AmeriCorps Funding Opportunities
AmeriCorps Frequently Asked Questions
To submit a question to be answered on the FAQs, please submit your questions to Funding@CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov. Questions must be received by COB on Thursday to be posted the following Monday. The FAQs will be updated daily during the week of December 1-4.
Select a Category
Partnership
Question 1: We have concerns about a couple of our current sub-grantee sites. One site is very small (2 members placed) and has significant staff turn-over; the flip side is a sub-grantee site that may have taken on too much and is struggling with the flood of paperwork and managing the large number of community partners where the members are placed. What should we consider as we redesign our program?
The legal applicant has the responsibility to consider the organizational capacity of each member placement site to achieve the common program goals and adequately guide and supervise AmeriCorps members. Ultimately, the program design has to support achievement of the proposed outcomes.
Question 2: How can we identify strong vs. problematic potential project partners?
If by “project partner” you mean placement sites for members than you should consider things such as organizational capacity to implement the service, commitment to the common outcomes, ability to collect and report fiscal and programmatic data accurately and timely and ability to supervise and guide member activities.
Question 3: Do placement sites contribute financially to the cost of supporting AmeriCorps members? If so, what is the cost that would be involved for the organization?
This is entirely up to your partnership. Partner contributions to AmeriCorps programs depend on the structure of individual partnerships and programs. In some cases, placement sites do contribute cash to the program (the amount varies by program). In other cases, placement sites might contribute in-kind services, supplies, trainers, facilities, evaluation expertise, or other services and equipment. Each partnership is unique to a given location and program.
Question 4: Does CV have an MOU template that we should use with our partners—or do we just design our own?
No. CV believes that programs are in the best position to define their own partnership roles and responsibilities. At a minimum, CV requires that formal partnership agreements describe match requirements, roles and responsibilities, expectations, and commitments.
Question 5: We understand that we need 3 partners—one public , one private. We are a public school district working with a private university. What are examples that we can use besides public schools?
Which public agency you can partner with is entirely up to your partnership. You can refer to page 13 of the RFA for examples of possible public partners.
Question 6: We understand that we need 3 partners—one public , one private. We are a public school district working with a private university. What are examples that we can use besides public schools?
Which public agency you can partner with is entirely up to your partnership. You can refer to page 13 of the RFA for examples of possible public partners.
Question 7: What does partner mean? What is their role?
See page 12-13 of the RFA for information partnership requirements. Applicants determine the role appropriate for each of their partners.
Question 8: If the AmeriCorps members are providing services at an offsite location with a another nonprofit, that is not necessarily a partnering agency, so we still need to provide a partnership information form online for them?
Placement sites can be considered partners as they typically provide resources such as supervision, training, data and other resources. The partner database assists CV in mapping all members in the State. CV encourages all placement or operating sites to be listed in the database.
Question 9: I am not certain if I need to complete a partnership form. Under what circumstances does this form need to be completed?
All applicants are required to develop a program partnership. Partnerships must include a minimum of three independent organizations that include at least one public and one private partner. See page 12 of the RFA.
Question 10: I am looking for some clarity around the letter of agreement with the partners. I reviewed the instructions for the online partnership forms. Can you please provide me information about the MOU and letter of agreements? Do we upload these when we fill out the application? Is there a specific format?
Neither MOUs nor letters of agreements are required for the application. Successful applicants will submit these commitments as part of the State contracting process. There is not a required format and samples will be provided at that time.
Question 11: THINK Together, a 501(c)(3) non-profit after-school program provider, is applying for the Americorps program. We partner with 16 public school districts. Since THINK Together is a private entity that partners with several public entities, do we need another private partner to apply?
No, Grantmaking Policy B.2 (page 20 of the Program Guide) requires all applicants to establish a program partnership which includes a minimum of three independent organizations that include one public and one private partner. The third can be either.
