AmeriCorps grant to promote financial stability

Twenty-seven new AmeriCorps members have begun work towards improving the financial stability of local residents thanks to a new grant received by United Way of Greenville County.

The federal grant, which is awarded by the South Carolina Commission on National and Community Service, provides annual funding of $286,000 for three years to Corps United – a partnership of United Way of Greenville County, United Way of Pickens County, Furman University and several area nonprofits.

The 27 AmeriCorps members – 20 full-time and seven part-time positions – will serve at 18 local nonprofit agencies and organizations in programs focused on helping local citizens achieve greater financial stability. Among the programs and sites to be served by AmeriCorps members are United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Greenville and Pickens counties; Benefit Banks at 12 area sites; the Individual Development Account (IDA) income savings program through Greenville Housing Fund, Urban League of the Upstate and the YWCA of Greenville; career coaching through Graduate Greenville and Communities in Schools; and sustainability and weatherization programs through the Furman Center for Sustainability. (See below for the complete list of sites.)

By utilizing AmeriCorps members in the grant-funded positions, United Way of Greenville County estimates the partner programs will be able to provide direct services to an additional 3,500 members of the community at an annual cost savings of more than $800,000.

The AmeriCorps members commit to one year of service and work directly with one of the 18 agencies in the program. In exchange, they receive a small stipend and educational award up to $5,350.

“United Way of Greenville County is committed to building strategies and mobilizing partners and resources to improve financial stability for individuals and families in our community,” said Margaret Clark, chair of the United Way of Greenville County Board of Trustees. “By leveraging United Way donor dollars with the AmeriCorps grant, we will be able to make great progress towards that key goal.”

Corps United Partner Programs