The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS), Tuesday, approved more than $2.5 million in federal AmeriCorps Grants and Education Awards, $16,000 in federal Volunteer Generation Fund Grants, and $279,000 in state funded RSVP Grants, that together will leverage and support approximately 10,000 community volunteers and 110 AmeriCorps State members who will provide direct support to thousands of local nonprofits, schools and communities throughout Iowa. All of the projects operate as public private partnerships that together leverage over $3 million in other funding. Tusday’s award brings the total AmeriCorps State, RSVP, and VGF program funding announced this year for Iowa to over $14 million.

RSVP connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents and life experience to work to make a difference.

A state appropriation of more than $279,000, which is used to leverage additional federal and local funding, is coordinated by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service for RSVP projects. Grants were approved to the following entities:

Carroll County RSVP, $7,467.97, and the Connections Area Agency on Aging in Council Bluffs, $14,450.68.