FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC (January 20, 2026) – Today, the Senate and House Appropriations Committees released the text of the fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill. The bipartisan bill sustains funding for all of AmeriCorps’ grant programs by providing a total of $1.25 billion to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to administer these programs.
“The bipartisan, bicameral agreement on funding for AmeriCorps is extremely welcome news for the national service community,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service. “This funding reflects a shared recognition of the essential role AmeriCorps plays in communities nationwide—and underscores the importance of continuing to protect and strengthen our nation’s investment in national service. AmeriCorps provides the people power behind thousands of community and faith-based organizations addressing urgent, local challenges every day. While this is not the last step in the appropriations process, it’s very positive and we’re deeply grateful to Senators Collins, Murray, Capito and Baldwin, and Representatives Cole, DeLauro, and Aderholt for their leadership in sustaining funding for AmeriCorps.”
“Equally important,” Connolly added, “are the provisions establishing clear grantmaking timelines and guidance for competitive funding. Programs and states need predictability to plan effectively, enroll members, and ensure communities continue receiving critical services without disruption. This agreement helps provide that certainty.”
Highlights of the legislation include:
- The bill funds the AmeriCorps agency at $1,253,806,000—near-level funding from FY25.
- The bill requires CNCS to maintain staffing levels necessary to carry out its responsibilities in a timely manner, including administering grants and supporting programs.
- The bill directs CNCS to distribute formula, state commission, and renewal/continuation grants promptly, ensuring predictable funding and greater certainty for programs, members, and the communities they serve.
- Accompanying report language directs CNCS to release AmeriCorps State and National and AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP competitive funding opportunities for FY26 within 10 days of enactment, and to keep those competitions open for at least 45 days, helping to ensure fair and accessible participation.
- New authority allows the CEO to grant education awards to members whose service terms were ended early due to lapses in appropriations, terminations, or circumstances outside their control—helping to ensure members are not penalized for disruptions beyond their control.
AmeriCorps enrolls more than 200,000 individuals in nonprofit, faith-based, and local organizations. These men and women make a tremendous difference in communities across America, from equipping young people and returning veterans with job training and marketable skills in high-demand sectors to playing a crucial role in disaster response and recovery.
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Media Contact: Ranit Schmelzer, ranit@schmelzerstrategies.com
About Voices for National Service
Voices for National Service empowers citizens to solve pressing community problems with unique local solutions by elevating AmeriCorps. Founded in 2003, Voices for National Service has built strong bipartisan support for national service programs, which generate $17 in benefits to the United States for every tax dollar invested. AmeriCorps annually enables 200,000 Americans to serve their country and community in public-private partnerships with local nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations.