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. 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 who answer the call to serve.
Since 2014 Serve Wisconsin has received funding through the Volunteer Generation Fund and used those dollars to promote volunteerism throughout the state. These funds supported the creation of volunteer centers throughout the state, established a statewide volunteer connection website—volunteerwisconsin.com, supported the creation of VOAD/COADS to help state residents in times of disaster, and provided 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 support efforts by local agencies to run board training programs throughout the state. These programs train new leaders to serve as decision makers on nonprofit boards. Additionally, Serve Wisconsin continues to provide mini grants to agencies to help with volunteer recruitment, training, and capacity building.
If you are interested in learning more about the Volunteer Generation Fund, please contact Rachel Donaldson at rachel.donaldson@wisconsin.gov.
Open Applications
Volunteer Engagement Grants—America 250 celebration!
Serve Wisconsin is offering competitive grants up to $10,000 to promote volunteer activities in community-based organizations. Organizations are required to provide a $1 for $1 match for requested funds. Wisconsin-based non-federal entities, non-profit organizations, Indian Tribes, local governments, schools, institutions of higher education, and state agencies are eligible to apply.
This summer marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this historic milestone, Serve Wisconsin will support projects that engage and mobilize volunteers to take part in service activities. We are prioritizing funding for projects that celebrate the America Gives initiative by encouraging acts of service and promoting inclusivity and collaboration among Wisconsinites. Whether through park clean up, food pantry distribution, backpack drives, or other volunteer driven efforts, projects should reflect the spirit of giving back. By investing in these efforts, we aim to support meaningful activities that bring people together and leave a lasting positive impact on the community.
To be eligible for funding, agencies are required to register their volunteer opportunity on the VolunteerWisconsin.org website and associate it with the America 250 Initiative. This ensures that all opportunities receive appropriate visibility and can be tracked for impact and accountability. Directions on how to get listed/associated can be found HERE. It only takes a few minutes to register and post your opportunities.
This funding opportunity requires all applicants have an active SAM.gov registration. If you don’t have an active SAM account, please register for one prior to applying for funding. We cannot approve applicants without an active SAM registration.
VGF subawards will be made on a cost reimbursement basis. There is a $1 for $1 match requirement. The applicant’s match can be non-VGF cash and/or in-kind contributions. Applicants must indicate whether the match is proposed or already secured.
To apply:
Review the Request for Applications , Budget Instructions, and In-Kind/Match documentation
Submit your Application
Return your completed Budget Worksheet via email to Rachel Donaldson at rachel.donaldson@wisconsin.gov