Board approves AmeriCorps Kansas subgrantees but notes federal funding uncertainty after April terminations

The board approved a slate of recommended AmeriCorps Kansas subgrantees on May 13 despite continuing federal uncertainty after AmeriCorps sent termination notices for operating grants on April 25.

KSDE staff reported that AmeriCorps had notified the department that fiscal‑year‑2024 operating grants were terminated in April; AmeriCorps also told states that they were continuing limited grantmaking activity in a reduced capacity and a federal notice of funding opportunity referenced a June 13 deadline for FY25 selections. KSDE advised that it did not yet have a confirmed FY25 formula allocation to Kansas; the agency warned that without an allocation, the state cannot commit funds to subgrantees and that awards are contingent on receiving federal dollars.

Betty moved that the board approve the 2025 AmeriCorps Kansas subgrantees as recommended by the Kansas Volunteer Commission; the motion was seconded. The board approved the recommendation by recorded vote 8 yes, 1 no, 1 present‑not‑voting. KSDE’s staff and counsel said the contracts include standard language that an award is contingent on receipt of federal funding and that terminated contracts contain language that relieves the state of obligation if the federal grant is terminated.

Board members who voted for the slate framed the action as procedural: if Kansas receives a FY25 allocation, staff will be able to move quickly to re‑award subgrants begun earlier in the cycle. Officials said they would update the board as the federal agency releases additional guidance and as any allocations to Kansas are finalized.