The Corporation for National Service and the Hawaii State Commission for National and Community Service announces the availability of AmeriCorps*State Formula funds for the 2009-2010 program year.

AmeriCorps, “the domestic Peace Corps,” is a national service program, which engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in team-based, results-driven service in the areas of public safety, education, literacy and tutoring, the environment, basic human needs and Homeland Security. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend and an education award for post-secondary education expenses upon completion of their term of service. AmeriCorps and the Hawaii Commission strive to strengthen citizenship and the ethic of service by assisting communities in addressing their toughest challenges.

Through the AmeriCorps Program Grant, agencies sponsor AmeriCorps members who serve to implement community service initiatives. Eligible agencies include community based non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, state and local government entities, and school districts. Agencies that apply must be able to demonstrate the capacity to administer a federal program, have a detailed plan of action, strong connections to the community it is planning to serve, a real need for the proposed service within the community, and the ability to raise the required matching funds.

All applications must be submitted to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service by May 8, 2009. For more information, please contact the Hawaii Commission staff at 944-7674 or you may download the application by visiting the Commission’s website at www.hawaii.edu/americorpshawaii