NH Delegation Announce $360K in AmeriCorps Funding to Expand Community Service in NH, Support Granite State Programs

(Manchester, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that New Hampshire has received $360,109 in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service programs. The funds were awarded through CNCS’ Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) to Volunteer NH, the organization that administers AmeriCorps programs in the state, and will be used to conduct a campaign to expand the number of volunteers and volunteer opportunities available, as well as support the important work organizations are performing in communities throughout New Hampshire.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Granite Staters have not hesitated to step up and help their communities tackle the pressing challenges they face,” said Senator Shaheen. “These funds are an important investment in our state and will help bolster Volunteer NH’s recruitment and volunteer training efforts, as well as support the ongoing work of Granite State organizations on the frontlines of this crisis. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these resources and will continue to be a strong advocate for federal funding for national service programs.”

“Volunteer NH embodies the Granite State ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach  – and this federal grant will help expand their important work,” Senator Hassan said. “As communities across New Hampshire struggle from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers are more important than ever to help address communities’ greatest needs. I will keep working to secure additional federal dollars to help support New Hampshire’s recovery efforts as we all work to contain the spread of this deadly virus and help our economy recover.”

“Volunteering and community service are long-cherished and important traditions in New Hampshire,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in announcing this funding for Volunteer NH – a meaningful investment in our community – which will help strengthen and expand volunteer recruitment and opportunities, benefiting our state and making it an even better place to live. I will continue working to ensure Granite State communities have the funds and resources they need to thrive.”

“Over the last several months we have seen exactly how important Granite State volunteers are in lifting up our communities and helping the most vulnerable among us,” said Congressman Pappas. “I am pleased our state is receiving this federal assistance to recruit and support our state’s finest so they can continue to play an important role in helping us weather this pandemic.”

“The COVID 19 pandemic has brought thousands of Granite State citizens together. Even though we have been faced with unprecedented challenges, these selfless individuals have stepped up to serve and to support their neighbors and communities,” said Gretchen Stallings, Executive Director, Volunteer NH. “With the Volunteer Generation Fund Grant, Volunteer NH will work with New Hampshire nonprofits to engage volunteers in finding meaningful ways to give back in this time where their service is needed more than ever.”

Senator Shaheen is a strong supporter of national service programs. In May, Shaheen introduced the Pandemic Response and Opportunity Through National Service Act, legislation that would fund 750,000 national service positions over a three-year response and recovery period, in part to meet the projected need for as many as 300,000 public health workers. Earlier this year, the NH delegation also announced $4.7 million in AmeriCorps funding for New Hampshire programs.

The funding from CNCS will support volunteer-focused projects from the following organizations: