(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Higher Education Commissioner Timothy D. Larson today announced that the Connecticut Commission on Community Service (also known as Serve Connecticut) is now accepting applications for AmeriCorps Connecticut Formula funding to support single-state AmeriCorps program grants and planning grants operating within Connecticut during the 2026-2027 program year, which begins in fall 2026.
Eligible organizations, including nonprofits, state and local agencies, institutions of higher education, municipalities, and federally recognized tribes are encouraged to apply through Serve Connecticut.
“AmeriCorps members strengthen communities across Connecticut every day by supporting our schools, assisting veterans and families, protecting our environment, and helping neighbors recover from challenges,” Governor Lamont said. “Through this funding opportunity, we are investing in organizations that expand opportunity, address critical needs, and build the next generation of civic leaders.”
Serve Connecticut administers an open AmeriCorps State Formula funding process. In addition to operational grants, planning grants may be awarded to support the development of new national service programs. Applications for the FY2026 AmeriCorps Connecticut Formula competition must be submitted no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
“National service is a powerful workforce and community development strategy,” Commissioner Larson, who also serves as a member of the Commission on Community Service board, said. “AmeriCorps programs not only deliver measurable results in education, public health, environmental stewardship, and economic mobility, but they also create pathways for members to gain valuable skills and enter meaningful careers in service-related fields.”
Applications addressing AmeriCorps focus areas – including education, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, veterans and military families, and disaster services – are welcome. Special consideration will be given to applications that align with AmeriCorps Notice Priorities, including:
- Serving communities with concentrated poverty, rural communities, and tribal communities.
- Expanding access to high-quality youth mental health and substance use recovery services and preparing AmeriCorps members for careers in behavioral and mental health fields.
- Improving quality of life for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, including recruiting veterans and military families into national service.
- Enhancing public safety and crime prevention efforts, including partnerships between law enforcement and communities.
- Expanding outdoor recreation opportunities by maintaining public lands, supporting wildfire mitigation and sustainable forest management, and providing reforestation services.
- Creating workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members through deliberate training opportunities, including pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, certifications, and hiring supports.
- Strengthening families by supporting low-income parents through parenting education, responsible parenting, and healthy relationship skills.
To be considered for funding, applicant organizations must have at least one representative register for and attend one of four scheduled live virtual Serve Connecticut information sessions:
- Information Session A: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Information Session B: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Information Session C: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Information Session D: Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition, applicant organizations must maintain an active registration in the federal System for Award Management (SAM) at www.SAM.gov at the time of application and award.
For more information about the FY2026 AmeriCorps Connecticut Formula Funding Opportunity, visit the Serve Connecticut website at servect.org or contact Serve Connecticut Director of Programs Kate Scheuritzel at Kate.Scheuritzel@ct.gov.
Serve Connecticut is a program of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. It administers AmeriCorps grants on behalf of the state and promotes service and volunteerism throughout Connecticut.