpage and selecting “Don’t have an eGrants account? Create an account.”
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CONTINUATION REQUESTS

The following instructions for submitting a continuation request apply only to programs that are 

currently in their first or second year of operation within a grant cycle. If your program is currently in 

the final year of its grant cycle, you must apply using the application instructions for new and 

recompeting programs. In addition, if you are in year two or three of a cost reimbursement grant cycle, 

you must submit a “new” application to participate as a fixed amount grant; you cannot continue your 

existing project and switch from cost reimbursement to fixed amount. AmeriCorps reserves the right to 

consider your continuation request if your fixed amount application is not funded.

When to Submit Your Continuation Request:

See the Notice for application deadlines.

How to Submit Your Continuation Request: 

• Click Continuation/Renewal on your eGrants home page. eGrants will show a list of grants that 

are eligible for continuation. Select the grant you wish to continue. Make sure you select the 

correct one. Do not start a new application. The system will copy your most recently awarded 

application. 

• Edit your continuation application as directed in the continuation request instructions below. When 

you have completed your work, click the SUBMIT button. 

Be sure you also review the Notice when preparing your request. If you have questions about the 

content of your continuation request, please contact your Portfolio Manager. 

What to Include in Your Continuation Request:

I. Applicant Info and Application Info 

Update the Applicant Info and Application Info Sections in eGrants if necessary. Note in the 

Continuation Changes field that you have updated the Applicant Info or Application Info Section(s). 

II. Narrative (Narratives Section)

Your original application will appear in the Executive Summary and in the narrative sections Rationale 

and Approach/Program Design, Organizational Capability, Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, 

Evaluation Summary or Plan, Amendment Justification, Clarification Information, and Continuation 

Changes, as appropriate. Do not modify these original narrative fields. 

AmeriCorps expects that programs will maintain a consistent program design for the duration of the 

three-year project period; however, we recognize that, on occasion, some programmatic changes are 

necessary. As a result, continuation applicants may request the changes listed below during the 

continuation process. 

Information should be provided in the Continuation Changes narrative field as relevant. 

• Changes in Operating Sites

• Significant Changes in Program Scope or Design

• Changes to Performance Measures

• Significant Changes to Monitoring Structures or Staffing 

• Budget revisions (detail provided in section VI). 

The page limit for the Continuation Changes field is six pages as the pages print out from eGrants.

Any continuation applicant not requesting changes that fit within the above categories should 

enter “N/A” in Continuation Changes. AmeriCorps expects that most continuation applications 

will not be requesting changes. 
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Evaluation plans are approved by AmeriCorps when applicants re-compete for funding. If you wish to 

make changes to your evaluation plan, do NOT change the text of the Evaluation Summary or Plan 

field in your application. Instead, send a revised version of the evaluation plan (with the proposed 

changes in track-changes mode) as an attachment to EvaluationPlans@cns.gov. AmeriCorps will notify 

you if it approves the changes.

III. Logic Model

Continuation applicants do not need to enter content into these fields. 

IV. Performance Measures (Performance Measures Section)

Your performance measures are copied from your previous year’s application into your continuation 

request. If you made changes to your program, such as adding or changing grant-funded activities, or 

requesting additional slots or MSYs, you may need to revise your performance measures. Continuation 

applicants whose measures do not align with the current-year Performance Measure Instructions must 

also revise their measures to conform with the current instructions. To revise performance measures, 

“View/Edit” the performance measures that copy over from your original application or add new 

performance measures (see Attachments). Note in the Continuation Changes field that you have 

updated your performance measures. If you are proposing to significantly increase or decrease output 

or outcome targets for existing performance measures, provide a justification for this change.

V. Program Information

In the Program Information Section, review and make selections as appropriate. Applicants should 

only select priorities and characteristics that represent a significant part of the program. 

AmeriCorps Funding Priorities

Check any priority area(s) that apply to the proposed program. Only select Priorities that represent a 

significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes. 

Grant Characteristics

Check any grant characteristics that are a significant part of the proposed program.

VI. Budget (Budget Section)

Your budget from the previous year’s application is copied into your continuation request so you can 

make the necessary adjustments. Revise your detailed budget for the upcoming year. Incorporate any 

required AmeriCorps increases, such as an increase to the member living allowance, into your budget. 

Continuation applicants may apply for expansions. Expansions are increases in dollars, MSY, 

and/or members. Expansion requests may not exceed the cost/MSY threshold in the Notice.

Source of Funds (Match)

In the “Source of Funds” field that appears at the end of Budget Section III, enter a brief description of 

the match. Identify each match source separately. Identify if the match is secured or proposed. Include 

dollar amount, the match classification (cash or in-kind), and the source type (Private, State/Local, or 

Federal) for your entire match. (The total amount in the Source of Funds field should match the total 

amount in the budget narrative exactly.) Define all acronyms the first time they are used. 

Carry Forward Funding

AmeriCorps will allow you to use prior year unexpended grant funds for continuation competitive 

grants to enhance program activities, which is often referred to as carry forward. AmeriCorps will allow 
14

you to carry forward unexpended competitive funds to support the next program year. Funds may only 

be carried forward if the prime grant is a continuation grant in the next program year; we cannot 

transfer funds to a new or recompete grant. 

State commission grantees are permitted to carry forward funding at the program level, not at the 

prime level. Unexpended information will be collected at the prime level; however, the expectation is 

that the awarded funds will stay with the designated sub. Carry forward information will be collected, 

as applicable, for cost reimbursement and fixed amount grants. Unexpended funds cannot be 

transferred between grant types.

To help determine the level of unexpended funds you can carry forward into the next program year, 

submit a completed unexpended funds worksheet electronically to provide the estimated amount of 

unexpended funds you will have by the end of previous for any competitive grants that will carry 

forward funds. The unexpended worksheet is on the AmeriCorps Manage your grant webpage. You 

will include the amount of carry forward in your application budget. 

Fully Funded Grantees

Fully funded grantees, previously known as multi-year funded grantees, are grantees that received 

program year two and/or program year three funds in a previous grant year. Fully funded grantees 

may request up to the dollar and MSY amounts they were granted for the continuation year for which 

they are applying. Fully funded grantees may not request funds or MSYs in excess of the amounts they 

were awarded for each year (year two or year three) of their fully funded grants.

VII. Increasing Grantee Overall Share of Total Budgeted Costs

AmeriCorps requires grantees to meet an overall matching rate that increases over time. You have the 

flexibility to meet the overall match requirements in any of the three budget areas, as long as you 

maintain the minimum match of 24% for the first three years and the increasing minimums in years 

thereafter. See 45 CFR §§ 2521.35–2521.90 for the specific regulations.

See Attachment G for instructions for applying for the Alternative Match Schedule and/or a match 

waiver. 

In the Funding/Demographics Section, enter the requested information:

• Other Revenue funds. Enter the amount of funds that your program uses to run the program that 

are not CNCS share or match.

• Number of Volunteers Generated by AmeriCorps members. Please enter the number of volunteers 

participating in one-day service projects or ongoing volunteer commitments that the proposed 

AmeriCorps members will generate.

VIII. Operating Sites (for multi-state applicants only)

In the Multi-State Operating Section (for applicants who are operating in more than one state):

• Make any changes to operating sites being requested as part of Continuation Changes. 

IX. Review, Authorize, and Submit

Applicants must submit common federal government-wide Representations and Certifications through 

SAM.gov. Entities creating new registrations in SAM.gov and existing entities completing their annual 

registration renewals in SAM.gov are required to review financial assistance representations and 

certifications before their registration can be activated. As entities renew and re-register their 

accounts, the data collected make SAM.gov the federal repository for the government-wide 

information.
15

eGrants requires that you review and verify your entire application before submitting, by completing 

the following sections in eGrants:

• Review

• Authorize

• Assurances

• Certifications

• Verify

• Submit

Read the Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications carefully. The person who authorizes the 

application must be the applicant’s Authorized Representative or their designee and must have an 

active eGrants account to sign these documents electronically. An Authorized Representative is the 

person in your organization authorized to accept and commit funds on behalf of the organization. You 

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

the applicant’s office.

Be sure to check your entire application prior to submission to ensure that there are no errors. When 

you verify the application, eGrants will also generate a list of errors if there are sections that you need 

to correct prior to submission. If someone else is acting in the role of the applicant’s Authorized 

Representative, that person must log into their eGrants account and proceed with Authorize and 

Submit. After signing off on the Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications, their name will override 

any previous signatory that may appear and show on the application as the Authorized Representative.

 

Note: Anyone within your organization who will be entering information in the application at 

any point during application preparation and submission in the eGrants system must have their 

ow n eGrants account. Individuals may establish an eGrants account by accessing the eGrants website

and selecting “Don’t have an eGrants account? Create an account.”
16

ATTACHMENT A: Performance Measures Instructions 

(eGrants Performance Measures Section) 

eGrants Performance Measures Module Instructions

About the Performance Measures Module

In the performance measures module, you will:

• Provide information about your program’s connection to AmeriCorps focus areas and 

objectives.

• Show MSY and member allocations.

• Create the required performance measure(s) as specified in the Performance Measure 

Instructions

• Set targets and describe data collection instruments and strategies for your performance 

measures.

Home Page

To start the module, click the “Begin” button on the Home Page. 

As you proceed through the module, the Home Page will summarize your work and provide links to 

edit the parts of the module you have completed. You may also navigate sections of the module using 

the tab feature at the top of each page. Do not use the back and forward buttons on your internet 

browser.

Once you have started the module, click “Continue Working” to return to the tab you were on when 

you last closed the module. 

To edit the interventions, objectives, MSY, and member allocations for your application, click the “Edit 

Objectives/MSYs/Members” button. 

After you have created at least one performance measure, the Home Page will display a chart 

summarizing your measures. To edit a performance measure, click the “Edit” button. To delete a 

measure, click “Delete.” To create a new performance measure, click the “Add New Performance 

Measure” button.

Objectives Tab

On the Objectives tab, applicants will account for the full range of their program activity. Applicants 

are not expected to create performance measures for every focus area, objective, or intervention they 

select on this tab. 

An expandable list of AmeriCorps focus areas appears on this tab. When you click on a focus area, a 

list of objectives appears. A list of common interventions appears under each objective. 

First click on a focus area. Then click on an objective. Only the performance measures that correspond 

to the objectives you select on this tab will be available for selection as you continue through this 

module. To see which performance measures correspond to which objective, refer to the Performance 

Measure Instructions. 

Next, select all interventions that are part of your program design. Interventions are the activities that 

members and/or volunteers will carry out to address the problem(s) identified in the application. Select 

“other” if one of your program’s interventions does not appear on the list. Repeat these actions for 

each of your program’s focus areas. Select “other” for your focus area and/or objective if your program 

activities do not fall within one of the AmeriCorps focus areas or objectives. 
17

Choose your program’s primary focus area from the drop-down list. Only the focus areas that 

correspond to the objectives you selected above appear in the list. Next, select the primary 

intervention within your primary focus area. You will be required to create an aligned performance 

measure (output paired with outcome) that contains your primary intervention. Note that your primary 

intervention and the performance measure associated with your primary intervention must be focused 

on the community impact of the program, not on AmeriCorps member development.

You may select a secondary focus area and a secondary intervention. The primary and secondary focus 

areas may be the same if you have more than one intervention within the focus areas.

MSYs/Members Tab

On this tab, you will enter information about the allocation of MSYs and members across the focus 

areas and objectives you have selected. You must allocate 100% of your program’s MSYs to focus 

areas and objectives. When you create your performance measures, you will be asked to allocate MSYs 

to each performance measure; however, you will not be required to assign 100% of your total MSYs to 

performance measures.

Begin by entering the total MSYs for your program. This must match the total MSYs in your budget. 

Please double-check your budget to make sure that the total MSY values match.

Next, enter the number of MSYs your program will allocate to each objective. Only the objectives that 

were selected on the previous tab appear in the MSY chart. If some of your program’s objectives are 

not represented in the chart, return to the previous tab and select additional objectives. The MSY chart 

must show how all your program’s resources are allocated. If the only activity in an objective that you 

have selected is focused on AmeriCorps member development rather than beneficiary impact, enter 0 

MSYs for that objective. 

As you enter MSYs into the MSY column of the chart, the corresponding percentage of MSYs will 

calculate automatically. When you have finished entering your MSYs, the total percentage of MSYs in 

the chart must be 100%. The total number of MSYs in the chart must equal the number of MSYs in your 

budget.

In the members column, enter the number of members you will assign to each objective. Some 

members may perform services across more than one objective. If this is the case, allocate these 

members to all applicable objectives. For example, if one member performs service in both school 

readiness and K-12 success, allocate one member to each of these objectives. It is acceptable for the 

total number of members in this table to exceed total slots requested in the application due to 

counting members’ service across multiple objectives. If the only activity in an objective that you have 

selected is focused on AmeriCorps member development rather than beneficiary impact, enter 0 

members for that objective. 

To ensure that information is entered accurately, please refer to additional instructions in Appendix A 

of the Performance Measure Instructions on calculating and entering MSY and member allocations.

Performance Measure Tab

This tab allows you to create performance measures for all the grant activities you intend to measure. 

Begin by creating the aligned performance measure for your primary intervention. After creating your 

required performance measure, you will be able to create additional performance measures if desired.

To create a performance measure, begin by selecting an objective. The list of objectives includes those 

you selected on the Objectives tab. Note that programs may not create performance measures for the 
18

Find Opportunity, Teacher Corps, Green Jobs, or Access & Attract objectives since these are memberfocused objectives. Member-focused outputs and outcomes related to these objectives may be 

reported as Performance Data Elements on grantee progress reports.

Provide a short, descriptive title for your performance measure.

Briefly describe the problem your program will address in this performance measure.

Select the intervention(s) to be delivered by members and/or member-supported volunteers. The list 

of interventions includes the ones you selected previously for this objective. Select only the 

interventions that will lead to the outputs (plus outcomes, if applicable) of the performance measure 

and that are applicable to all beneficiaries counted under the measure. If you selected “other” as an 

intervention and wish to include an applicant-determined intervention in your aligned performance 

measure, click “add user intervention” and enter a one or two word description of the intervention. Do 

not add an applicant-determined intervention that duplicates an intervention already available in the 

system.

Select output(s) for your performance measure. The output list includes only the National Performance 

Measure outputs that correspond to the objectives you have selected. If you do not wish to select 

National Performance Measures and if the objective you have selected permits applicant-determined 

outputs, you may create an applicant-determined output by clicking in the checkbox next to the empty 

output text box and entering the text of your output indicator. You may create additional applicantdetermined outputs for the performance measure by clicking “Add User Output.” (Note: you are not 

permitted to create an applicant-determined output that duplicates a National Performance Measure 

output. If you do not see the National Performance Measure output that you wish to use, check the 

Selection Rules in the Performance Measure Instructions to make sure you selected the correct 

objective associated with that National Performance Measure output.)

Select outcome(s). If you have selected a National Performance Measures output that has 

corresponding National Performance Measures outcome(s), these outcomes will be available to select. 

If you do not wish to select a National Performance Measure outcome, you may create an applicantdetermined outcome by clicking in the checkbox next to the empty outcome text box and entering the 

text of your outcome indicator. If you do not wish to select any outcome for your National Performance 

Measure output, click in the checkbox next to the empty outcome text box and enter “NA” in the 

outcome indicator text box. 

If you have not selected a National Performance Measure output or if there is no corresponding 

National Performance Measure outcome, create an applicant-determined outcome by clicking “Add 

User Outcome.” All applicant-determined outputs must be paired with an applicant-determined 

outcome.

Enter the number of MSYs and members your program will allocate to achieving the outcomes and/or 

outputs you have selected in this performance measure. Since programs are not required to measure 

all grant activities, the number you enter does not have to correspond to the MSY chart you created on 

the MSY/Members tab; however, the total number of MSYs across all performance measures within a 

single objective cannot exceed the total number of MSYs previously allocated to that objective. 

Members may be double-counted across performance measures, but MSYs may not. 

Click “next” to proceed to the data collection tab. Later you can return to this tab to create additional 

performance measures.

Data Collection Tab
19

On this tab, you will provide additional information about your interventions, instruments, and plan for 

data collection. 

Describe the design and dosage (frequency, intensity, duration) of the interventions you have selected. 

Frequency refers to how often an intervention occurs (for example, number of sessions per week),

intensity refers to the length of time devoted to the intervention (for example, number of minutes per 

session), and duration refers to the period of time over which the intervention occurs (for example, 

how many total weeks of sessions).

Expand each output and outcome and enter data collection information.

Select the data collection method you will use to measure the output or outcome. To select more than 

one method, click the “Add new method” button. To de-select a method, click the first (blank) line in 

the method drop-down.

Describe the specific instrument(s) you will use to measure the output or outcome. Include the title of 

the instrument(s), a brief description of what it measures and how you will administer the instrument, 

and details about its reliability and validity if applicable. For outcomes, specify how much 

improvement in knowledge, attitude, behavior or condition is required to be counted as having 

improved and clearly explain how the instrument measures this.

Enter the target number for your output or outcome. Targets must be numbers, not percentages.

For applicant-determined outputs and outcomes, enter the unit of measure for your target. The unit of 

measure should describe the beneficiary population you intend to count (children, miles, etc.). Do not 

enter percentages or member service hours as units of measure. In most cases, the unit of measure 

should be the same for the outputs and outcomes in an aligned performance measure.

For output-only performance measures, eGrants will require text in the outcome data collection fields. 

If you do not wish to have an outcome for your National Performance Measure output, enter the 

following:

• Method: Select “other”

• Instrument Description: Enter “NA”

• Target: Enter “1”

• Unit of Measure: Enter “NA”

After entering data collection information for all outputs and outcomes, click “Mark Complete.” You 

will return to the Performance Measure tab. If you wish to create another performance measure, repeat 

the process. If you would like to continue to the next step of the module, click “Next.”

Summary Tab

The Summary tab shows all of the information you have entered in the module.

To print a summary of all performance measures, click “Print PDF for all Performance Measures.”

To print one performance measure, expand the measure and click “Print This Measure.”

Click “Edit Performance Measure” to return to the Performance Measure tab.

Click “Edit Data Collection” to return to the Data Collection tab.
20

Click “Validate Performance Measures” to validate this module prior to submitting your application. 

You should also use the Performance Measures Checklist in Appendix B of the Performance Measure 

Instructions to self-assess your measure(s) prior to submission.
21

ATTACHMENT B: Detailed Budget Instructions for Cost Reimbursement Grants (eGrants Budget 

Section)

Fixed Amount Grants refer to Attachment D.

Section I. Program Operating Costs

Complete Section I, Program Operating Costs, of the Budget Worksheet by entering the “Total 

Amount column in the budget,” “CNCS Share column in the budget,” and “Grantee Share column in 

the budget” for Parts A–I, for year one of the grant, as follows below. CNCS = AmeriCorps

A. Personnel Expenses 

Under “Position/Title Description,” list each staff position separately and provide salary and 

percentage of effort as percentage of FTE devoted to this award. Each staff person’s role listed in the 

budget must be described in the application narrative and each staff person mentioned in the 

narrative must be listed in the budget as either CNCS or Grantee share. Because the purpose of this 

grant is to enable and stimulate volunteer community service, do not include the value of direct 

community service performed by volunteers. However, you may include the value of volunteer services 

contributed to the organization for organizational functions such as accounting, audit work, or training 

of staff and AmeriCorps members.

B. Personnel Fringe Benefits

Under “Purpose/Description,” identify the types of fringe benefits you will cover and the costs of 

benefit(s) for each staff position. Allowable fringe benefits typically include Federal Insurance 

Contribution Act (FICA), Worker’s Compensation, Retirement, State Unemployment Tax Act (SUTA),

Health and Life Insurance, Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and 401K. You may provide a 

calculation for total benefits as a percentage of the salaries to which they apply or list each benefit as a 

separate item. If a fringe benefit amount is over 30%, please list covered items separately and justify 

the high cost. Holidays, leave, and other similar vacation benefits are not included in the fringe benefit 

rates but are absorbed into the personnel expenses (salary) budget line item. 

C. 1. Staff Travel

Describe the purpose for which program staff will travel. Provide a calculation that includes itemized 

costs for airfare, transportation, lodging, per diem, and other travel-related expenses multiplied by the 

number of trips/staff. Where applicable, identify the current standard reimbursement rate(s) of the 

organization for mileage, daily per diem, and similar supporting information. Reimbursement should 

not exceed the federal mileage rate (https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/transportation-airfare-povetc/privately-owned-vehicle-pov-mileage-reimbursement-rates) unless a result of applicant policy and 

justified in the budget narrative. Only domestic travel is allowable.

We expect all State Commissions and National Direct applicants to include funds in this line item 

for travel for staff and site staff to attend the AmeriCorps-sponsored annual Symposium. You 

should budget travel funds for at least one staff member, especially new staff, to attend the 

Symposium as well as Symposium pre-conference events (if applicable). This does not apply to 

subapplicants.

State Commission and National Direct applicants should also include funds in this line item for 

travel for staff and site staff to attend other technical assistance meetings as required. 

Please itemize the costs. For example: Two staff members will attend the annual AmeriCorps 

Symposium in Washington, DC. 

2 staff X $750 airfare + $50 ground transportation + (1 day) X $400 lodging + $35 per diem = $2,470 

for Annual AmeriCorps Symposium.
22

C. 2. Member Travel

Describe the purpose for which members will travel. Provide a calculation that includes itemized costs 

for airfare, transportation, lodging, per diem, and other related expenses for members to travel 

outside their service location or between sites. Costs associated with local travel, such as bus passes to 

local sites, mileage reimbursement for use of car, etc., should be included in this budget category. 

Where applicable, identify the current standard reimbursement rate(s) of the organization for mileage, 

daily per diem, and similar supporting information. 

D. Equipment

Equipment is defined as tangible, non-expendable personal property having a useful life of more than

one year AND an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit (including accessories, attachments, 

and modifications). You should enter any items that do not meet this definition in E. Supplies below. 

Purchases of equipment are limited to 10% of the total CNCS funds requested. If applicable, show the 

unit cost and number of units you are requesting. Provide a brief justification for the purchase of the 

equipment under Item/Purpose.

E. Supplies

AmeriCorps members must wear an AmeriCorps logo on a daily basis – preferably clothing with the 

AmeriCorps logo. The item with the AmeriCorps logo is a required budget expense. Please include 

the cost of the item with the AmeriCorps logo in your budget or explain how your program will be 

providing the item to AmeriCorps members without using grant funds. Grantees may add the 

AmeriCorps logo to their own local program uniform items using federal funds. Please note your 

program will be using the AmeriCorps logo in the budget description. 

Include the amount of funds to purchase consumable supplies and materials, including member 

service gear and equipment that does not fit the definition above. You must individually list any single 

item costing $1,000 or more. Except for safety equipment, grantees may only charge the cost of 

member service gear to the federal share if it includes the AmeriCorps logo. All safety gear may be 

charged to the federal share regardless of whether it includes the AmeriCorps logo. All other service 

gear must be purchased with non-CNCS funds. 

F. Contractual and Consultant Services

Include costs for consultants related to the project’s operations, except training or evaluation 

consultants, who will be listed in Sections G. and H., below. Itemize each contract or consultant and 

provide a brief justification of the need for each. The cost calculation should provide a basis for 

determining the cost, such as a daily or hourly rate. Note that there is no maximum daily rate.

G. 1. Staff Training

Include the costs associated with training staff on project requirements and training to enhance the 

skills staff need for effective project implementation, i.e., project or financial management, team 

building, etc. If using a consultant(s) for training, indicate the estimated daily rate. There is not a 

maximum daily rate.

G. 2. Member Training

Include the costs associated with member training to support them in carrying out their service 

activities. You may also use this section to request funds to support training in Life after AmeriCorps. If 

using a consultant(s) for training, indicate the estimated daily rate. There is not a maximum daily rate.

H. Evaluation

Include costs for project evaluation activities, including additional staff time or subcontracts, use of 

evaluation consultants, purchase of instrumentation, and other costs specifically for this activity not 

budgeted in Section A Personnel Expenses. This cost does not include the daily/weekly gathering of 
23

data to assess progress toward meeting performance measures but is a larger assessment of the 

impact your project is having on the community as well as an assessment of the overall systems and 

project design. Indicate daily rates of consultants, where applicable.

I. Other Program Operating Costs

Allowable costs in this budget category should include when applicable:

• Criminal history background checks for all members and for all employees or other individuals 

who receive a salary, education award, living allowance, or stipend or similar payment from the 

grant (federal or non-federal share). Please include the cost of the NSOPW, state check, and FBI 

check for criminal history checks for all covered positions. If you do not budget funds, you must 

note an explanation in the budget for how you will cover the costs.

• Office space rental for projects operating without an approved indirect cost rate agreement that 

covers office space. If you budget space and it is shared with other projects or activities, you must 

equitably pro-rate and allocate the costs between the activities or projects.

• Utilities, telephone, internet, postage, copying, and similar expenses that are specifically used for 

AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps project staff, and are not part of the organization’s indirect 

cost allocation pool. If you budget and share such expenses with other projects or activities, you

must equitably pro-rate and allocate the costs between the activities or projects.

• Recognition costs for members. List each item and provide a justification in the budget narrative. 

Gifts and/or food in an entertainment/event setting are not allowable costs. Retention 

incentives/performance awards are allowable to the extent they are 1) reasonable, necessary, and 

allowable for program outcomes; 2) tied to the program narrative; 3) fair; 4) consistently applied; 

and 5) part of the organization’s written policies and procedures.

• Multi-state applicants: Indicate the number of subgrants and the average amount of subgrants. 

Indicate any match that you will require of your subgrants under the “grantee share” column in this 

category. Subgranted funds may only cover costs allowable under federal and AmeriCorps 

regulations and terms and conditions.

• Retention incentives/performance awards are allowable to the extent they are 1) reasonable, 

necessary, and allowable for program outcomes; 2) tied to the program narrative; 3) fair; 4) 

consistently applied; and 5) part of the organization’s written policies and procedures.

Section II. Member Costs

Member Costs are identified as “Living Allowance” and “Member Support Costs.” Your required match 

can be federal, state, local, or private sector funds.

A. Living Allowance

The narrative should clearly identify the number of members you are supporting by category (i.e., fulltime, three-quarter-time, half-time, reduced-half-time, quarter-time, minimum-time) and the amount of 

living allowance they will receive, allocating appropriate portions between the CNCS Share column in 

the budget and grantee share column in the budget (match). Please do not select the 2-Year Half 

Time (1st Year) and 2-Year Half Time (2nd Year) slot types.

The minimum and maximum living allowance amounts are provided in the Notice.

In eGrants, enter the total number of members you are requesting in each category. Enter the average 

amount of the living allowance for each type of member. In addition, enter the number of members for 

whom you are not requesting funds for a living allowance but for whom you are requesting education 

awards. 

B. Member Support Costs

Consistent with the laws of the states where your members serve, you must provide members with the 

benefits described below. 
24

• FICA. Unless exempted by the IRS, all projects must pay FICA for any member receiving a living 

allowance, even when AmeriCorps does not supply the living allowance. If exempted, please note 

in the narrative. In the first column next to FICA, indicate the number of members who will receive 

FICA. Calculate the FICA at 7.65% of the total amount of the living allowance. 

• Health Care. You must offer or make available health care benefits to full-time members in 

accordance with AmeriCorps requirements. Except as stated below, you may not pay health care 

benefits to less-than-full-time members with AmeriCorps funds. You may choose to provide health 

care benefits to less-than-full-time members from other sources (i.e., non-federal) but you cannot 

include the cost in the budget. Less-than-full-time members who are serving in a full-time capacity 

for a sustained period of time (such as a full-time summer project) are eligible for health care 

benefits. If you budget health insurance for less-than-full-time members serving in a full-time 

capacity, indicate in the budget narrative. In your budget narrative, indicate the number of 

members who will receive health care benefits. AmeriCorps will not pay for dependent coverage. If 

you do not budget health care for all full-time members, please confirm all full-time members will 

have access to coverage. 

• Worker’s Compensation. Some states require worker’s compensation for AmeriCorps members. 

You must check with State Departments of Labor or State Commissions where members serve to 

determine if you are required to pay worker’s compensation, and if so, at what level. If you are not 

required to pay worker’s compensation, you must obtain Occupational, Accidental, Death and 

Dismemberment coverage for members to cover in-service injury or accidents.

• Unemployment Insurance and Other Member Support Costs. Include any other required 

member support costs here. Some states require unemployment coverage for their AmeriCorps 

members. You may not charge the cost of unemployment insurance taxes to the grant unless 

mandated by state law. Programs are responsible for determining the requirements of state law by 

consulting State Commissions, legal counsel, or the applicable state agencies.

Section III. Administrative/Indirect Costs 

Definitions 

Administrative costs are general or centralized expenses of the overall administration of an 

organization that receives AmeriCorps funds and do not include particular project costs. These costs 

may include administrative staff positions. For organizations that have an established indirect cost rate 

for federal awards, administrative costs mean those costs that are included in the organization’s 

indirect cost rate agreement. Such costs are generally identified with the organization’s overall 

operation and are further described in Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance.

Options for Calculating Administrative/Indirect Costs (choose A, B, Or C)

Applicants choose one of three methods to calculate allowable administrative costs – a CNCS-fixed 

percentage rate method, a federally approved indirect cost rate method, or a de minimis method. 

Regardless of the option chosen, the CNCS share of administrative costs is limited to 5% of the total 

CNCS funds actually expended under this grant. Do not create additional lines in this category.

While the Application Instructions present three options for budgeting indirect costs, there are only 

two places to enter those details in eGrants. Applicants who chose to use the Corporation Fixed 

Percentage will enter the line item details in Section III.A. Applicants who have a Federally Approved 

Indirect Cost Rate or are using a De Minimis Rate will enter the line item details in Section III.B.. Please 

see the AmeriCorps eGrants Indirect Cost Rate (IDCR) User Instructions. 

A. CNCS-Fixed Percentage Method

Five/Ten Percent Fixed Administrative Costs Option
25

The CNCS-fixed percentage rate method allows you to charge administrative costs up to a cap without 

a federally approved indirect cost rate and without documentation supporting the allocation. If you 

choose the CNCS-fixed percentage rate method (Section III.A. in eGrants), you may charge, for 

administrative costs, a fixed 5% of the total of the CNCS funds expended. In order to charge this fixed 

5%, the grantee match for administrative costs may not exceed 10% of all direct cost expenditures. 

1. To determine the maximum CNCS share for Section III: Multiply the sum of the CNCS funding shares 

of Sections I and II by 0.0526. This is the maximum amount you can request as Corporation share. The 

factor 0.0526 is used to calculate the 5% maximum amount of federal funds that may be budgeted for 

administrative (indirect) costs, rather than 0.0500, as a way to mathematically compensate for 

determining Section III costs when the total budget (Sections I + II + III) is not yet established. Enter this 

amount as the CNCS share for Section III A. 

2. To determine the Grantee share for Section III: Multiply the total (both CNCS and grantee share) of 

Sections I and II by 10% (0.10) and enter this amount as the grantee share for Section III A.

3. Enter the sum of the CNCS and grantee shares under Total Amount. 

If a Commission elects to retain a share of the 5% of federal funds available to programs for 

administrative costs up to 2%, that decision is identified within each subgrant’s budget. A State 

Commission can take up to 2% in administrative funds, provided the Commission has less than 25% in 

prior year unexpended funds on the Commission Support Grant. If the Commission’s unexpended 

exceeds 25%, the Commission can take up to 1% in administrative funds. If the Commission elects to 

retain 1% of the administrative costs, to calculate these fractional shares, within Section III of the 

subgrant budget, one-fifth (20%) of the federal dollars budgeted for administrative costs is 

allocated to the Commission’s share and four-fifths (80%) of the federal dollars budgeted for 

administrative costs are allocated to the program’s share. The allocation between Commission

and subgrantee/program shares would be calculated as follows:

([Section I] + [Section II] x 0.0526) x (0.20) = Commission Share

([Section I] + [Section II] x 0.0526) x (0.80) = Subgrantee Share

If a Commission elects to retain a share that is less than 1% budgeted for administrative costs, adjust 

the calculation above, as appropriate.

If the Commission elects to retain 2% of the administrative costs, to calculate these fractional shares, 

within Section III of the subgrant budget, two-fifths (40%) of the federal dollars budgeted for 

administrative costs is allocated to the Commission’s share and three-fifths (60%) of the federal 

dollars budgeted for administrative costs are allocated to the program’s share. The allocation 

between Commission and subgrantee/program shares would be calculated as follows:

([Section I]) + [Section II] x 0.0526) x (0.40) = Commission share

([Section I] + [Section II] x 0.0526) x (0.60) = Subgrantee Share

B. Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate 

If you have a federally approved indirect cost rate, this method must be used, and the rate will 

constitute documentation of your administrative costs, not to exceed the 5% maximum federal share 

payable by AmeriCorps. Specify the Cost Type for which your organization has current documentation 

on file, i.e., Provisional, Predetermined, Fixed, or Final indirect cost (IDC) rate. Supply your approved 

IDC rate (percentage) and the base upon which this rate is calculated (direct salaries, salaries and 

fringe benefits, etc.). AmeriCorps does not restrict the overall indirect cost rate claimed. It is at your 
26

discretion whether or not to claim your entire IDC rate to calculate administrative costs. If you choose 

to claim a lower rate, please include this rate in the Rate Claimed field. 

1. Determine the base amount of direct costs to which you will apply the IDC rate, including both the 

CNCS and Grantee shares, as prescribed by your established rate agreement (i.e., based on salaries 

and benefits, total direct costs, or other). Then multiply the appropriate direct costs by the rate being 

claimed. This will determine the total amount of indirect costs allowable under the grant. 

2. To determine the CNCS share: Multiply the sum of the CNCS funding share in Sections I and II by 

0.0526. This is the maximum amount you can claim as the CNCS share of indirect costs.

If a Commission elects to retain a share of the 5% of federal funds available, please note the 

percentage or amount in the text. There is no separate line item to show this calculation.

3. To determine the Grantee share: Subtract the amount calculated in step 2 (the CNCS share) from the 

amount calculated in step 1 (the total Indirect Costs allowed). This is the amount the applicant can 

claim as grantee share for administrative costs.

C. De Minimis Rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs

Organizations who do not currently have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate (except for those 

non-federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian 

Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph (d)(1)(B)) and who receive less than $35 million in direct 

federal funding may indefinitely use a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). 

Additional information regarding what is included in MTDC and use of this option can be found at 2 

CFR 200.414(f) and 200.68. If you elect to use this option, you must use it consistently across all federal 

awards.

1. Determine the base amount of direct costs to which you will apply the de minimis rate, including 

both the CNCS and Grantee shares. MTDC includes all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe 

benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward 

(regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes 

equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships 

and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. 

Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of 

indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs. Once you determine 

the base, multiply the appropriate costs by 0.10. This will determine the total amount of costs 

allowable in this section.

2. To determine the CNCS share: Multiply the sum of the CNCS funding share in Sections I and II by 

0.0526. This is the maximum amount you can claim as the CNCS share of indirect/administrative costs.

If a Commission elects to retain a share of the 5% of federal funds available, please note the 

percentage or amount in the text. There is no separate line item to show this calculation.

3. To determine the Grantee share: Subtract the amount calculated in step 2 (the CNCS share) from the 

amount calculated in step 1 (the total Indirect Costs allowed). This is the amount the applicant can 

claim as grantee share for indirect/administrative costs.

Source of Funds

In the “Source of Funds” field that appears at the end of Budget Section III, enter a brief description of 

the match. Identify each match source separately. Identify if the match is secured or proposed. Include 

dollar amount, the match classification (cash or in-kind), and the source type (Private, State/Local, or 
27

Federal) for your entire match. The total amount in the Source of Funds field should match the total 

amount in the budget narrative exactly. Define all acronyms the first time they are used. 

Note: The value of the Segal Education Awards that members earn for their service is not identified in 

the budget. Also, the childcare reimbursements provided to eligible members are not included in the 

budget. 
28

ATTACHMENT C: Budget Worksheet (eGrants Budget Section)

Section I. Program Operating Costs

A. Personnel Expenses

Position/Title/Description Qt

y

Annual 

Salary % Time Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

B. Personnel Fringe Benefits

Purpose/Description Calculation Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

C.1. Staff Travel

Purpose Calculation Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

C. 2. Member Travel

Purpose Calculation Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

D. Equipment

Item/ Purpose/Justification Qty Unit Cost Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

E. Supplies

Purpose Calculation Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals
29

F. Contractual and Consultant Services

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

G.1. Staff Training

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

G.2. Member Training 

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

H. Evaluation 

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

I. Other Program Operating Costs

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

Subtotal Section I: 

Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share
30
31

Section II. Member Costs

A. Living Allowance

Item # 

Mbrs

Allowanc

e Rate

# w/o 

Allowa

nce

Total Amount CNCS 

Share 

Grantee 

Share 

Full-time (1700 hrs)

Three quarter-time 

(1200 hrs)

Half-time (900 hrs)

Reduced Half-time (675 

hrs)

Quarter-time (450 hrs)

Minimum-time (300 hrs)

Abbreviated-time (100 

hrs)

Totals

B. Member Support Costs

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total Amount CNCS 

Share Grantee Share

Totals

 

Subtotal Section II: Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Subtotal Sections I + II:
32

 

Section III. Administrative/Indirect Costs

A. Corporation Fixed Percentage 

Purpose Calculation Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

B. Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate or De Minimis Rate of 10% of Modified Total 

Direct Costs

Cost 

Type

Cost 

Basis

Calculation Rate Rate 

Claimed

Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Total Sections I + II + III: Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Budget Total: Validate this budget

Required Match Percentages:

Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Source of Funds

Match Description 

(Note whether Secured 

or Proposed)

Amount Match Classification 

(Cash or In Kind)

Match Source (Federal, 

State/Local, Private)
33

ATTACHMENT D: Detailed Budget Instructions for Fixed Amount Grants (eGrants Budget 

Section) These instructions apply only to applicants for Fixed Amount grants, including 

education award programs (EAPs). 

 

EAP and Fixed Amount grant applicants may only request a fixed amount of funding per MSY. 

Therefore, Fixed Amount applicants are not required to complete a detailed budget or complete the 

grantee share column. However, you must complete the source of match chart to identify the sources 

of the additional revenue you need to operate the program. If you are applying for a full-cost fixed 

amount grant, you must pay at least the minimum living allowance listed in the Notice for each type of 

position you are proposing. 

Budget Section II. AmeriCorps Member Positions

Member Positions

Identify the number of members you are requesting by category (i.e. full-time, three quarter-time, halftime, reduced half-time, quarter-time, minimum-time) and list under the column labeled #Mbrs w/o 

Allow (without AmeriCorps-funded living allowance.) In the Allowance Rate field, enter the average 

amount of the living allowance for each type of member. Enter zero in the column labeled #Mbrs w/ 

Allow. Leave all other columns blank. See example below (applies to a Full-Cost Fixed Amount 

grant):

The total number of member service years (MSY) will automatically calculate at the bottom of the 

Member Positions chart. The MSY are calculated as follows:

Member Positions Calculation MSY 

_____Full-time (1700 hours) (______ members x 1.000) = 

_____Three quarter-time (1200 

hours)

(______ members x 

0.70000000) = 

_____Half-time (900 hours) (______ members x 0.500) = 

_____Reduced half-time (675 

hours)

(______ members x 

0.3809524) = 

_____Quarter-time (450 hours) (______ members x 

0.26455027) = 

_____Minimum-time (300 hours) (______ members x 

0.21164022) = 

_____Abbreviated-time (100 

hours)

(______ members x 

0.05627705) = 
34

B. Fixed Award

Display your calculation in the following format:

Type the total amount requested in the “Total Amount” and “CNCS Share” columns. Leave the 

“Grantee Share” blank. See example below (applies to a Full-Cost Fixed Amount grant):

Purpose Calculation Total 

Amount

CNCS 

Share

Grantee 

Share

Program Grant 

Request

47.5 MSY 

X $9,500/MSY

$451,25

0 

$451,250 $0

Subtotal $451,25

0

$451,250 $0

Source of Funds

Match Description Description 

Total MSY 

Total # of MSYs ________ x MSY amount (See Notice for 

amounts)____

= Total Grant Request $____
35

ATTACHMENT E: Budget Worksheet for Fixed Amount Grants (eGrants Budget 

Section)

Complete the fields for the # w/o Allowance and Allowance Rate only.

Member Positions

Source of Funds

Match Description

Item # 

Mbrs

Allowance 

Rate

# 

w/o 

Allo

w

Total 

Amount

CNCS 

Share

Grante

e Share

Full-time (1700 hrs)

Three quarter-time 

(1200 hrs)

Half-time (900 hrs)

Reduced Half-time

(675 hrs)

Quarter-time (450 

hrs)

Minimum-time (300 

hrs)

Abbreviated-time 

(100 hrs)

Subtotal MSY Cost/

MSY

Purpose Calculation Total 

Amount

CNCS 

Share

Grantee 

Share

Program Grant 

Request

Subtotal
36
37

ATTACHMENT F: Budget Checklist

Below is a checklist to help you make certain that you submit an accurate budget narrative that meets 

AmeriCorps requirements. Note: This checklist does not apply to Fixed Amount grants.

 

In 

Compliance? Section I. Program Operating Costs

Yes __ No __

Costs charged under the Personnel line item directly relate to the operation of the 

AmeriCorps project? Examples include costs for staff who recruit, train, place, or 

supervise members as well as manage the project.

Yes __ No __

Staff indirectly involved in the management or operation of the applicant organization 

are funded through the administrative cost section (Section III) of the budget? Examples 

of administrative costs include central management and support functions.

Yes __ No __

Staff fundraising expenses are not charged to the grant? You may not charge 

AmeriCorps staff members’ time and related expenses for fundraising to the federal or 

grantee share of the grant. Expenses incurred to raise funds must be paid out of the 

funds raised. Development officers and fundraising staff are not allowable expenses.

Yes __ No __

The types of fringe benefits to be covered and the costs of benefit(s) for each staff 

position are described? Allowable fringe benefits typically include FICA, Worker’s 

Compensation, Retirement, SUTA, Health and Life Insurance, IRA, and 401K. You may 

provide a calculation for total benefits as a percentage of the salaries to which they 

apply or list each benefit as a separate item. If the fringe amount is over 30%, the 

benefits are listed separately? 

Yes __ No __ Holidays, leave, and other similar vacation benefits are not included in the fringe benefit 

rates but are absorbed into the personnel expenses (salary) budget line item?

Yes __ No __ The purpose for all staff and member travel is clearly identified?

Yes __ No __ You have budgeted funds for State Commission and National Direct staff travel to the 

AmeriCorps Symposium in the budget narrative under Staff Travel?

Yes __ No __ Funds for the purchase of equipment (does not include general use office equipment) 

are limited to 10% of the total grant amount?

Yes __ No __ All single equipment items over $5000 per unit are specifically listed?

Yes __ No __ Justification/explanation of equipment items is included in the budget narrative?

Yes __ No __ All single supply items over $1000 per unit are specifically listed and explained in the 

budget narrative?

Yes __ No __

Cost of items with the AmeriCorps logo that will be worn daily is included for all 

AmeriCorps members? Or if not, there is an explanation of how the program will be 

providing the AmeriCorps logo item to AmeriCorps members using funds other than 

AmeriCorps grant funds?

Yes __ No __

You only charged to the federal share of the budget member service gear that includes 

the AmeriCorps logo and noted that the gear will have the AmeriCorps logo, with the 

exception of safety equipment?

Yes __ No __ Does the budget reflect adequate budgeted costs for project evaluation?

Yes __ No __

Have you budgeted the cost of the NSOPW, FBI, and state check in the CNCS share for 

criminal history checks of each member and grant-funded staff that are in covered 

positions per 45 CFR 2522.205? If not, have you provided an explanation of how the 

costs will be covered?

Yes __ No __ Are all items in the budget narrative itemized and the purpose of the funds justified?
38

In 

Compliance? Section II. Member Costs

 Yes __ No __

Are the living allowance amounts correct? Full-time AmeriCorps members must receive 

at least the minimum living allowance.

Note: Programs in existence prior to September 21, 1993 may offer a lower living 

allowance than the minimum. If such a program chooses to offer a living allowance, it is 

exempt from the minimum requirement, but not from the maximum requirement. 

Yes __ No __

Living allowances are not paid on an hourly basis? They may be calculated using service 

hours and program length to derive a weekly or biweekly distribution amount. Divide 

the distribution in equal increments that are not based on the specified number of hours 

served.

Yes __ No __

Is FICA calculated correctly? You must pay FICA for any member receiving a living 

allowance. Unless exempted by the IRS, calculate FICA at 7.65% of the total amount of 

the living allowance. If exempted from paying FICA, is the exemption noted in the 

budget narrative?

Yes __ No __

Is the Worker’s Compensation calculation correct? Some states require worker’s 

compensation for AmeriCorps members. Check with your local State Department of 

Labor or State Commission to determine whether or not you are required to pay 

worker’s compensation and at what level (i.e., rate). If you are not required to pay 

worker’s compensation, you will provide similar coverage for members’ on-the-job 

injuries through their own existing coverage or a new policy purchased in accordance 

with normal procedures (i.e., death and dismemberment coverage).

Yes __ No __

Health care is provided for full-time AmeriCorps members only (unless part-time serving 

in a full-time capacity)? If your project chooses to provide health care to other part-time 

members, you may not use federal funds to help pay for any portion of the cost. Projects 

must provide health care coverage to all full-time members who do not have adequate 

health care coverage at the time of enrollment or who lose coverage due to 

participation in the project. In addition, projects must provide coverage if a full-time 

member loses coverage during the term of service through no deliberate act of his/her 

own. 

Yes __ No __ Unemployment insurance is only budgeted if state law requires it?

In Compliance? Section III. Administrative/Indirect Costs

Yes __ No __

Applicant does not have a current federally approved indirect cost rate and has 

chosen to use the CNCS-fixed percentage method and the maximum federal share of 

administrative costs does not exceed 5% of the total federal funds budgeted? To 

determine the federal administrative share, multiply all other budgeted federal funds 

by .0526.

Yes __ No __ Applicant has chosen to use CNCS fixed percentage method and the maximum 

grantee share is at 10% or less of total budgeted funds? 

Yes __ No __ Applicant has a current approved indirect cost rate – The maximum grantee share 

does not exceed the federally approved rate, less the 5% CNCS share? 

Yes __ No __

Applicant has a current approved indirect cost rate-the type of rate, the IDC rate 

percentage, the rate claimed and the base to which the rate is applied has been 

specified?

Yes __ No __ Applicant is directly applying to CNCS and the approved indirect cost rate information 

has been entered into eGrants to support the costs budgeted? 
39

Yes __ No __ Applicant does not have a current federally approved indirect cost rate and is 

choosing to use a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs?

In 

Compliance? Source of Funds (Match)

Yes __ No __ Is the overall match being met at the required level, based on the year of funding?

Yes __ No __

For all matching funds, proposed vs secured, the source(s) [private, state, local, and/or 

federal], the type of contribution (cash or in-kind), and the amount of match, are clearly 

identified in the narrative and in the Source of Funds field in eGrants? 

Yes __ No __ The amount of match is for the entire amount in the budget narrative? (The total amount 

of match equals the amount in the budget exactly?)
40
41

ATTACHMENT G: Alternative Match Schedule and Match Waiver Request Instructions

Grantees are required to meet an overall matching rate that increases over time. You have the 

flexibility to meet the overall match requirements in any of the three budget areas, as long as you 

maintain the minimum match of 24% for the first three years and the increasing minimums in years 

thereafter. See 45 CFR §§ 2521.35–2521.90 for the specific regulations.

Special Circumstances for an Alternative Match Schedule: Under certain circumstances, applicants 

may qualify to meet alternative matching requirements that increase over the years to 35% instead of 

50% as specified in the regulations at §2521.60(b). To qualify, you must demonstrate that your 

program is either located in a rural county or in a severely economically distressed community as 

defined below.

A. Rural County: In determining whether a program is rural, AmeriCorps will consider the most recent 

Beale code rating published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the county in which the 

program is located. Any program located in a county with a Beale code of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 is eligible to 

apply for the alternative match requirement. See Attachment H for the Table of Beale codes.

B. Severely Economically Distressed County: In determining whether a program is located in a 

severely economically distressed county, AmeriCorps will consider the following list of county-level 

characteristics. See Attachment H for a list of website addresses where this publicly available 

information can be found.

• The county-level per capita income is less than or equal to 75% of the national average for all 

counties using the most recent census data or Bureau of Economic Analysis data;

• The county-level poverty rate is equal to or greater than 125% of the national average for all 

counties using the most recent census data; and

• The county-level unemployment is above the national average for all counties for the previous 

12 months using the most recently available Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 

• The areas served by the program lack basic infrastructure such as water or electricity. 

C. Program Location: Except when approved otherwise, AmeriCorps will determine the location of 

your program based on the legal applicant’s address. If you believe the legal applicant’s address is not 

the appropriate way to consider the location of your program, you must provide relevant facts about 

your program location in your request. AmeriCorps will, in its sole discretion, determine whether some 

other address is more appropriate for determining a program’s location.

If your program is located in one of these areas, see the instructions below for applying for this 

alternative match schedule. You must submit your request to the alternative schedule per the 

information contained in the Notice. AmeriCorps will review your request and notify you within 30 days 

if you qualify for the alternative schedule and provide instructions for entering your budget into 

eGrants under the Alternative Match Schedule.

If approved for the alternative schedules, programs will base their budget in the upcoming application 

on the approved alternative match. The alternative match requirement will be in effect for whatever 

portion of the three-year project period remains or, if applying as a new grantee, for the upcoming 

three-year grant cycle.

D. Instructions for the Alternative Match Schedule: Programs operating in one state must send their 

requests to the State Commission for review and approval. The Commission will then submit the 

approved request to AmeriCorps for consideration. Information on how to submit a request is on the 

AmeriCorps Manage your grant webpage.
42

ATTACHMENT H: Beale Codes and County-Level Economic Data for Alternative 

Match Requests

Rural Community

The U.S. Department of Agriculture publishes Beale codes, which are used to classify counties as 

being more urban or more rural. Counties are designated on a scale from one to nine according to the 

following descriptions:

2003 Beale Codes

Code# Metropolitan 

Type

Description

1 Metropolitan Counties in metro areas of 1 million population or more

2 Metropolitan Counties in metro areas of 250,000 to 1 million

3 Metropolitan Counties in metro areas of fewer than 250,000

4 Non-metro Urban population of 20,000 or more, adjacent to a metropolitan area 

5 Non-metro Urban population of 20,000 or more, not adjacent to a metropolitan 

area

6 Non-metro Urban population of 2,500 to 19,999, adjacent to a metropolitan area

7 Non-metro Urban population of 2,500 to 19,999, not adjacent to a metropolitan 

area 

8 Non-metro Completely rural or less than 2,500 urban population, adjacent to a 

metropolitan area

9 Non-metro Completely rural or less than 2,500 urban population, not adjacent to 

a metropolitan area

Any program located in a county with a Beale code of 4,5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 is eligible to apply for the 

alternative match.

Severely Economically Distressed Community

The following table provides the website addresses where you can find the publicly available 

information on county-level economic data including per capita income, poverty rate, and 

unemployment levels.

WEBSITE ADDRESS EXPLANATION

http://www.bea.gov/regional/ Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Regional Economic 

Information System (REIS): Provides data on per capita

income by county for all states except Puerto Rico.

https://factfinder.census.gov/

faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xht

ml

Census Bureau’s American Fact-finder: Provides census 

data including estimates on poverty, per capita income, and 

unemployment by counties, states, and metro areas, 

including Puerto Rico.

www.bls.gov Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Local Area Unemployment 

Statistics (LAUS): Provides data on annual and monthly 

employment and unemployment by counties for all states, 

including Puerto Rico.
43

WEBSITE ADDRESS EXPLANATION

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Dat

a/RuralUrbanContinuumCod

es/ 

US Department of Agriculture’s Rural-Urban Continuum 

Codes: Provides urban rural code for all counties in US.
44

 

MATCH WAIVERS:

In accordance with 45 CFR §§ 2521.70, applicants may request a full or partial waiver of match 

requirements. Information on how to submit a match waiver request is on the AmeriCorps Manage 

your grant webpage.