Volunteer Generation Fund
The Volunteer Generation Fund focuses on investments in volunteer engagement practices that strengthens entity’s ability to increase recruitment and retention of volunteers to meet critical community needs through service. AmeriCorps seeks to fund effective approaches that expand volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit and retain skill-based volunteers and develop strategies to use volunteers effectively to solve community problems.
VolunteerNC has received VGF funding from the AmeriCorps agency, and the application will open online on August 19th. The first round of applications will close on September 4th. Pending availability of funding, a second round will be announced in the future.
To initiate the application process, please submit a VGF Statement of Interest Form.
Who is eligible to apply?
Subgrants to community-based entities must include one or more of the following:
- Address activities consistent with the priorities set by the state’s service plan.
- Recruit, manage, or support volunteers to a community-based entity such as a volunteer coordinating agency, a nonprofit resource center, a volunteer training clearinghouse, an institution of higher education, or a collaborative partnership of faith-based and community-based organizations.
- Provide technical assistance and support to strengthen the capacity of local infrastructure organizations, address areas of community need, and expand the number of volunteers statewide.
Funding Initiatives & Priorities
VolunteerNC is accepting applications for the following initiatives. Funds will be awarded based on availability.
- Staff Positions - Funding is available to support Volunteer Coordinator positions. Volunteer Coordinators are expected to identify community needs and should plan and implement programs to address those needs. Performance measures include the number of volunteer hours recruited and served as a result of the Volunteer Coordinator’s efforts and the number of individuals or families served as a result of the Volunteer Coordinator’s efforts. Individuals serving in funded positions must pass a three-part National Service Criminal History check.
- Youth Engagement - Funding is available to provide scholarships for youth who participate in service-oriented leadership and training programs. Performance measures include the number of youth who complete leadership and training programs under scholarships, and the number of individuals served as a result of programs planned and implemented by youth, if applicable.
- Volunteer Systems - Funding is available for the purchase of platforms, software, or other systems that support the recruitment and management of volunteers.
- Volunteer Events/National Days of Service - Funding is available to support the planning and implementation of volunteer events and National Days of Service projects. National Days of Service include 9/11 Day of Service (September), MLK Jr. Day of Service (January), Global Youth Service Day (April), and National Volunteer Week (April). At least one individual from the applicant’s organization must pass a three-part National Service Criminal History check.
- Training - Funding is available for organizations to offer training in the areas of disaster services, community resiliency, volunteer management, Service Enterprise, civic engagement, veterans and military family engagement, community health, and other areas that help nonprofits to be more efficient and build capacity.
VolunteerNC will prioritize organizations that serve:
- Communities affected by disaster
- Military families and veterans
- Youth
- Rural communities