Press Release: Serve Wisconsin announces two grant opportunities for organizations to strengthen their volunteer programs

[Madison, WI] - Serve Wisconsin is now accepting applications for two distinct Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant programs. These grants are designed to help organizations recruit, train, engage, manage, and sustain volunteers. This funding is made possible through grants from AmeriCorps and the Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF), aimed at promoting volunteerism.

The first opportunity offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to enhance volunteer programs within community-based organizations. Serve Wisconsin invites applications from non-profit organizations, Indian Tribes, local governments, schools, institutions of higher education, and state agencies. These grants can be used to support volunteer recruitment, engagement, training, days of service, or disaster preparedness training. Serve Wisconsin especially encourages applications from agencies focusing on disaster preparedness, those working with older adult volunteers, and youth-led volunteer programs.

The second opportunity is for grants to develop sustainable, skills-based board training programs. The goal is to increase the number of nonprofit board members from communities historically underrepresented on boards. With this support, Serve Wisconsin aims to help organizations more fully engage volunteers in community problem-solving and ensure that diverse voices, particularly those from the communities being served, are represented in leadership roles.

Both grant opportunities will reimburse eligible expenses through September 30, 2025. Applicants are required to provide a $1:$1 match, which can be met through external funding or in-kind contributions. Grant awards will be determined through a competitive process, evaluating innovation, project size and scope, and the organization's readiness to implement the proposed project.

• Applications for board training grants are due by November 8, 2024.
• Volunteer engagement grants will be available on a rolling basis while funds remain.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Volunteer Generation Fund page on the Serve Wisconsin website: https://www.servewisconsin.wi.gov/volunteer-generation-fund.

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Serve Wisconsin works with AmeriCorps programs and organizations that engage volunteers throughout the state of Wisconsin to address human, educational, environmental, public safety and homeland security needs. AmeriCorps members and volunteers are given the opportunity to enrich the lives of the people and communities they serve and their own lives through professional and personal development. Serve Wisconsin is governed by 21-member citizen body appointed by Governor Evers. For more information visit https://servewisconsin.wi.gov.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at https://americorps.gov/.