MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin is one of nearly two dozen states suing the Trump administration over the termination of nearly $400 million in federal grants allocated to AmeriCorps programs. This decision is poised to disrupt more than 1,000 programs, affecting over 32,000 AmeriCorps members and senior volunteers across the nation, as reported by America’s Service Commissions.
The abrupt cuts will result in the elimination of many positions for about 430 AmeriCorps members currently active in Wisconsin. Each year, Serve Wisconsin, the state’s AmeriCorps agency, recruits and trains around 800 members who engage in numerous community-focused roles. The administration’s announcement, made late last week, will halt funding for 25 diverse programs that benefit areas including conservation, homelessness outreach, and literacy education.
Governor Tony Evers criticized the cuts, emphasizing their detrimental impact on various vulnerable populations within the state. He noted that services across more than 300 sites—spanning over half of Wisconsin’s counties—will come to a standstill. “These reckless cuts will severely affect homeless children, students needing tutoring, those battling addiction, and ongoing conservation efforts,” Evers stated.
AmeriCorps has been a foundation for community service since its establishment by former President Bill Clinton over 30 years ago. Serve Wisconsin Executive Director Jeanne Duffy expressed concern, revealing that the agency typically receives approximately $14 million in federal funding annually. With only a few months of grants remaining, the cuts threaten to cripple schools, nonprofits, healthcare clinics, and other community partners reliant on these resources.
Duffy added that AmeriCorps members play crucial roles in aiding students with literacy, particularly in elementary schools, and in supporting homeless youth. “They help connect runaway youth with essential services and safe housing,” she explained. “If funding is restored, re-establishing trust with our nonprofit partners will be imperative.”
The cuts may lead to disruptions in summer programming, striking at the heart of services provided by organizations like Easterseals Wisconsin. President and CEO Paul Leverenz articulated the stakes involved, noting that the nonprofit has collaborated with AmeriCorps for 21 years to run summer camps. This year, they had planned for 13 AmeriCorps members to enhance their programs, which aim to serve over 1,500 participants. “Families often plan vacations around these camps,” Leverenz said, emphasizing the need for reliable care and support for their loved ones.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Conservation Corps is facing the loss of 60 positions, including 43 designated for summer service. WisCorps Director Eric Robertson stated that the organization is focused on maintaining relationships with project partners and exploring alternative funding models to sustain its operations.
Agencies such as the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services, which relies on AmeriCorps members to deliver critical support, are also bracing for severe impacts. The organization’s executive director, Joli Guenther, said the funding cuts will jeopardize services that assist at-risk youth. “The ramifications extend beyond numbers; these changes place vulnerable minors at greater risk,” she warned.
Similarly, United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is losing three AmeriCorps members essential for expanding their community programs. Executive Director Elizabeth Ellis, who is the sole paid staff member, indicated that the organization relies heavily on the volunteers. “This loss is a huge blow. We were gearing up to serve over 250 children through our various initiatives,” she said.
AmeriCorps members, who receive around $7,000 for education or student debt relief after a year of service, are grappling with the abrupt cessation of their roles. Caleb Bols, who had been with AmeriCorps since January and previously volunteered with United Way, described the emotional toll. “The connections we make and the impact we have are irreplaceable,” he said.
The fallout from these funding cuts is shaping up to have lasting effects on Wisconsin’s communities, underscoring the challenges both organizations and members face in the wake of sudden governmental decisions. The future of many pivotal programs now hangs in the balance, with advocates calling for swift action to restore vital resources for communities in need.