1201 New York Ave., NW ★ Washington, DC 20525 ★ 202-606-5000

2015 Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service Grants 

About the Funding Opportunity 

The purpose of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service grant funding is to mobilize more Americans to observe 

the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a day of service in communities, to encourage those who serve on this 

holiday to make a long-term commitment to community service, and to bring people together to focus on service to 

others. 

Approximately $750,000 is available for new Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service grants. Award amounts will vary 

as determined by the scope of the projects. CNCS will make annual awards in the range of $50,000 to $300,000. 

CNCS will give priority consideration to organizations that have disability inclusion plans to ensure people with 

disabilities are among those serving at their Martin Luther King Day of Service event. 

All grants awarded will support activities that: 

 demonstrate opportunities to engage new and diverse groups

 identify and invest in community solutions, especially solutions that address improving economic

opportunities

 leverage public-private partnerships

 increase the impact of national service on community needs in communities served by CNCS-supported

programs

 ensure that grant-supported activities focus on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and provide opportunities

to connect to service beyond the holiday

 reflect the life and teaching of Martin Luther King, Jr., and expand the impact of Martin Luther King Service

Day activities from one year to the next

 provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to improved educational

outcomes for economically disadvantaged people.

What Organizations are Eligible? 

Eligible applicants are capable of carrying out multi-state, nationally focused (10 or more states), or comprehensive 

regional initiatives involving at least ten (10) projects in a region. Successful applicants must have submitted an 

application that meets one of the two criteria set forth in the preceding sentence. Regional initiatives are multiple 

states in a region. If necessary, applicants may engage with partners to accomplish these geographic initiatives. If 

engaging with other partners, applicant organizations must have the capability to manage and provide partner 

oversight, report on project accomplishments and performance measures, and remain accountable to CNCS for the 

achievement of the intended results set forth in their proposals. 

The following organizations are eligible to apply: public or private nonprofit organizations (including faith-based and 

other community organizations); institutions of higher education; government entities within states or territories (e.g., 

cities, counties); local government as defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.64; government-recognized veteran service 

organizations; labor organizations; partnerships and consortia; and Indian Tribes. 

Project Period: The grant award covers a two-year project period. CNCS generally makes an initial award for the first 

year of operation. Continuation funding for subsequent years is not guaranteed and may be dependent upon 

availability of appropriations and satisfactory performance. 

Non-Federal Share Requirement: Applicants are required to match their award at an amount equal to seventy 

percent (70%) of the total program budget. The grantee match can be cash and/or in-kind matching funds. 

Deadline: Applications are due no later than June 25 2015. 

For More Information:

www.nationalservice.gov/MLKNOFA or MLKgrants@cns.gov