The message came through at 4:35pm Friday, April 25. It has come to our attention that starting tonight letters will be sent out terminating $400m in grants from AmeriCorps… A total of 41% of all agency grants…
By Monday evening we had received devastating news: both of Seed Coalition’s national service grants would be terminated.
Contracts that were supporting or meant to support 68 full- and part-time AmeriCorps State and National members and seven full-time VISTA members were ended within one weekend. Work done through both contracts is in service to our mission of strengthening education for an engaged democracy. The wise investment of our taxpayer dollars funds projects like establishing and staffing food shelves on college campuses, mentoring over 300 college students, and supporting nonprofit infrastructure in local communities.
The program terminations also hit us on a very personal level. Seven of the eight Seed Coalition staffers work on these grants. Suddenly my colleagues and I had to deal with the frighteningly real possibility of laying off respected colleagues and friends.
Other than one line in the termination notice that our grant “no longer effectuates agency priorities,” no other explanation was offered for our termination, nor the terminations of the hundreds of other programs across the country. The terminations also do not follow the law for ending an AmeriCorps contract.
We take seriously our responsibility to use public funds for the public good. And for years, Seed Coalition’s partners – colleges and community organizations – have matched federal dollars with thousands more to serve their communities. We believe our work meets, and exceeds, the standard for public service.
As difficult as this news has been to process, we must fight on. So what’s next?
Seed Coalition is grateful to the State of Minnesota and 23 other states and the District of Columbia for filing a suit a week ago to stop these terminations. However, since much of our work occurs in Iowa, we couldn’t count on that lawsuit alone to restore support in time for summer service. So we are proud to have joined a coalition of community organizations across the country in filing suit seeking emergency relief from the terminations. You can read the full complaint here.
We cannot predict the timing or result of our legal challenge, but as it moves forward, we will maintain our commitment to serving member colleges and universities. We’re pleased to confirm that:
- The Engaged Faculty Institute will go forward as planned in two weeks.
- Registration is open for the Presidents and CEP Retreat in early June.
- We’re preparing to welcome students from your campuses to our Civic Action Academy in November.
Many of you have asked how you can support Seed Coalition during this challenging time. Here are three concrete actions our network can take:
- Register for EFI, the retreat, or the Civic Action Academy
- Support the ASC’s emergency fund for displaced AmeriCorps members
- Donate to Seed Coalition via GiveMN
Finding meaningful connection with your colleagues and serving your community are investments in a more engaged democracy. My colleagues and I cherish the role Seed Coalition plays in the personal development of you, your colleagues, and your students. And we are grateful to be a part of institutionalizing civic and community engagement at your institutions.
We recognize the turmoil many in higher education and community service are experiencing right now. Please know that Seed Coalition stands with you. We remain undeterred in our mission to strengthen education for an engaged democracy.
Thank you for your continued support,
Rob
Executive Director
