Open Access Government reports on AmeriCorps, the U.S. federal agency focused on national service and volunteerism, which has recently faced funding and staff cuts, as noted by many, including America’s Service Commissions
AmeriCorps “brings out the best in America” by providing citizens with the opportunity to address urgent needs in local communities across the United States and its territories. The activities funded by grants primarily focus on essential community services, such as tutoring, mentoring, food insecurity, homelessness, public safety, mental health, social isolation, and tackling other issues that affect communities nationwide.
AmeriCorps programs assist veterans, respond to disasters, support students, deliver meals to seniors, and more. In doing so, they enable AmeriCorps members to serve their country while also developing skills that will help them succeed in the workforce. These programs are evidence-based and regularly evaluated for effectiveness, with studies indicating a return on investment (ROI) of up to $34 for every federal dollar spent.
There is extensive coverage online regarding the cuts in funding for AmeriCorps. For instance, on 26th April 2025, America’s Service Commissions (ASC) expressed their deep dismay over the unexpected notification received from the AmeriCorps agency (also known as the Corporation for National and Community Service).
This announcement revealed the illegal and immediate termination of nearly $400 million in grant program funding. Reports indicate that this sudden termination will lead to the closure of more than 1,000 programs and the premature end of service for over 32,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers. As a result, communities across America will be deprived of vital services previously provided by these programs.
“Terminating nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants with no advanced notice is already having a detrimental impact on the vast network that makes up the national service field in the United States. Thousands of people who have steadfastly dedicated their lives to serving their country through AmeriCorps are finding their livelihoods suddenly thrown into jeopardy, and hundreds of communities are losing critical services they rely on,” says ASC CEO Kaira Esgate. (1)
On 17th April, ASC reported that the AmeriCorps agency has sent all AmeriCorps NCCC members home and has placed approximately 85% of its federal staff on paid administrative leave. This sudden freeze of AmeriCorps agency staff and the removal of NCCC members from service will harm AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and the communities and states they serve. ASC is deeply concerned that essential programs might have their current agreements canceled or face significant delays in upcoming program funding. (2)
AmeriCorps: A retrospective view
Reflecting on the impact of meeting unmet needs in states and communities each year, we note that in March 2025, the first class of AmeriCorps NCCC members in the Forest Corps completed their service. Seventy-two members celebrated their achievements at a graduation ceremony held in Sacramento, the headquarters of the NCCC Pacific Region. The Forest Corps program partners AmeriCorps NCCC with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, providing training from forestry professionals and focusing on wildfire mitigation and natural resource conservation.
“These teams earned chainsaw certifications, learned to dig fire lines, and managed prescribed burns, which will keep communities safe for decades. They responded to active wildfires, immediately protecting local lands and communities, and nurtured young nursery trees to support national reforestation efforts. Through harsh weather and logistical challenges, they remained agile and passionate. These young people will graduate as 72 trained wildland firefighters, ready to contribute meaningfully to preserving our nation’s natural resources,” said Ken Goodson, Director of AmeriCorps NCCC. (3)
To maintain a positive perspective, let’s look back to March 2025, when AmeriCorps published the 2025 National Service Reports. These reports provide detailed information on federal financial investments across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. They highlight the number of AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who served between 23rd February 2024 and 21st February 2025.
“Our latest National Service Reports prove it, showing strong returns on investment across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and D.C. Through evidence-based projects meeting urgent local needs, we engaged 200,000 Americans in sustained service last year, who then inspired 1.9 million more volunteers to join in,” said Jennifer Bastress Tahmasebi, Interim Agency Head, AmeriCorps. (4)
Reflecting on former President Jimmy Carter’s link with AmeriCorps
To honor former President Jimmy Carter, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith noted the loss of a public servant who embodied American integrity and compassion. In September 1984, the Carters led Habitat for Humanity volunteers in New York, helping 19 families secure safe housing and launching the annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which has since become a worldwide initiative.
In 2008, the Carter Work Project focused on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, with over 2,000 volunteers, including more than 500 AmeriCorps members, assisting 250 families in their rebuilding efforts. They constructed new homes and participated in a ‘wall blitz’ to assemble walls for future houses.
We conclude this editorial by sharing excerpts from the statement as we reflect on AmeriCorps’ past, present, and future:
“President Carter said, ‘Habitat for Humanity provides a simple but powerful avenue for people of different backgrounds to come together to achieve those most meaningful things in life. A decent home, yes, but also a genuine bond with our fellow human beings. A bond that comes with the building up of walls and the breaking down of barriers.’
“The national service community will deeply miss President Jimmy Carter, but his service lives on in the countless Americans who continue to volunteer for their communities and serve their country.” (5)
References
- https://www.statecommissions.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=342:asc-statement-on-the-termination-ofamericorps-grants&catid=23:news&Itemid=191
- https://www.statecommissions.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=340:asc-statement-April25&catid=23:news&Item
id=191 - https://www.americorps.gov/newsroom/first-cohort-americorps-nccc-forestcorps-members-graduate
- https://www.americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/americorps-publishes2025-national-service-reports
- https://www.americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/americorps-reflectspresident-carters-life-service