New York State Commission on
National & Community Service

New York State Commission on
National & Community Service

David A. Paterson

Governor

Susan K. Stern

Commission Chair

Mark J. Walter

Executive Director

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Program Development & Training (PDAT) Mini-Grant Application Instructions

The New York State Commission on National and Community Service will make mini-grants available to national service program partnerships through its Program Development Assistance and Training (“PDAT”) funds. Applicants must propose to conduct their own training on an issue-specific topic. PDAT funds can be used to support statewide or regional events for program staff and/or member training when conducted collaboratively among multiple national service programs.

PDAT National Service Mini-grants are considered a supplemental funding opportunity outside of your AmeriCorps*State grant. Although PDAT Mini-grant applications do not require matching funding, the applicant’s ability to show a strong commitment to the training event by including non-federal, local in-kind or cash resources is looked upon favorably.

Applicants must show that the proposed training event will engage multiple national service programs and identify particular training needs that they would like to address. PDAT funds can be used to support items such as: training space, speaker fees, training supplies, and travel related expenses. Training events that include cross-stream initiatives and engage participants from any/all New York State national service programs will be looked upon favorably (ie: AmeriCorps*State or National, Senior Corps, Learn and Serve America, and/or AmeriCorps*VISTA).

PDAT National Service Mini-grants are reimbursement grants that require approval prior to the applicant planning and implementing the activity, or spending any funding proposed in their application. Applicants should plan for the review and approval process of a PDAT Mini-Grant to last approximately ten (10) business days from the date it is submitted to the State Commission Office, until spending authority is approved.

Each application must identify a primary contact person from the lead agency for the event. Only one application may be submitted per organization annually. The maximum amount that can be requested in an application is $5,000. If awarded a PDAT mini-grant, the recipient must complete a short survey that will be provided by the State Commission upon completion of their event.

If you are interested in applying for a mini grant please complete the following on-line application and submit it through the New Yorkers Volunteer website.

If you have any questions related to this opportunity please contact Eric Czupil at the State Commission Office at 518-402-3824 or by email at eric.czupil@NewYorkersVolunteer.ny.gov.