Friday, April 2, 2010

Utah Commission on Volunteers Announces $1.4 Million 2010 AmeriCorps Funding Opportunity

A Series of Free Technical Assistance Trainings Offered Statewide
The Utah Commission on Volunteers announces the availability of $1.4 million in funding for the operation of AmeriCorps programs in Utah.  AmeriCorps provides support to nonprofits, community organizations, and public agencies committed to addressing critical community needs in areas such as education, public safety, health, economic opportunity, the environment and other human needs.
“In 2009, Utah’s AmeriCorps members mobilized more than 9,000 volunteers,” said Shar Lewis, executive director of the Utah Commission on Volunteers. “These volunteers provided over 150,000 hours of service with an estimated economic value of $3.1 million dollars to our state.”
The Commission is conducting a statewide series of free trainings to answer questions, provide technical assistance and explain the application process in detail for those wanting to apply for the funding.
“We encourage organizations that have never received funding from the Commission or AmeriCorps to apply for these grants,” said state AmeriCorps program manager LaDawn Stoddard. “We also encourage intermediaries to apply.”
Grantees and sponsoring organizations are responsible for recruiting, selecting, and managing members.  Program operation will begin in fall 2010. Those interested in applying must attend one meeting:
April 14 – 2:00 – 4:00 @ Six County AOG Training Room, 250 North Main: Richfield, UT
April 15 – 2:00 – 4:00 @ Five County AOG: 1070 West 1600 South Building B; St. George, Utah
April 19 – 1:00 – 3:00 @ Professional Development Center, 1950 Monroe Blvd; Ogden, Utah
April 21 – 2:00 – 4:00 @ 324 South State #500, Salt Lake City, Utah
April 22 – 2:00 – 4:00 @ Grand Center: 182 North 500 West; Moab, Utah                                     
AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, engages tens of thousands of Americans nationwide in intensive, results driven direct service each year. For more information, or to reserve a space, please contact LaDawn Stoddard at 801.538.8646 or ldstoddard@utah.gov. Additional information may be found atwww.americorps.gov or www.volunteers.utah.gov.
The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. For more information on the Commission on Volunteers, and various volunteering opportunities across the state, log onto www.volunteers.utah.gov.