Governor Cuomo Announces $16 Million in AmeriCorps Grants

Albany, NY - May 7, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State has received approximately $10 million in competitive AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which will support more than 1,500 AmeriCorps members statewide serving in 15 organizations to combat challenges facing New Yorkers. An additional $6 million will be awarded in early summer, bringing the total amount of funding in 2014 to approximately $16 million.

“From responding to extreme weather events to meeting the everyday needs of their neighbors, the people of this state have shown time and again what it really means to be a New Yorker,” Governor Cuomo said. “Supporting our AmeriCorps volunteers – who themselves are generously helping others in need – is a tremendous way to give back and build stronger communities. This funding will go a long way in growing our volunteer organizations, and I am proud to play a role in supporting their efforts.”

The New York State Commission on National & Community Service – New Yorkers Volunteer (NYS CNCS), a Governor-appointed commission, uses the power of AmeriCorps to address some of the State’s most challenging issues, and encourages citizens to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors. The State’s AmeriCorps members have changed the lives of New Yorkers by improving schools, fighting poverty, coming to the aid of the sick, preserving the environment, and supporting veterans and military families. Since 1994, more than 72,000 AmeriCorps members in New York have completed more than 110 million hours of service.

“Through continued efforts and activities tailored to community-specific needs, AmeriCorps members who so generously dedicate their time make an enormous difference in the lives of people across New York State,” said New Yorkers Volunteer Executive Director Linda Cohen. “I am grateful for AmeriCorps members who make the State stronger, safer, and healthier, impacting countless citizens who may not have received such help otherwise.”

The current year’s AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive, due to the strong demand by organizations seeking AmeriCorps resources. The 2014 competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families and disaster services.

Below is a listing of 2014 Competitive AmeriCorps grants in New York:

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “These important investments can help strengthen our communities and support struggling families. These funds will help support New Yorkers who dedicate themselves to public service through tutoring and mentoring, delivering healthy food and clean energy, and shielding our most vulnerable from extreme weather to help improve lives all across our state.”  

Congressman Charlie B. Rangel said, "I applaud and welcome Governor Cuomo's announcement that more than a dozen New York State programs will receive $16 million in Competitive AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Services to strengthen educational opportunities and disaster preparedness. I'm proud that $1.651 million of these vital funds has been awarded to our district's very own Harlem Children's Zone, which for more than 40 years has been empowering the lives of thousands of children and families in our community."

Congressman Eliot L. Engel said, “Volunteers perform a critical role in our communities. They are there for their neighbors in times of need, and work willingly to improve the lives of those around them. In this spirit, Westhab, Inc. assists some of Westchester’s most vulnerable residents by providing housing and social services for homeless and low-income families. I am pleased to hear they will receive a portion of the $16 million AmeriCorps grants awarded in New York State.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, “In New York, we pride ourselves on our commitment to service. This AmeriCorps funding will help organizations provide critical support to those in need. I am particularly proud that Westhab, Inc. of Elmsford will receive funds to provide educational and housing support to low-income families. I will continue to work with Governor Cuomo and be a strong voice in Congress for federal assistance to improve the quality of life in our communities.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said, “The AmeriCorps program demonstrates the power of giving back. The program teaches valuable life skills to young New Yorkers through community service and it provides support to those most in need. I am proud to have supported continued funding for AmeriCorps and am thrilled to see these resources being put to good use in our city.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “Funding for these initiatives constitutes an investment in our City’s most precious resource – our young people. These grants will help young people in our community lead healthier lives and build sustainable careers and I’m pleased to see this funding allocated.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said, “AmeriCorps members meet a wide range of local needs in our underserved communities and improve the lives of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens. This funding will promote the desire to help out our friends and neighbors and will enrich the lives of volunteers as well as the people they serve. Whether it’s enhancing education or helping to repair and rebound from recent severe weather events, I applaud those who give up their precious time to make the Capital Region a better place to work, live and raise a family.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng said, “AmeriCorps is an outstanding program, and its volunteers offer exceptional assistance to nonprofit groups and communities. I am pleased that our state and district will benefit from the invaluable services AmeriCorps provides. I thank the AmeriCorps program and its volunteers for working to improve the lives of New Yorkers especially here in Queens.”

The NYS CNCS -- New Yorkers Volunteer seeks to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering in New York State. It was established in 1994 by an Executive Order of the Governor, and administers programs funded by the National Community Service Trust Act of 1993, including AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps Education Awards programs. For more information, visit newyorkersvolunteer.ny.gov, “like” NYS CNCS on Facebook, or follow @NYersVolunteer on Twitter.

AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. Since 1994, more than 830,000 Americans have provided more than 1 billion hours of service. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.