Days of Service Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated May 11, 2023

1. How do I submit an application for the Days of Service funding opportunity?

Applications must be submitted in eGrants, AmeriCorps’ web-based application system.

Applicants should follow the guidance in the Notice of Funding and Application Instructions in 

completing and submitting their applications.

2. Can Days of Service funding be used to recruit or manage volunteers for another AmeriCorps 

program?

The Days of Service grant is not a national service program. Days of Service funding can be used 

to engage a significant number of volunteers in projects taking place on or near the Martin 

Luther King Jr. Day of Service or September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Programs should offer ongoing opportunities for volunteers to serve.

3. Can I submit one application for both Days of Service?

Applicants who wish to apply for both Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service funding and 

September 11th National Day of Service funding must submit separate applications for each Day 

of Service.

4. We are a small nonprofit, not a state commission. Is this funding geared towards 

organizations that may have subgrantees?

It is not a requirement that Days of Service grantees make subgrants.

5. How can I determine what is an allowable or eligible expense for Days of Service funding?

Days of Service funding can be used to engage a significant number of volunteers in projects 

taking place on or near the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service or September 11th National Day 

of Service and Remembrance, in line with the priorities listed in Section A.2. in the Notice of 

Funding. Applicants should propose costs that are reasonable, necessary, allowable, allocable, 

and aligned with the program narrative. To be considered allowable, costs must be necessary 

and reasonable for the performance of the award. Applicants should refer to the Uniform 

Guidance (2 CFR § 200) and budget guidance in the Notice of Funding and Application 

Instructions to determine specific allowable or unallowable program costs.

6. How should we guide budgets for subgrantees and describe proposed subgrantee budgets in 

our own application?

As noted in the budget development portion of the training webinar, applicants may enter 

proposed subgrants and mini grants in Section I.I. Other Support Costs, indicating the 

approximate number and average amount of the awards. If subgrantees are required to prove 

match, applications should indicate that in the “grantee share” column. The applicant 
organization should follow its own policies and procedures in assessing subgrantee budget 

proposals. Subgrantee budgets must follow the same budgetary guidelines as applicant entities, 

ensuring that costs are reasonable, necessary, allowable, and allocable.

7. My organization is a small nonprofit that has never applied for a federal grant. Does the 

program need to have been started beforehand, or can I apply and begin the program under 

the provisions of this grant?

There is no requirement that Days of Service programs must be existing programs. Days of 

Service funding will be used to engage a significant number of volunteers in projects taking place 

on or near the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service or September 11th National Day of Service 

and Remembrance, in line with the priorities listed in Section A.2. in the Notice of Funding.

8. Will this grant opportunity be offered every year?

AmeriCorps’ ability to host a competition for the Days of Service grant depends on the agency’s 

annual congressional appropriations.

9. What has been a typical range of grant awards from past rounds of Days of Service funding?

Recent rounds of Days of Service funding have adhered to the same minimum and maximum 

award guidelines set in Section B.2. of this year’s Notice of Funding, with awards in the range of 

$100,000 to $500,000.

10. If the Notice states that funds will be awarded for a one-year budget period in September 

2023, will September 11, 2024 events fall outside the program dates? The Notice states 

September 11 activities should take place on or near September 11, 2024.

For awarded applicants, the program start and end dates entered in the application can be 

adjusted prior to award, in collaboration with the assigned Portfolio Manager. Grantee 

programs will have a three-year project period and three-year budget period, meaning that 

grantees will carry out activities on or near September 11, 2024; September 11, 2025; and 

September 11, 2026. However, applicants should complete the budget section of the application 

for a one-year period.