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

Resources to help address conservation, community needs through service

U.S. Senator Jon Tester and Governor Steve Bullock announced today that Montana will receive more than $5 million in funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) for AmeriCorps programs that support land and water conservation, resources for college students, community services, and access to justice for low-income Montanans.

“AmeriCorps members and the work they do add immense value to the people and places that make Montana special,” Tester said. “Their commitment and dedication helps folks graduate from college, access legal services, and keeps our public lands in pristine condition. This funding will allow Montana’s AmeriCorps members to continue serving their community, and will help make sure Montana remains the Last Best Place for generations to come.”

“The strong tradition of service at the heart of AmeriCorps strengthens and bolsters communities across Montana,” Bullock said. “AmeriCorps members selflessly rise to the occasion to meet the needs of Montanans, from mental health care and educational support, to improving our watersheds and public lands. I know I join all Montanans in being grateful for their continued presence in our communities.”

The 2020 AmeriCorps grants will provide Montana service organizations with $5,002,048 in funding from CNCS, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps and other national service programs.

$715,741 will go to the Governor’s Office of Community Service to support AmeriCorps members deployed into service across the state. AmeriCorps programs will work with the Governor’s Office of Community Service to fulfill Governor Bullock’s State Service Plan for service and volunteerism in Montana:

• $232,125 to Richland County Health Department Communities in Action Corps AmeriCorps – AmeriCorps members will address community needs and increase quality of life in Richland County, and will implement best practices to encourage workforce development, access to healthy food, and improve mental health support by engaging partners in the community and encouraging local volunteerism to increase collaboration and promote a better quality of life in Eastern Montana. (15 members)
• $315,000 to Montana Legal Services Association Justice for Montanans Project – AmeriCorps members will empower low- to moderate-income Montanans to advocate for their legal rights and increase access to justice. Members perform a variety of duties including expanding intake processes, serving clients directly, providing legal information and referrals, and helping attorneys with case management. (21 members)
• $168,616 to Montana State Parks AmeriCorps – AmeriCorps members will promote healthy, active, and environmentally aware communities by enhancing park land, enriching educational opportunities, increasing volunteerism, and improving community outreach in state parks. (11 members)

$2,866,013 will go to three other sponsoring programs:

• $389,213 to Montana Campus Compact AmeriCorps – College student AmeriCorps members will focus on helping first generation and low-income Montanans access post-secondary education opportunities. (52 members)
• $1,994,000 to Montana Conservation Corps – AmeriCorps members will complete various conservation projects, including fuels reduction, weatherization, watershed restoration, fencing, habitat enrichment, trail work, and more. (341 members)
• $482,800 to Big Sky Watershed Corps – AmeriCorps members will assist Montana’s watershed communities with local conservation efforts, contribute innovation and skills within watershed organizations, and mobilize volunteers to improve at-risk ecosystems. (34 members)

In addition to the more than $3.5 million in grants, Tester and Bullock announced $1,420,294 in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants. The members receive an Education Award after they have completed their service to help pay for post-secondary education or to pay off student loans.

More than 420 individuals have served Montana through AmeriCorps State programs this year, with 372 currently in serving Montana. To learn more about AmeriCorps programs in Montana, visit serve.mt.gov.