FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Augusta, ME — Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, welcomes the announcement from AmeriCorps that federal funds previously held by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will now be released. The decision clears the way for awarding grants that had been awarded but were frozen for months, including a Senior Companion program, a $1.2M grant for the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC), and the State Service Commission Investment Funds (CIF).
The hold had raised the risk of severe disruptions across Maine. In particular, more than 100 older adults in York and Cumberland counties were expected to lose access to the AmeriCorps Senior Companion program as of October 1 if the freeze had continued. The hold on the grant to MCC put at risk critical programming that protects our natural resources, improves our outdoor recreation infrastructure that is vital to Maine’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation economy, and enhances Maine’s conservation workforce through intensive focus on job readiness, connecting members to employment opportunities in Maine. Similarly, the Commission Investment Fund (CIF) grant is central to ensuring Volunteer Maine fulfills its duty as the center for excellence for volunteer leadership training and infrastructure statewide.
“This decision is a huge relief for communities across Maine,” said Brittany Gleixner-Hayat of Volunteer Maine. “Service is a proven, evidence-based strategy that delivers an incredible return on investment. These programs don’t just fill gaps — they strengthen the fabric of Maine communities.”
While the release of funds restores stability for the remainder of FY 2025, the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget is under review in Congress, and future allocations for AmeriCorps programming remain uncertain. Currently, the Senate Appropriations Committee markup of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill for FY26 is at near FY25 levels.
“While the announcement is good news for this year, we remain deeply concerned about the future of funding for FY 2026 and beyond,” said Pamela Proulx-Curry, Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Volunteer Maine. “We welcome the funding levels identified in Senate Appropriations Committee and urge Congress to ensure these FY26 funds come through so that America’s national service infrastructure is protected.”
About Volunteer Maine
Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, builds capacity and sustainability in Maine's volunteer and service communities by funding programs, developing managers of volunteers, raising awareness of sector issues, and promoting service as a strategy.
Media Contact: service.commission@maine.gov