Iowa AmeriCorps State Funding Announcement
The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (Volunteer Iowa) is pleased to announce a Request for Applications (RFA) for Iowa AmeriCorps State programs to operate in 2027-2028.
Application Materials
Applicants will need to reference the Request for Applications (RFA) posted to the AmeriCorps State grants page of the Volunteer Iowa website. Applications will be accepted only from organizations seeking funding to operate a program wholly within the state of Iowa (multi-state applicants apply directly to the Corporation for National and Community Service). Multi-state AmeriCorps National Direct applicants that intend to place members in Iowa must consult with Volunteer Iowa regarding these intended placements using the process and link provided in the RFA.
Currently, returning operational AmeriCorps grantees are actively applying for AmeriCorps funding at the national level for competitive funding or seeking to continue funding through the Commission’s state-level formula competition.
Deadlines for submission of the required Pre-Application and Final Application can be found on the AmeriCorps State grants page. Full details about the Request for Applicants can be found in the funding announcement. Questions about AmeriCorps state programming in Iowa can be sent to americorps@volunteeriowa.org.
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9/11 Day of Service Activities
Individuals across Iowa actively engaged in Day of Service volunteer projects through various organizations. Volunteer Iowa awarded funding to organizations to support ongoing training aimed at increasing organizational capacity, volunteer management, and youth engagement. As a result of these trainings, over 50 organizations led Day of Service projects across the state on or around September 11. So far, 2,678 total Iowans have volunteered at these events with an estimated 1,250 additional volunteers anticipating in upcoming events, bringing the total of individuals engaged to 3,928. Young people were actively involved in implementing volunteer projects, with 110 youth acting as leaders in their community and planning community events.
9/11 Day of Service activities were held in 26 counties across Iowa. Activities include meal-packing events, school supplies donations drive, flags to honor emergency responders, outdoor clean-ups, blood drives, kindness cards, hygiene kits, community meals, and so much more. In Indianola, Simpson College students honored 9/11 through a major meal‑packing event, assembling 40,000 meals for those in need. In Mason City, Hoover Elementary students and families led landscaping and ground improvement work to celebrate meaningful spaces in their community. In Anita, community members collected over 2,000 snacks for CAM Jr./Sr. High students, building momentum for continued youth support throughout the school year. In Cedar Rapids, United Way of East Central Iowa delivered more than 700 backpacks to youth‑serving nonprofits. Atlantic’s Flags of Honor display united volunteers in placing 462 American flags to honor fallen emergency responders. Youth volunteers in Wapello County created 500 “Seeds of Kindness” cards made from handmade seed paper, inviting the community to write uplifting messages and distributing them to mental health facilities for those seeking encouragement.
Together, these efforts are just a small example of how our communities grow stronger when we show up for one another.
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Applications Open: Strategic Volunteer Engagement Fellowship
Volunteer Iowa is launching a year‑long Strategic Volunteer Engagement Fellowship to strengthen volunteer infrastructure across the state. Fellows will join a statewide cohort and participate in a nine‑part training series- combining in‑person workshops, virtual learning, coaching, and applied fieldwork- to build skills in strategic engagement, community listening, human‑centered design, partnership development, experimentation, and impact measurement. Following the training series, participants will put what they learned into practice, providing training and coaching on volunteer engagement to organizations in their community and network. This opportunity aligns well with Volunteer Center, RSVP, Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, local Extension Office, or other community organization staff whose roles involve supporting nonprofit organizations in their community, external to their own.
Participants will also receive a stipend of up to $4,000 for participating in the cohort and applying their learning in the field. Stipend amounts depend on the number of training and coaching sessions delivered to external organizations and how many organizations are reached.
Interested practitioners are encouraged to apply by October 26th. Contact Michelle.raymer@volunteeriowa.org with questions.
Michelle Raymer Receives Outstanding Commission Staff Member Award from America's Service Commissions
Volunteer Iowa’s Deputy Director of Volunteer Engagement Michelle Raymer received the 2026 Outstanding Commission Staff Member Award at an awards ceremony hosted by America’s Service Commissions (ASC) on September 15 in Washington, DC.
The Outstanding Commission Staff Member Award is given to an individual commission staff member who demonstrates leadership, implements innovative strategies to get things done, and provides consistent service to programs to realize success.
Michelle joined Volunteer Iowa in 2013. During her tenure, Michelle has led a wide range of programs, including Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF), AmeriCorps VISTA, disaster response, Days of Service, employer volunteerism, Service Enterprise, youth service, and RSVP. She holds her Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA), has contributed to several national volunteer engagement initiatives, and previously served as Board President for the Association of leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE). Before joining the Commission, Michelle served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer and worked in volunteer engagement with nonprofits. Today, she continues to advocate for investment in strategic volunteer engagement, as well as the volunteer engagement professionals that make it possible, as an effective solution for creating strong, resilient, and thriving communities.
Learn more about Michelle's recognition and the other ASC Innovation and Leadership Awards on our website.
Apply Now for the 2027 Service Enterprise Program
Organizations across Iowa can now apply to participate in the 2027 Service Enterprise program, an internationally recognized accreditation that strengthens nonprofit capacity through strategic volunteer engagement.
Service Enterprise equips organizations with practical tools to better leverage volunteer talent. Selected participants will complete a robust process that includes a diagnostic assessment, cohort-based training, individualized coaching, and certification. The result: a stronger, more sustainable volunteer engagement strategy that aligns with organizational goals.
Why Strategic Volunteer Engagement Matters The Initiative for Strategic Volunteer Engagement has demonstrated, through extensive research, that nonprofits thrive when volunteers are integrated thoughtfully and strategically. Their work outlines clear recommendations for nonprofit leaders and funders, highlighting how intentional volunteer engagement strengthens community impact and organizational resilience. To learn more about the research, visit Strategic Volunteer Engagement Program.
Ready to Strengthen Your Organization? Service Enterprise is a research-backed, proven model for building a comprehensive volunteer engagement strategy. If your organization is ready to elevate its volunteer efforts, now is the perfect time to get involved. Applications for the 2027 program are due December 4, 2026 at 12:00 noon. To request an application, email jana.daisy@volunteeriowa.org. An informational webinar will be held on October 22 at 11:00 AM, offering an overview of the program and answering questions from prospective participants. Register today!
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Volunteer Engagement Training Series
In partnership with the Volunteer Centers of Iowa, join Volunteer Iowa for this six-session virtual program training kicking off November 3 at 10:00am. This engaging and interactive virtual training series, created by Points of Light, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the major components of nonprofit volunteer engagement and provide the opportunity to develop volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition strategies and methods of offering projects for diverse audiences.
Through the Training Program you will learn about:
- Establishing the Framework
- Planning for Volunteer Engagement
- Opportunities and Outreach
- Intake and Onboarding
- Supervision and Support
- Evaluation
Dates: November 3, 10, 17 & December 1, 8, 15. All sessions run 10:00am – noon. Cost to participate is $125. Register today!
Volunteer Iowa Staff Retreat
Volunteer Iowa staff attended an all-day staff retreat at Jester Park Nature Center in Granger on Tuesday, September 22. Sessions on creating engaging volunteer opportunities and leading through change were shared, as well as an overview of State Service Plan priorities and an outlook for the coming year. We ended the day with being awarded with unique and personalized superhero personas.
Governor’s Youth Volunteer Award
The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Award is a new statewide recognition program that celebrates graduating seniors who make meaningful contributions to their communities through service. This award creates a uniform statewide standard for high‑quality youth service recognition in Iowa. And most importantly, it is free for schools and students.
Graduating seniors qualify by completing:
- 150+ verified service hours (8th grade summer through senior year)
- A short reflective essay
Award recipients receive:
- A digital certificate signed by the Governor of Iowa
- Recognition on the Volunteer Iowa website
- Participation at a statewide ceremony with the Governor
To join the program, schools must complete this registration form. It is the school coordinator’s responsibility to inform students about the opportunity, track student hours, collect student essays, and submit list of students who have completed the requirements and will be receiving the award to Volunteer Iowa by April 20th.
Watch the recording of an informational webinar about the program.
Questions? Contact Kamryn Ryan.
 Partner With Volunteer Iowa: Bring a VISTA Member to Your Organization
Volunteer Iowa is inviting mission-driven nonprofits to join the Volunteer Iowa VISTA program. This is an opportunity for organizations committed to supporting low-income individuals and families—whether in rural towns, growing cities, or anywhere in between—to strengthen their impact and expand what’s possible.
As a VISTA host site, your organization gains the capacity to build sustainable, long-lasting solutions that help Iowans overcome barriers to poverty. VISTA Volunteers support projects that can focus on areas such as:
- Expanding access to education
- Improving transportation options
- Increasing disability and service accessibility
- Creating employment pathways
- Strengthening financial literacy and asset-building
- Supporting affordable housing efforts
- Growing resource development and community engagement
By partnering with Volunteer Iowa, your organization works alongside a dedicated VISTA Volunteer to develop strong systems, enhance programs, and equip community members with the tools they need to thrive.
If your organization is ready to deepen its impact, expand its reach, and strengthen its ability to serve Iowans in need, the Volunteer Iowa VISTA program offers a meaningful path forward.
Join us in building stronger, more resilient communities across our state.
Learn more about becoming a VISTA host site today. Contact Julie Struck for more information.
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