Federal cuts impact Montana AmeriCorps

Federal funding cuts to AmeriCorps in April have impacted numerous Montana nonprofits, leading to concerns about reduced services across the state, according to reporting by Montana Free Press. The Trump administration ended nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants nationally, affecting thousands of members.

Montana was not among the 24 states that successfully sued to have the funding restored. As a result, Montana lost $1.2 million in grant funding and 86 AmeriCorps member positions. Such nonprofits as the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center anticipate fewer volunteers for vital programs, and Family Promise in Great Falls lost AmeriCorps support for a full-time position. The Rocky Mountain Development Council's senior volunteer programs, including the Foster Grandparent Program, are also in limbo, facing potential service interruptions if their grants are cut.