Reference
Plain-language definitions of the AmeriCorps terms that show up in grant applications, budgets, and progress reports. Curated by America Learns, partner to 300+ AmeriCorps programs and 18 state service commissions.
One full-time AmeriCorps member serving 1,700 hours equals 1.0 MSY. The MSY is AmeriCorps' core unit for budgeting and reporting.
MSY stands for Member Service Year. It is the AmeriCorps unit of measurement equal to one full-time member serving 1,700 hours over a service term. Part-time position types contribute fractional MSY values. Total MSYs for a program equals the sum of (slots in each position type × that position type's MSY value).
A funded service opportunity for one AmeriCorps member. Slots are counted by position type and converted to MSYs.
A slot is a single funded AmeriCorps service opportunity. A program with 10 full-time slots and 4 half-time slots has 14 slots total, which equals 10 × 1.0 + 4 × 0.5 = 12.0 MSYs.
The AmeriCorps service-term category that determines required service hours and MSY value. Seven position types are recognized.
Position types are the AmeriCorps-defined service-term categories: Full-time (1,700 hrs, 1.0 MSY), Three quarter-time (1,200 hrs, 0.7 MSY), Half-time (900 hrs, 0.5 MSY), Reduced half-time (675 hrs, ≈0.3809524 MSY), Quarter-time (450 hrs, ≈0.26455027 MSY), Minimum-time (300 hrs, ≈0.21164022 MSY), and Abbreviated-time (100 hrs, ≈0.05627705 MSY).
A modest, taxable stipend paid to AmeriCorps members during service. Not a wage; not tied to hours worked.
The living allowance is a fixed stipend paid to AmeriCorps members to help cover basic living costs during their service term. It is not a wage, is not based on hours served, and is subject to federal and state income tax. Minimum and maximum amounts are set annually by AmeriCorps based on position type.
A post-service benefit members earn after completing their term. Award amount varies by position type.
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is a post-service benefit available to members who successfully complete their term of service. It can be used to pay qualified higher-education expenses or repay qualified student loans. The full-time award amount is tied annually to the maximum Pell Grant; part-time awards are prorated.
Total federal grant request divided by total MSYs. AmeriCorps caps cost-per-MSY in most competitions.
Cost-per-MSY (CPM) is calculated as the total federal AmeriCorps grant request divided by the program's total MSYs. AmeriCorps publishes a maximum cost-per-MSY each year for State and National competitions. Programs requesting more than the cap must justify the higher amount or reduce the request.
The U.S. federal agency for national service and volunteerism. Formerly the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
AmeriCorps is the federal agency that engages Americans in service through programs including AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, and AmeriCorps Seniors. The agency was rebranded from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in 2020.
A governor-appointed body in each state that administers AmeriCorps State formula and competitive funding to subgrantees.
State service commissions are governor-appointed bodies that exist in every U.S. state and territory. They administer AmeriCorps State formula and competitive grants, manage subgrantee networks, and provide training and technical assistance to local programs. America Learns partners with 18 state service commissions.
A local organization that receives AmeriCorps funding through a state commission or national parent grantee, not directly from AmeriCorps.
A subgrantee is an organization that operates an AmeriCorps program with funding passed down from a primary grantee — typically a state service commission for State formula grants, or a multi-state parent organization for National competitive grants. Subgrantees report to their prime grantee, who reports to AmeriCorps.
Volunteers in Service to America — a year-long, full-time AmeriCorps program focused on capacity-building to fight poverty.
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a year-long, full-time national service program focused on building the long-term capacity of nonprofits and public agencies working to alleviate poverty. VISTA members receive a living allowance, healthcare coverage, and choose between an end-of-service stipend or the Segal Education Award.
Standardized outputs and outcomes AmeriCorps programs must track and report on annually.
Performance measures are the standardized data points AmeriCorps programs collect to demonstrate impact. They include national performance measures (defined by AmeriCorps) and applicant-determined measures. Programs report outputs (e.g. number of students tutored) and outcomes (e.g. students improving in reading) each grant year.
The organization that receives an AmeriCorps grant directly from the federal agency or from a state commission.
A grantee (or prime grantee) is the organization holding the AmeriCorps grant agreement. State commissions are prime grantees for State formula funds; multi-state nonprofits are prime grantees for National Direct competitive grants. Prime grantees are responsible for compliance, fiscal management, and reporting on all subgrantees.