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Independent evaluator for AmeriCorps State and National grantees
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.
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. After six, you submit the completed evaluation (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).
- Grantees between $500,000 and $1,000,000 a year, and those that have already completed an impact evaluation, can ask for an Alternative Evaluation Approach, which allows a different kind of independent evaluation.
- 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 September 20, 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.
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.