Oregon — OregonServes 2026–27 AmeriCorps Planning Grants (24% Match; Individual Maximum Not Published)

OregonServes RFA 26-049 accepts competitive planning grant applications from qualifying nonprofits, Tribes, higher-education institutions and local governments developing Oregon-only AmeriCorps programs. Individual award maximum is not published; 24% cash or in-kind project match is required. Rolling deadline November 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

FundingIndividual applicant grant maximum not published. Estimated total 2026–27 OregonServes planning-grant competition funding is under $1,000,000 and is NOT an individual award amount. Required applicant cash or in-kind match: 24% of total project cost.

DeadlineRolling applications with final November 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (RFA specifies PST); final deadlines subject to official amendments.

Last verified2026-10-25

Required next actionReview complete RFA 26-049, confirm Oregon-only service design and SAM registration, build a budget including 24% eligible cash/in-kind project match, complete Attachment A application, Attachment C budget, Attachment D certification, organization chart, financial statements/audit (unless applicable higher-ed exemption), and indirect cost documentation if used. Email to oregon.serves@hecc.oregon.gov by November 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific; prepare for potential secondary federal AmeriCorps review.

Broad Eligibility

Oregon-only AmeriCorps program designs from eligible Tribal governments, higher-education institutions, local governments, and nonprofits with UEI, EIN and active SAM.gov registration, financial capacity, and required budget support; disqualification/exclusion rules in RFA apply.

Atlas Analysis

2026–27 AmeriCorps Planning Grant Opportunity, OregonServes Commission, RFA #26-049. Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission is inviting applications for funding to design new or expanded AmeriCorps service programs operating solely in Oregon. These planning grants do not fund AmeriCorps member service positions, and an award does not guarantee a future full operational grant. The typical planning period is nine to twelve months, determined through award negotiation.

Funding: The RFA does not publish a binding individual applicant award maximum. HECC states an estimated combined competition budget under $1 million, not an individual grant amount. Actual funding depends on applicant budget, availability, OSC review and subsequent AmeriCorps approval. Applicant must supply a documented 24% match of total project costs in eligible cash or in-kind contributions; match funds must be tracked and reported. This financial assistance is distinct from vendor procurement.

Eligibility: Qualifying federally recognized Tribal governments, accredited institutions of higher education, local governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations designing service programs solely within Oregon. Applicants need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), EIN, active SAM.gov registration, and financial statements or audits (higher education exempt from specified audit-attachment requirement). Applicants with disqualifying federal criminal convictions, delinquent unpaid federal taxes, or lobbying activities are excluded under controlling RFA rules.

Priorities and eligible activities: Youth Mental Health Corps, Healthy Futures and economic opportunity, along with disaster services, education, environmental stewardship and veterans/family support. Planning expenses can include responsible program design, staff development, partner and service-site planning, community assessment, evaluation systems and eligible consultant work. Applicants must provide an itemized budget and adhere to federal uniform grant rules. Undefined contingency spending, unallowable entertainment expenses and directly operating member positions are excluded from planning awards.

Application: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with final deadline November 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Email oregon.serves@hecc.oregon.gov with Attachment A application, Attachment C budget, Attachment D certification, organizational chart, required 2024/2025 audit or financial statements (subject to university exemption), and indirect-cost rate agreement if claiming applicable costs. OSC initially screens and scores submissions; selected applicants advance to final AmeriCorps review and federal application steps.

Read the complete official 84-page RFA #26-049, application and grant agreement and HECC’s current grant listing for any amendment before submitting. Official documents verified October 25, 2026.