(August 7, 2025) The City of Davenport will start recruiting for next year’s AmeriCorps program after the federal government restored funding to support the community service program. The Davenport City Council will vote on August 13, 2025 to formally accept the grant award for 2025-2026, worth $439,000.
Background
The City terminated its AmeriCorps program in April, as did one thousand other programs nationwide, when the federal government suddenly cut nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding. This decision ended the service of 30,000 members. In Davenport, 22 AmeriCorps members were already in service, and six others were about to start summer contracts when the funding was cut.
The program was partially reinstated in May when local partners donated enough money for five year-round members and three seasonal members to complete their service. The Regional Development Authority (RDA) led a community effort, gathering funding from Quad City Bank and Trust, Quad Cities Community Foundation, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, and IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union. The members' work at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, Common Chord, Davenport Parks and Recreation, and Putnam Museum and Science Center will wrap up by the end of August.
What’s new?
The City learned in mid-July that the '24-'25 grant funding was restored for all terminated programs nationwide. By this point, the grant season was almost over, but the City used this money to credit service hours to the members affected by the termination. The City also learned that next year’s award ('25-'26) was approved.
“Our program staff are excited for the opportunity to onboard a new cohort of AmeriCorps members to serve the Davenport community, " said Becca Niles, Program Director for Davenport AmeriCorps. "AmeriCorps service has demonstrated an ability to tackle local challenges, strengthen communities, and bring people together.”
What’s next?
Recruitment will start at the end of August for the 2025-2026 grant year, pending approval from the City Council. Next year’s members will have service opportunities at Common Chord, Davenport Parks and Recreation, and Putnam Museum and Science Center.