Tester, Bullock, Announce over $5 Million in AmeriCorps Funds for Montana

Senator and Governor Secure Money to Address Community Needs through Service

(Montana)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester and Governor Steve Bullock announced today that Montana will receive a total of $5,258,327 in funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) for AmeriCorps programs that support land and water conservation, state parks, energy efficiency, and access to justice.

“AmeriCorps volunteers work hard to protect our public lands, to strengthen our communities, and to stand up as public servants for those who are voiceless,” Tester said. “These resources will help ensure that folks can continue to serve in Montana and keep our state the Last Best Place.”

“AmeriCorps members embody the strong spirit of service that runs deep in Montana and unite communities all across our state through the power of giving back,” Bullock said. “We’re grateful that their service can be continued through these resources as they make a lasting difference for generations to come.”

The 2018 AmeriCorps competitive grants will provide $3,080,514 to five sponsoring programs to support 429 AmeriCorps members who will be deployed into service across the state of Montana.

• Big Sky Watershed Corps Montana, Montana Conservation Corps, Inc. | $356,400 | 27 members: Big Sky Watershed Corps members contribute innovation and skills within watershed organizations and mobilize volunteers to improve at-risk ecosystems at the headwaters of our nation’s greatest rivers. Big Sky Watershed Corps is made real through a partnership with the Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Montana, Montana Conservation Corps, and the Montana Watershed Coordination Council with host sites across Montana. mtcorps.org/join/big-sky-watershed-corps-member

• Montana Conservation Corps, Inc. | $1,994,000 | 341 members: Montana Conservation Corps engages members to serve on outdoor conservation projects and to develop them as leaders and citizens. Montana’s largest AmeriCorps program, MCC has developed a versatile program that uses the power of service and the crew dynamic to mobilize a new generation while living, learning, and working outdoors to improve trails and habitats. mtcorps.org

• Montana Energy Corps, National Center for Appropriate Technology | $242,477 | 20 members: Montana Energy Corps engages members to provide weatherization services to low-income Montanans, and to design and conduct educational activities in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable practices throughout the state. energycorps.org

• Montana State Parks AmeriCorps, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks | $219,137 | 21 members: Montana State Parks AmeriCorps members promote healthy, active, and environmentally aware communities by enhancing park land, enriching educational opportunities, building volunteer capacity, and strengthening community outreach in state parks. AmeriCorps members serving in this program develop a commitment to the stewardship of natural and cultural resources. stateparks.mt.gov/AmeriCorps

• Justice for Montanans, Montana Legal Services Association | $268,500 | 20 members: The Justice for Montanans AmeriCorps Project empowers low to moderate income Montanans to advocate for their legal rights and increase access to justice. Members expand intake, help attorneys with case management, develop outreach materials and presentations, help survivors of domestic violence access services, and more. justiceformontanans.org

The Governor’s Office of Community Service will receive $688,526 to support three additional AmeriCorps programs across Montana through the 2018 AmeriCorps formula grants which will be awarded by late summer.

In addition to the nearly $4 million in grants, Tester and Bullock announced $1,489,288 in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants. The members are given an Ed Award after they have completed their service to help pay for post-secondary education or pay down student loans.