CSFA# 25-444-80-3330

Important: All new applicant organizations must apply to the Serve Illinois Commission for AmeriCorps funding by:

A. Completing the instructions included in this NOFO, and

B. Submitting their application via eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application system.

C. Submitting the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance and the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure to DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov

D. New applicants will be selected for submission to AmeriCorps for funding consideration through the Merit-Based-Review process administered by Serve Illinois, under the purview of Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). The merit-based review is described in Section E.2. Review and Selection Process. AmeriCorps will make final award determinations.

Summertime is such a dichotomy of a season for everyone.  It is a time for celebrating the culmination of hard work and the commitment to a goal.  The culmination can be regarding the end of the educational journey, in government, it can be the ending of the fiscal year, for AmeriCorps, it can be completing the hours for a service year, and in volunteerism, it’s the season to recognize the winning community project for the Governor’s Hometown Award!

As much as it is a time of culmination, it is also a time of new beginnings.  New service year for new members, new programs in AmeriCorps, new volunteer projects being implemented by individuals and communities, new commissioners joining Serve Illinois, and a new fiscal year in Illinois.  Summertime is a time of ending and beginning, a time to rest and celebrate, and a time to plan for a new journey that speaks to your professional, educational, and civic ethos.

The Serve Illinois Commission would like to wish you a safe summer.  One filled with reflection on what has been accomplished or one filled with great endeavors for the next phase you may be entering.

Yours in Service,

Andres J. Fernandez

Serve Illinois Executive Director

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards in celebration of the 2023-2024 class took place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.

These awards recognize individual volunteers through a statewide award program, highlighting the importance of volunteerism and community service in Illinois. Twenty-seven out of thirty-four winners were awarded plaques for winning in their category and region and received a bouquet donated by Inspire Through Flowers.

The winners recognized traveled from various parts of the state, from Mt. Vernon to Carthage, and Clinton to Chicago. Categories included AmeriCorps Seniors, AmeriCorps Members, Adult, Youth, and Public Health categories. Dr. Jarmese Sherrod and Shelley Long were the masters of ceremony for the night, with Serve Illinois Executive Director Andres Fernandez, IDHS Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero, Serve Illinois Chair Natalie Furlett, and Serve Illinois Recognition Committee Chair Amy Rueff providing congratulatory remarks.

Attendees enjoyed entertainment and dinner, including special musical performances by Leo High School Choir, who were recognized as Honorary AmeriCorps members, along with Dr. Sherrod, Shelley Long, and volunteer photographer, Danielle Long, for their volunteerism work at the awards.

The event was full of joy, dancing, and beautiful Lake Michigan sunset views, providing a perfect background for a pleasant evening.

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 awardees!

Have you heard about the Ombudsman Program? Well, here is a great opportunity to serve in your local community and support older adults. The Department on Aging is seeking Ombudsman volunteers to serve as an advocate and address problems for older adults living in long-term care communities.

Primary Responsibilities

 Visit assigned facilities regularly, providing an independent presence in the facility.

 Maintain a professional relationship with residents, family, and facility staff.

 Work to resolve complaints made by residents of long-term care facilities.

 Provide information, referral, and education regarding long-term care rights and other concerns of residents and their families.

 Attend and support resident and family council activities.

 Maintain accurate records as directed.

 Keep information obtained about residents confidential.

The IDHS-Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service seeks volunteers who can assist with administrative coordination for families affected by floods in Cook County. During the month of September, heavy rains caused flooding in several areas throughout Cook County. As a volunteer recruitment partner, Serve Illinois is working to address these unique challenges.

If you have a heart for service and would like to help these communities recover, please sign up to be an Illinois Disaster Volunteer.

Serve Illinois and our regional partners will provide specialized disaster volunteer training.

*** This opportunity offers both in-person and virtual volunteer shifts***