The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is pleased to announce the availability of federal funds to support innovative collaboration between public and private entities that share volunteerism as the foundation of their initiatives.
The funds will be used to assist youth-serving programs and other nonprofits with developing sustainability and improving the quality of volunteer engagement as related to My Brother’s Keeper – Michigan. Grants will be awarded with a start date of January 2015 for an initial 12-month program cycle and based on availability of funds; there is a possibility of an additional two years of funding. Preference will be given to programs operating for a full rather than a partial year.
What is My Brother’s Keeper – Michigan?
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 reauthorized and expanded the mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to include strengthening the nation’s volunteer infrastructure. A new initiative established in this legislation is the Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF). The VGF awards grants to states to recruit, manage, and support volunteers and strengthen the nation’s volunteer infrastructure.
The MCSC requested VGF Funds to support the My Brother’s Keeper – Michigan initiative. It will support a minimum of three programs utilizing a collaborative model to develop innovative approaches to continue to make progress for all youth, including boys and young men of color. Mentoring will be a central component in each grant awarded. Programs will assist youth with success in school and access to college or employment.
For more information please read the My Brother’s Keeper Report (PDF).
Who is eligible to apply?
Youth-serving programs and other nonprofits are eligible to apply.
Funds Available and Grant Size
The MCSC has $120,000 available to fund My Brother’s Keeper grants. Grants may range in size up to $30,000. Funds may be available for a second and third year to focus further on implementation, sustainability, and replication.
Match requirement
Applicants will be required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match toward their grant. The match may be non-CNCS cash or in-kind.
How do I apply?
Grant Requirements, Application Guidelines (DOC) and budget templates (DOC) are available for download. Deadline is 5 p.m. on October 28, 2014.
Technical Assistance
A technical assistance webinar will take place on October 15th, 2014. Click here to register for the webinar.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding My Brother’s Keeper – Michigan or the application process, please contact Shannon McCarthy at mccarthys3@michigan.gov or (517) 373-0617.
