Local nonprofits, schools and community groups have a new opportunity to establish localized community service programs, as ServMO has announced the availability of AmeriCorps Missouri Planning Grants. The funding announcement comes as south-central Missouri remains largely unrepresented in the state’s current AmeriCorps program footprint.
The planning grants are designed to help selected organizations prepare to launch full AmeriCorps programs. Recipients will use the funds from January to June 2027 to develop their program structures, preparing them to compete for operational grants in the subsequent 2027-2028 grant cycle. Individual planning grant awards are capped at $75,000.
A review of the state's current AmeriCorps portfolio highlights a significant funding gap in the greater West Plains region. While existing programs place members in areas like Kansas City, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, and Waynesville to tackle issues ranging from education and mental health to disaster relief and legal aid, Howell County and its immediate neighbors lack a dedicated local AmeriCorps presence.
To address these gaps, ServMO is actively prioritizing applications from geographic areas of the state currently underserved by the existing portfolio, as well as organizations leading service projects in rural communities and areas with concentrated poverty.
State officials are also prioritizing programs that focus on civic engagement, social cohesion and connection initiatives. Additional preference will be given to programs that create clear workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members through professional training and certifications, support environmental stewardship, assist veterans and military families or help existing programs explore new designs.
Interested organizations must first submit an online Notice of Intent by 5 p.m. Aug. 14. A technical assistance recording will be made available on Aug. 20 to all applicants who completed the notice to assist them with the final paperwork. The final deadline to submit a full application is 5 p.m. Sept. 25.
Since 1994, more than 17,000 Missourians have served in AmeriCorps, contributing more than 24 million hours of local community service.
Organizations interested in applying can find the Notice of Intent link and grant guidelines on the grant opportunities page at serv.mo.gov/grant-opportunities. Questions and requests for more information can also be emailed directly to ServMO at servmo@ded.mo.gov.
