This spring, a bipartisan group of 160 members of Congress signed letters to the leaders of the Appropriations Committees urging them to provide increased funding for AmeriCorps in fiscal year (FY) 2027. The letters were led by leaders of the National Service Congressional Caucus: Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) in the House, and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). In total, 40 Senators and 120 Representatives signed the letters.
Both the House and Senate letters requested $1.291 billion in federal funding for the AmeriCorps agency in FY27, a small but strategic investment that would support vital programs across the nation. The increase – about 2.99% above FY26 enacted levels – would allow for targeted 5% increases to high-demand grant programs, helping to rebuild and strengthen service capacity for local organizations addressing critical needs.
Congress has consistently supported AmeriCorps funding on a bipartisan basis, recognizing AmeriCorps as a high-impact, cost-effective investment that strengthens communities, develops workforce skills, and leverages local resources.
When making the case for an increase in funding for AmeriCorps, the lawmakers state that, “Our national service infrastructure must remain strong so communities can keep meeting urgent needs, programs can respond quickly when disaster strikes, and AmeriCorps can recruit, train, and deploy members and volunteers effectively in every state and territory.”
Here is the full list of members who signed the Senate letter (which can be read here):
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Here is the full list of members who signed the House letter (which can be read here):
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