Volunteer Iowa recently awarded $9.18 million in grant funding received from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and community volunteerism. Volunteer Iowa is the state commission that administers the AmeriCorps State funds to 21 programs statewide, including four new programs this year. These grants will support more than 800 AmeriCorps members in Iowa who will serve with nonprofit, community and faith-based organizations across the state. In addition, $76,000 has been awarded for two planning grants to support organizations interested in exploring and launching new AmeriCorps programs in the near future. In addition to the grant funding, AmeriCorps will provide $2.6 million in?Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards?for AmeriCorps members in Iowa funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an award of about $6,500 that they can use for tuition at eligible schools and educational programs or qualified student loan repayment. “AmeriCorps members have been game changers for so many Iowa communities in recent years, so we are thrilled to be able to award funding to support 800 more to help move Iowa forward,” said Adam Lounsbury, executive director of Volunteer Iowa. Programs across the state are currently recruiting AmeriCorps members to serve in the coming year.