PUBLIC ALLIES, INC. Receives $7,579,000 in AmeriCorps Funding to Support Local Nonprofits & Emerging Leaders
[Milwaukee, Wisconsin] – Senator Tammy Baldwin today announced that Public Allies, Inc. has received $7,579,000 million in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency responsible for AmeriCorps and other national service programs.
“Wisconsinites are committed to serving their communities now more than ever, and hundreds of thousands of men and women have answered the call to service. And those who serve not only have the opportunity to make a difference, they develop valuable skills and find a passion for service that lasts a lifetime,” said Baldwin. “These grants will help organizations like Public Allies continue to expand their reach to engage more people and bring communities together in our state.”
Representative Gwen Moore, a long-time supporter of Public Allies, also echoed Baldwin’s sentiments, stating, “As an AmeriCorps VISTA alumna, I know that public service leaves a lasting impact on the volunteers and the individuals they serve. That’s why I am thrilled that Public Allies will receive additional funding to ensure more young people can continue reaching and impacting communities.”
The grant from CNCS will support 537 AmeriCorps members in 19 communities across the country. These emerging leaders will complete a 10-month apprenticeship at more than 400 community nonprofits, helping each organization increase their capacity to address community needs. Recent research, including Public Allies’ report, COVID-19 Impact on Nonprofits, shows demand for community organizations’ services have already increased and are expected to increase further, just as those same organizations are experiencing declining revenue and decreasing staff capacity as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
In addition to building the capacity of local nonprofits, each Public Allies AmeriCorps members will also receive approximately 200 hours of leadership training, support, and development.
“For more than two decades, Americans have answered the call to serve by pledging to ‘get things done’ as AmeriCorps members,” said Chester Spellman, Director of AmeriCorps. “Through their dedication and sacrifice, I know our nation is in good hands. We are so pleased to be supporting more AmeriCorps members for Public Allies, where their service will helps to create a brighter tomorrow. I salute all of our AmeriCorps members – past, present, and future – and thank those who help make their service possible.”
CNCS will provide an additional $3.3 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an award of approximately $6,000 they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans.
To learn more about joining Public Allies visit https://publicallies.org/join-us/.
About Public Allies
Public Allies develops and activates systems-change leaders from often-overlooked communities nationwide to ensure the future is being designed by and for everyone. Its signature AmeriCorps program operates in 24 cities across the country. Annually, 600 young adults graduate from the program, with over 75% continuing careers in community and public service. There are more than 7,000 alumni of the program.
About the Corporation for National and Community Service
This funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, civic engagement, and national service programs like AmeriCorps. For more than two 25 years, more than 1 million dedicated Americans have joined AmeriCorps and pledged to ‘get things done.’ This year, the 75,000 AmeriCorps members serving in schools, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations, will do the same as they rebuild communities, support veterans, fight the opioid epidemic, prepare students for success, foster economic opportunity, and more. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/join.
