I’m always humbled to see the positive outcomes that our AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers make in communities across the country, which is why I am excited that next week is National Volunteer Week. This week-long event is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the profound impact of volunteering, particularly older adult volunteering, and the ability to address significant societal issues, foster stronger communities, and to make positive change in other people’s lives.  

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, I hope you feel a sense of pride in the profound work you do to confront society's most pressing challenges through your service. I know many projects will be hosting special events to recognize this event, and I hope you take a moment to pat yourselves on the back for making a positive impact in your community. The volunteers who serve in our programs are invaluable and deserve recognition. National Volunteer Week is not just a celebration of your efforts but also a testament to the spirit of generosity and compassion that drives you to serve others selflessly. Remember, your actions are shaping a brighter future and inspiring others to join in creating positive change. Take pride in your accomplishments, celebrate your achievements, and continue to be the driving force behind meaningful transformation in our communities. 

I had the pleasure of connecting with some of you at the On Aging 2024 conference in San Francisco, Calif., at the end of March. I was honored to represent AmeriCorps Seniors and discuss the important work our volunteers make in their communities every day.  

I hope you all are enjoying the longer days and spring weather. As always, thank you all for your hard work and dedication. I’ll see you this summer at our 2024 Convening!  

Training Corner 

Monthly Spotlight on Training Resources 

AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers Vital in Tax Relief for Thousands of Americans

It is tax season again and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are a vital asset in tax preparation programs that have returned millions of dollars to eligible Americans. In 2023, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers returned over $69 million dollars to eligible families, helping AmeriCorps overall return $84 million in tax returns. By activating more than 1,890 volunteers in the RSVP program, AmeriCorps Seniors helped more than 100,000 Americans. Each volunteer served more than 50 individuals with tax preparation services.

“RSVP programs across the country activated their skilled and talented AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to support families, individuals, veterans, and military families, making sure they received the critical tax benefit they were entitled to receive.” – Atalaya Sergi, Director, AmeriCorps Seniors.

Read more about AmeriCorps Seniors tax relief efforts here.

Modernization Initiative Update 

Currently, AmeriCorps is immersed in the system configuration and design phase of the future Grantee and Sponsor Portal and are in the development phase for My AmeriCorps Portal replacement. AmeriCorps is working to deliver systems that will help improve the application, award management, and volunteer management experience for AmeriCorps grantees. AmeriCorps' modernization team will be at the AmeriCorps Seniors Convening, where there will be a variety of in-person engagement opportunities.

Stay tuned for more updates and ways to stay connected. Feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or suggestions at modernization@americorps.gov.  

Building on a robust culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, the first-ever AmeriCorps' Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Virtual Summit, “Let’s Take a Journey”, will occur on Tuesday, April 30, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET.   

The summit will begin with an introduction from our Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Smith. Afterwards, there will be a signature executive panel with the following industry leaders:   

• Alvin Warren, Board Member, AmeriCorps Board of Directors 
• Veda Ajamu – Chief, DEI Programs and Community Engagement, The National Civil Rights Museum   
• Elaine P. Ho – Chief Diversity Officer, National Aeronautical Space Administration 
• Yesenia Martinez – Program Manager, The Volcker Alliance   

Next, there will be back-to-back sessions where participants can choose from two of the three tracks: Exploring Data to Increase Equitable Outcomes; Granting Access: Dismantling Able-ism And Embracing Neurodiversity; and Strategic Alignment for Organizational Success and Community Impact. 

We ask for your commitment in communicating this event to your staff, as well as contact with any grantees, members, volunteers, and sponsors.  For external stakeholders, please encourage them to register using this link.    

For questions, please contact Veta Hurst (vhurst@americorps.gov) or Lamar Butler (labutler@americorps.gov)   

To commemorate the 30th Anniversary of AmeriCorps, each month we will highlight the incredible impact AmeriCorps programs create through key areas of service. The theme for April is Environment. AmeriCorps’ focus on the environment conserves natural habitats, improves energy efficiency, protects clean air and water, and helps to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Find videos, photos, social media, communications templates, and more in our 30th anniversary communications toolkit.  Remember to share your Environment stories with us to raise awareness about the positive impact your program has on your community. Share videos, photos, and posts on social media. Use the hashtag #AmeriCorps30 to be featured on our channel. 

Elder Justice Corner 

From our colleagues at the Federal Trade Commission. 

2024 Income Guidelines  

The 2024 AmeriCorps Seniors Income Guidelines for the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs are posted to the grantee pages. 

Income Disregard Provisions Memo  

The Income Disregard Provisions Memo has been updated and posted on the Foster Grandparent, RSVP, Senior Companion, and Senior Demonstration grantee pages.  

Reporting Requirements 

For reporting deadlines, review your grant's terms and conditions and section VII reporting requirements: 

• Foster Grandparent 
• RSVP 
• Senior Companion 
• Senior Demonstration 

Reports will be made available in eGrants 90 days before the due date. If the option to enter report data is not available in eGrants, please reach out to your portfolio manager.  

Current Reports Due: 

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Quarter Three Grants:

• Project Progress Report Annual Due: Tuesday, April 30 
• Federal Financial Report Semi-Annual Due: Tuesday, April 30 

AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and Senior Demonstration Program Quarter Three Grants Realigned to Quarter Four (those with a 15-month budget):

• Project Progress Report Annual Due: Tuesday, July 30
• Federal Financial Report Semi-Annual Due: Tuesday, April 30

**Please note: There was an error in last month’s Director’s Notes regarding the due date for the Project Progress Report for realigned Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and Senior Demonstration Programs. The Project Progress Report is due Tuesday, July 30.

AmeriCorps Seniors American Rescue Plan Phase 2 (April) Grants: 

• Project Progress Report Annual Due: Tuesday, April 30 
• Federal Financial Report Final Due: Monday, July 29 

Additional Resources 

For instructions on the project progress report and federal financial report, visit your program's grantee resources section, select “submit a progress report” or “submit a Federal Financial Report” as the action, then click “apply” to show the resources.    

• Foster Grandparent Program grantee page 
• RSVP grantee page  
• Senior Companion Program grantee page  
• Senior Demonstration Program grantee page  

Updated AmeriCorps Seniors Handbooks 

• Foster Grandparent Program Operations Handbook  
• RSVP Operations Handbook     
• Senior Companion Program Operations Handbook     
• Senior Demonstration Program Operations Handbook  

Litmos Trainings for Reporting 

• AmeriCorps National Performance Measures Core Curriculum   
• Federal Financial Report Core Training For Grantees