Souris Basin Planning Council’s Statement on AmeriCorps Grant Termination

SBPC is deeply troubled by the abrupt notice from the AmeriCorps agency, announcing the immediate termination of nearly $400 million in grant program funding nationwide. This decision affects SBPC’s AmeriCorps initiative, the Community Builder Program. SBPC has received no indication that the program is out of compliance; the only explanation provided is that it “no longer effectuates agency priorities.”

The sudden and sweeping termination of AmeriCorps grant funding impacts more than 1,000 programs and forces over 32,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to end their service early. Communities across the country will feel the loss of the vital services these individuals provide.

Approximately 98% of the affected grants are AmeriCorps State grants overseen by state service commissions. The North Dakota state service commission, Serve ND, is a 15-member board appointed by the Governor and responsible for setting priorities that meet local community needs. SBPC was selected as an intermediary sponsor to support nonprofit and community-capacity building efforts in the state. The termination of SBPC’s grant now forces AmeriCorps members to prematurely leave their service roles, immediately losing their living stipends and other benefits. SBPC is especially concerned about the disruption to the organizations and communities these members were serving.

“I have long spoken with pride about the transformative impact of AmeriCorps—words that come easily, because they come from personal experience. After graduating college, I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA. That year of service deepened my commitment to public service, inspiring me to pursue a master’s in public administration and dedicate my career to economic and community development in North Dakota. Imagining a future without AmeriCorps—and without the next generation of leaders it nurtures—is deeply unsettling, “ said Executive Director, Briselda Hernandez.

AmeriCorps plays a vital role in empowering individuals to serve, strengthening local communities, and equipping members with valuable skills for future careers. SBPC strongly urges leadership to reinstate AmeriCorps funding and ensure program continuity in North Dakota.

About the Community Builder Program

Launched in 2019, the Community Builder Program places AmeriCorps members in communities and nonprofit organizations. AmeriCorps members provide direct and capacity support such as volunteer recruitment and retention, research and data gathering, project development and implementation, grant writing, marketing and outreach, and other services. The program serves as a critical intermediary for communities lacking resources, providing direct support while building long-term capacity and community resilience. It provides the “people power” to meet community and nonprofit needs. Additionally, the program aims to strengthen workforce pipelines by attracting and retaining local young professionals, creating stability and leadership for future growth.