Governor Steve Bullock today announced that Montana has received $3,403,759 in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

“AmeriCorps continues to provide innovative solutions to our state’s toughest challenges, especially when it comes to improving the lives of Montanans across the state and ensuring that our children will have access to a strong education and quality of life,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “From strengthening our environment through hands-on conservation, to connecting kids to healthy foods and increasing access to justice, I am proud of these Montana organizations – and the AmeriCorps members who serve with them – for giving back to our state every day.”

The following Montana organizations were successful in receiving grant funding through the 2016 AmeriCorps competitive cycle:

·        Big Sky Watershed Corps, Montana Conservation Corps, Inc., $356,400, 27 members: The Big Sky Watershed Corps engages members to make measurable contributions in environmental stewardship of America's headwaters in the northern Rocky Mountains and improve at-risk ecosystems critical to the health of Montana's communities.

·        FoodCorps, Inc., FoodCorps Montana, $127,130, 11 members: AmeriCorps members connect children to healthy food through nutrition education, school gardens, and improved school lunch offerings resulting in children’s improved attitudes toward trying new fruits and vegetables.

·        Montana Conservation Corps, Inc., $1,872,000, 313 members: Montana Conservation Corps engages members in versatile 21st Century Conservation Service Corps model intervention that mobilizes young Americans and veterans to protect at-risk ecosystems, improve natural resources, and engage in leadership development.

·        Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Montana State Parks AmeriCorps, $167,161, 20 members: AmeriCorps members promote healthy, active and environmentally aware communities by improving the condition of state park lands, enriching educational opportunities, building volunteer capacity, and strengthening community outreach through service in state parks across Montana.

·        Montana Legal Services Association, Justice for Montanans Project, $226,945, 18 members: AmeriCorps members serve as navigators of the justice system to help low income residents of Montana find the legal information and resources needed to resolve legal problems. Members also recruit and support volunteers who serve income eligible citizens through representation and information in order to increase access to justice.

AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members in intensive service annually to serve through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations at more than 21,000 locations across the country. These members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve.

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