Volunteer Florida Awards $360,000 in Funding to Support Communities Impacted by COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Volunteer Florida announced that $360,000 in funding will be distributed to five organizations that are working to implement an AmeriCorps Program in their community. Along with funding, organizations will receive technical assistance and support that will help them successfully manage a future AmeriCorps program. Programs will focus on helping community members that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am so proud of the work that Floridians are doing to not only stop the spread of COVID-19, but help their neighbors in need,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I applaud these organizations and the many others across our state that are stepping up and supporting community members who need a little extra help during this difficult time.”

“We were overwhelmed by the number of applications that we received for this funding opportunity – a true testament to the giving spirit of our state,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Clay Ingram. “When times get tough, Floridians rise to the occasion by protecting each other and serving each other. We look forward to supporting the work of these organizations in the years to come.”

Awarded organizations will receive up to $75,000 for a one-year planning period to prepare for managing a future AmeriCorps program. These organizations may apply for grant awards subsequent to their planning year to implement their proposed program. Funding for AmeriCorps is made available by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering and national service, and administered by state service commissions like Volunteer Florida.

The following organizations received an AmeriCorps Planning Grant:

Children’s Home Network (Hillsborough)

Over the next year, Children’s Home Network will use the AmeriCorps Planning Grant award to create an education-focused mentoring, tutoring and recreational guidance program for children who are cared for by a grandparent or other family member.

Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, Inc. (Statewide)

Over the next year, the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions will use the AmeriCorps Planning Grant award to develop a program to support high-risk pregnant women, infants and their families.

Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida (Duval)

Over the next year, Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida will use the AmeriCorps Planning Grant award to design a program structure to address literacy gaps in the community, including family and digital literacy with a focus on increasing literacy gains in adults.

Senior Resource Alliance – Area Agency on Aging of Central Florida (Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard)

Senior Resource Alliance will spend the next year developing a community-wide program focused on improving services and support to seniors. Services will focus on education, health, social support and support for independent living.

University of Central Florida (Orange)

The University of Central Florida’s downtown campus will use the next year to develop a program that will propel stronger educational, social and economic outcomes for residents living in poverty in Orange County.

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About Volunteer Florida
In 1994, Volunteer Florida was established in Florida Statutes to manage national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, and advocate for volunteerism throughout the Sunshine State. Since then, Volunteer Florida has evolved to serve as the state’s lead agency for mobilizing volunteers and coordinating donations before, during and after disasters, including managing the Florida Disaster Fund. After 25 years, Volunteer Florida remains committed to promoting volunteerism in Florida, and recently launched the state’s official volunteer opportunities platform, Volunteer Connect. Through our work, Volunteer Florida delivers high-impact volunteer programs and opportunities that engage Floridians, transform communities and make the state a better place to live.

About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering and service, and recently marked its 25th anniversary. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1.1 million AmeriCorps members have served the nation, providing more than 1.6 billion hours of service and earning nearly $4 billion in education awards to pay for college or pay back student loans. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/join.