Nonprofits, governments, Tribal organisations and higher-education institutions can currently apply for funding through the FY2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Competition.

Applications are due by 5:00pm Eastern Time on October 20, 2026.

The programme supports organisations that recruit and manage volunteers aged 55 and older to address important community challenges.

What Is AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP?

RSVP is one of the largest volunteer programmes for older adults in the United States.

Volunteers can serve in areas including:

• Education;
• Disaster response;
• Food and nutrition;
• Workforce development;
• Tax preparation;
• Support for older adults;
• Substance-use prevention;
• Housing;
• Veterans services.

The organisation applying for the grant becomes the local RSVP sponsor and manages volunteers and service activities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include organisations such as:

• Nonprofits;
• Faith-based organisations;
• State governments;
• Local governments;
• Tribal governments and qualifying Tribal organisations;
• Public and private institutions of higher education.

New organisations may apply, including smaller community-based organisations.

FY2027 Funding Priorities

Applicants may address local community needs, but AmeriCorps has identified several priorities.

These include:

• Supporting older adults and caregivers;
• Helping older adults re-enter the workforce;
• Building strong families;
• Preventing fraud and scams targeting older adults;
• Reducing homelessness;
• Supporting behavioral health initiatives.

A project does not necessarily need to cover every priority.

It should focus on a clearly documented community need and build volunteer activities around measurable outcomes.

Is Matching Funding Required?

Yes.

The FY2027 Grants.gov listing confirms that the programme has a cost-sharing or matching requirement.

Applicants should carefully review the current Notice and Match Calculator rather than assuming that the entire project can be federally financed.

How Much Can You Request?

The award amount varies depending on the proposed RSVP project, service geography and volunteer structure.

AmeriCorps therefore does not publish one simple universal grant ceiling on the current Grants.gov synopsis.

Applicants should use the official FY2027 federal-share and matching calculators supplied with the competition materials.

Official Application Link

Applications are submitted through the AmeriCorps eGrants system.

Apply through AmeriCorps eGrants

View the official FY2027 RSVP competition page

View the Grants.gov opportunity

Deadline

October 20, 2026 at 5:00pm ET

Applicants should create or verify their eGrants account before the final days because the full application includes narratives, work plans, budgets, performance measures and supporting documents.