AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) 94.011
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
In FY 2025, AmeriCorps Seniors awarded 296 Foster Grandparent Program grants to eligible organizations across the United States and its territories. Through these grants, volunteers aged 55 and older engage in national service by providing one-on-one mentoring and tutoring to support students’ academic development. Collectively, these volunteers are expected to contribute more than 14 million hours of service, helping guide children and youth toward higher academic achievement.
Program Objective
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) provides grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of engaging persons 55 years of age or older, with limited incomes, in volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a high-quality volunteer experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers. Program funds are used to support Foster Grandparents in providing supportive, person to person service to children with exceptional or special needs or are academically or socially disadvantaged.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
- Tribal
- Nonprofit Organization
- Other
See the program's Notice of Funding Availability/Opportunity.
Beneficiaries
- Infant and Toddler (0–3)
- Young Child (4–9)
- Pre-Teen (10–12)
- Teen (13–19)
Foster Grandparents must be: 55 years of age or older, with an income of up to 200 percent of poverty, based on the Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines, and interested in serving infants, children, and youth with special or exceptional needs. (However, individuals who are not income eligible may serve as non-stipended volunteers under certain conditions.) Foster Grandparents must be physically, mentally, and emotionally capable and willing to serve selected infants, children or youth on a person-to-person basis. See the program's Notice of Funding Availability/Opportunity for additional information.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
See program’s Notice of Funding Availability/Opportunity and application instructions for information on award procedures.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 120 to 180 days
- Renewal interval: From 120 to 180 days
From 120 to 180 days. For Continuations and Renewals Notice, only existing AmeriCorps Seniors FGP grantees who currently receive federal funds for an AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program grant can apply for funding. In addition to Indian tribes and defined in 2 CFR 200.1, tribal organizations that are controlled, sanctioned or chartered by federally recognized Indian tribes are also eligible to apply.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Foster Grandparent Program is an intergenerational program that engages volunteers ages 55 and older in national service to provide one-on-one mentoring, tutoring, and other supports to children who have special or exceptional needs or who are academically or socially, disadvantaged. AmeriCorps Seniors’ volunteers in the Foster Grandparent Program serve an average of 20 hours per week in schools, early education and childcare centers, and other settings where children are present and through a one-on-one relationship, AmeriCorps Seniors’ volunteers tutor children based on their specific needs, and teach parenting skills to young parents, among other activities. The grantee has the opportunity to enhance school environment.
Mission Categories
Primary: Elementary and Secondary Education
Other categories:
Environmental Quality Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The grants may be used for: low-income Foster Grandparent stipends, transportation, physical examinations and meals; staff salaries and fringe benefits, staff travel, equipment, space costs, etc. Foster Grandparents may be assigned to children and youth in residential and non-residential facilities, including schools and preschools and to children living in their own homes. Volunteers may not supplant hiring or displace employed workers, or impair existing contracts for service. No agency supervising volunteers may request or receive compensation for services of the volunteers. Volunteers may not be involved in and funds may not be used for religious activities, labor or anti-labor organization, lobbying, or partisan or non-partisan political activities. In addition, eligible agencies or organizations may, with a Notice of Grant Award from AmeriCorps, receive technical assistance and materials to aid in establishing and operating a non-AmeriCorps funded FGP project using state, local, and/or private funds.
Required Documentation
Various records and forms required for first time applicants, as well as a copy of the applicant's last audit, may be requested. First time applicants must certify financial systems. Please see the program's Notice of Funding Availability/Opportunity.
Matching Requirements
The FGP sponsor is required to match funds for their projects in part through local, non-federal contributions. The required local contribution is at least 10 percent of the total project budget. The local contribution portion should be reflected in the Budget Section of the application. The non-federal share can be cash on in-kind matching funds.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements