RSVP staff reports AmeriCorps grant extension, volunteer hours and contingency plan for funding

Lori Ring, RSVP staff for Oneida County, told the council on April 16 that the program’s current AmeriCorps grant period has been extended through June 30, 2026, and that the county is preparing to bridge funding if the new award is delayed.

Ring reported that current balances are sufficient only through the original grant period ending March 31, 2026; AmeriCorps has extended the current grant period to June 30, 2026. She said the county will continue grant activities using grantee-share funds once AmeriCorps funding is exhausted, and that the county can charge back to the new grant one month prior to the Notice of Grant Award to recover funds used between April 1 and May 31, 2026, if an award is issued. Ring said a new grant application was submitted on time and that Notices of Grant Awards are expected in June 2026. The planned grant, if approved, would begin a new six-year cycle with a pattern of continuation applications and renewals dependent on Congress’s budget approval for AmeriCorps.

Ring also provided volunteer-activity figures: the program logged approximately 14,000 volunteer hours over the past 12 months; last year the program celebrated about 15,000 hours at its recognition banquet. Ring said more diligent reporting by volunteers and host stations would help reach and surpass last year’s total. She noted the possibility of holding an outdoor summer recognition event if grant funding is approved.

Ring asked the council for suggestions to fill two vacancies on the advisory council and said staff will begin advertising after the Notice of Grant Award is received in June. The council recorded a tentative next meeting date of July 16, 2026 if new funding is awarded.

The council adjourned at 9:45 a.m.