Volunteer Generation Fund

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) operated by AmeriCorps focuses on investments in volunteer management practices that increase both volunteer recruitment and retention. The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) was established by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act on April 21, 2009, expanding the role of the AmeriCorps agency in strengthening the nation’s volunteer infrastructure. At a time of social need, when Americans of all ages are looking for ways to give back, we need to be ready to engage all those who answer the call to serve.

Since 2014 Serve Wisconsin has received funding through the Volunteer Generation Fund. Serve Wisconsin has used those dollars to promote volunteerism throughout the state. Funds were used to support the creation of volunteer centers throughout the state, establish a statewide volunteer connection website—volunteerwisconsin.com, support the creation of VOAD/COADS to help state residents in times of disaster, and provide mini grants to agencies to help with volunteer recruitment, training, and capacity building.

Serve Wisconsin was one of only six state commissions to receive funding through the Volunteer Generation Fund in 2023. The most recently awarded VGF funds were awarded to support efforts by local United Ways to run Board Training Programs throughout the state. These programs will train new leaders, specifically folks from underrepresented communities, to serve as decision makers on nonprofit boards. Additionally, Serve Wisconsin will continue to provide mini grants to agencies to help with volunteer recruitment, training, and capacity building.

Mini Grants now available! apply today!

Serve Wisconsin invites non-profit organizations, Indian Tribes, local governments, schools, institutions of higher education, and state agencies to apply for mini-grants ranging between $2,000 and $4,500 that focus on strengthening volunteer engagement in rural areas of Wisconsin, where nearly 30% of the state’s population resides. Funding can be used to support or promote general volunteerism, volunteer trainings, volunteer engagement, or agency capacity building through volunteerism. Rural communities are defined as having populations of fewer than 2,500 residents.  The Commission encourages applications from rural communities that work with older adult volunteers, and youth led volunteer programs. The first round of applications for these mini grants is currently open. Serve Wisconsin will begin reviewing first round applications starting March 15th , and awarded entities will be notified by March 30th. Second round applicants will be accepted after March 15th through May 15th with reviews ending in June or until all funds are awarded. The last day to incur expenses reimbursable by the grant is September 30th, 2024.

For more information on the Mini Grants and how to apply for them, please review our RFA: Request for Applications

The budget document can be found here: VGF Budget Document

If you are interested in learning more about the Volunteer Generation Fund, please contact Rachel Donaldson at rachel.donaldson@wisconsin.gov.