Independent evaluator for AmeriCorps State and National grantees
Page in progress
AmeriCorps is one of the few funders that writes the evaluator into its regulations. If your grant averages $500,000 or more a year, the evaluation must be independent. If it is smaller, you still owe an evaluation when you recompete, and the evidence you can show decides how your application scores.
Which AmeriCorps grantees must have an independent evaluation?
Grantees averaging $500,000 or more a year in AmeriCorps funds must arrange for an independent evaluation under 45 CFR 2522.710, normally an impact evaluation with a comparison group, and submit it when they recompete. Smaller grantees must conduct an internal or an independent evaluation, which need not be an impact evaluation. Plotline Evaluation writes the evaluation plan for the recompete and carries out the evaluation.
What the regulation and the FY2027 competition require
- Grantees averaging $500,000 or more a year in AmeriCorps funds must “arrange for an independent evaluation” and submit it when they recompete. Smaller grantees must “conduct an internal evaluation” (45 CFR 2522.710).
- AmeriCorps defines independent as an external evaluator with no formal or personal relationship with, or stake in, the grantee or the program. For the larger grantees the evaluation must be an impact evaluation with a comparison group (AmeriCorps evaluation questions and answers, January 2026).
- Recompeting after three years of competitive funding, you submit an evaluation plan summary form. After six, you also submit the completed evaluation report (45 CFR 2522.730). Without it, AmeriCorps “reserves the right to not consider your application” (45 CFR 2522.740).
- Applications are placed in an evidence tier, from pre-preliminary to strong, based on evaluations of the same intervention. Moderate and strong evidence must come from an independent, external evaluator (FY2027 Mandatory Supplemental Information).
- Large grantees can ask for an Alternative Evaluation Approach in set cases, such as a previous impact evaluation of the same project, faithful replication of a proven model, or a program under 100 member service years. If approved, it usually allows a non-impact evaluation for one three-year cycle (AmeriCorps AEA guidance, January 2026).
- AmeriCorps gives no standard figure for an evaluation budget. Its guidance says cost depends on the design, the size of the study and the data collection involved.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources on October 31, 2026. Rules change; rely on the official announcement or regulation linked here, not on this summary.
Where we fit
We help at each point in the cycle where the regulation asks you for something.
- The evaluation plan for your recompete, and the logic model behind it
- Independent impact evaluations with comparison groups, quasi-experimental or randomized, for grantees at $500,000 and above
- Process, implementation and outcome evaluations for smaller grantees and for approved alternative approaches
- Member, site supervisor and beneficiary surveys, focus groups, interviews and observations
- Data management across sites, and quantitative analysis including pre and post and comparison-group designs
- Expert data visualization, and an evaluation report written to move you up an evidence tier
- Final reporting in multiple formats: full report, executive summary, slide deck, one-page brief or dashboard
Mixed methods is our default design: qualitative and quantitative data, collected together and reported as one story.
Timing
The FY2027 State and National competition is open, with applications due to AmeriCorps on January 13, 2027 (AmeriCorps). Single-state programs apply through their state service commission, and commission deadlines are earlier. An evaluation that has to be finished by a recompete needs to start at least a year before it.
AmeriCorps had a turbulent 2025, with grant terminations, litigation and budget proposals to close the agency. As of this writing it is operating and running this competition.
Questions people ask
What does AmeriCorps mean by independent?
An external evaluator with no formal or personal relationship with, or stake in, the grantee or the program, according to AmeriCorps’ evaluation questions and answers of January 2026.
When is the AmeriCorps evaluation due?
Recompeting after three years of competitive funding, you submit an evaluation plan summary form; after six, the completed evaluation report as well (45 CFR 2522.730). Without it, AmeriCorps reserves the right not to consider your application.
Is there a standard budget for an AmeriCorps evaluation?
No. AmeriCorps gives no standard figure; its guidance says cost depends on the design, the size of the study and the data collection involved.
Recompeting for AmeriCorps funding?
Tell us your grant size, which competitive cycle you are in and your commission’s deadline. You will hear back within one business day.
Every inquiry is confidential. We never sell or share your information. Privacy policy.