AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program (SCP) 94.016
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
In FY 2025, AmeriCorps Seniors awarded 189 Senior Companion Program grants to eligible organizations across the United States and its territories. Through these grants, volunteers aged 55 and older provide independent living support and companionship to older adults and adults with disabilities. Volunteers also offer respite services to support caregivers.
Program Objective
The Senior Companion Program (SCP) provides grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of engaging persons 55 and older, particularly those with limited incomes, in volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers. Program funds are used to support Senior Companions in providing supportive, individualized services to help adults with special needs maintain their dignity and independence.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Department/Agency of U.S. State
- Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Municipality/Township Government
- County Government
- Local Government Consortium
- Local
- State
- Territorial
- Tribal
- Nonprofit Organization
See the program's Notice of Funding Availability/Opportunity.
Beneficiaries
- Specific Restrictions (Determined at NOFO Level)
- Senior Citizen (65+)
Senior Companions 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; interested in serving special-needs adults, especially the frail elderly, and must be physically, mentally and emotionally capable, and willing to serve on a person-to-person basis. However, non-income eligible individuals may serve as non-stipended volunteers under certain conditions.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
See program’s Notice of Federal Availability/Opportunity and application instructions for information on award procedures.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: > 180 Days
- Renewal interval: From 120 to 180 days
See the program's Notice of Funding Availability/Opportunity.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Senior Companion Program (SCP) provides grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of engaging persons 55 and older, particularly those with limited incomes, in volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a high-quality experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers. Program funds are used to support Senior Companions in providing supportive, individualized services to help adults with special needs maintain their dignity and independence.
Mission Categories
Primary: Old Age Assistance
Other categories:
Old Age AssistanceSpecial Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The grants may be used for: Senior Companion stipends, transportation, physical examinations, insurance, and meals; staff salaries and fringe benefits, staff travel, equipment, space costs, etc. Assignment of Senior Companions to adults may occur in residential and non-residential facilities and in their own homes. Volunteers do not supplant hiring or displace employed workers, or impair existing contracts for service. No agency supervising volunteers shall request or receive compensation for services of the volunteers. Volunteers are not to be involved in and funds are not to be used for religious activities, labor or anti-labor organizations, lobbying, or partisan or non-partisan political activities. In addition, eligible agencies or organizations may, under a Notice of Grant Award from AmeriCorps, receive technical assistance and materials to aid in establishing and operating non-AmeriCorps funded SCP projects using state, local and private funds.
Restrictions
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. Funds must be used as described in the approved application. All appropriated funds awarded under this program are discretionary.
Required Documentation
Various record 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
Matching Requirements: Percent: 10 The SCP 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