Iowa Admin. Code — Volunteer Service, Iowa Commission on [817]

Chapter 1 Organization and Operation

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—1.1 Organization and operation of the commission

1.1(1) Location. The commission is located at 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. The telephone number is 1.800.308.5987. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays and on official state holidays designated in accordance with state law.

1.1(2) The commission. The commission consists of 15 to 25 voting members pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.3.

1.1(3) Meetings. The commission shall meet at regular intervals at least four times annually. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the chairperson. All meetings are open to the public in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 21.

a. Chairperson. The chairperson of the commission presides at each meeting. Members of the public may be recognized at the discretion of the chairperson.

b. Public notice. The commission will give advance public notice of the time and place of each commission meeting in accordance with Iowa Code section 21.4.

c. Quorum. A quorum consists of half of the current voting members of the commission plus one. When a quorum is present, a position is carried by an affirmative vote of the majority of commission members eligible to vote. A commissioner is eligible to vote in person or by telephone.

d. Termination. Any commissioner who does not attend three or more consecutive regular meetings or who attends less than one-half of the regular meetings within a 12-month period will be considered to have resigned from the commission.

e. Resignations. A commissioner wishing to resign may do so by submitting a letter of resignation to the governor and sending a copy to the commission chairperson.

f. Public presentations. A specific time is set aside at each meeting for the public to address the board. As a general guideline, a limit of five minutes will be allocated for each of these presentations. If a large group seeks to address a specific issue, the chairperson may limit the number of speakers. To address the board, individuals are encouraged to notify the commission staff at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.

1.1(4) Minutes. The minutes of all commission meetings will be recorded and kept in the commission office.

1.1(5) Records. The records of all of the business transacted and other information with respect to the operation of the commission are public records and will be kept on file in the commission office. All records, except statements specified as confidential under these rules, are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copies of records may be obtained in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 22.

1.1(6) Submission and requests. Inquiries, submissions, petitions, and other requests directed to the commission shall be made by letter addressed to the executive director at the address listed in subrule 1.1(1). Any person may petition for a written or oral hearing before the commission. All requests for a hearing must be in writing and state the specific subject to be discussed and the reasons why a personal appearance is necessary if one is requested.

1.1(7) Committees. The chairperson may establish committees, including an executive committee that may conduct commission business as necessary between scheduled meetings. The chairperson may appoint commissioners and noncommissioners to serve on the committees. Noncommissioners shall not serve on the executive committee.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 15H.

History

• ARC 0471D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26
• Editorial change: IAC Supplement 12/25/24

Chapter 13 Future Ready Iowa Volunteer Mentor Program

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—13.1 Definitions

“Eligible institution” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 256.228.

“Grant program” means the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program as described in Iowa Code section 256.229.

“Last-dollar scholarship” means the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program as described in Iowa Code section 256.228.

“Program” means the future ready Iowa volunteer mentor program as described in Iowa Code section 15H.10.

“Student mentee” means a student who has elected to participate in the program, has agreed to program expectations, and has been matched with a volunteer mentor through the program. Student mentees must meet the criteria in Iowa Code sections 256.228 and 256.229.

“Volunteer mentor” means an adult who has applied to be a mentor, has met the screening guidelines, has attended mentor training, has committed to meeting with the mentee according to program guidelines, and has been matched with a mentee in the program.

History

• ARC 0473D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—13.2 Program standards, guidelines, and expectations

The commission will maintain on its website standards, guidelines, and expectations for a productive and appropriate relationship between volunteer mentors and student mentees. Standards, guidelines, and expectations are aimed at helping students meet the last-dollar scholarship or grant program requirements, identify work-based learning opportunities, and make career-related connections that are advantageous to participants in the program through a healthy mentor-mentee relationship. Failure to adhere to the program standards may result in ineligibility to participate in the program. To the extent possible, volunteer mentors and student mentees will be matched based on sex, career aspirations, geography and mentor-to-mentee ratio.

History

• ARC 0473D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—13.3 Mentor/mentee agreement

All volunteer mentors and student mentees matched with a volunteer mentor must complete and sign a written agreement issued by the commission as part of the program enrollment process. This does not include students receiving texting services only. Agreements will include expectations on regular communication, appropriate conduct, utilization of the online platform and participation in any training or resources offered to improve the efficacy of the mentor-mentee relationship. Failure by either party to adhere to the agreement may result in dismissal from the program.

History

• ARC 0473D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—13.4 Mentor request and application process

13.4(1) Mentor request process. Students may request a volunteer mentor through the commission’s website or partner agencies, including through referrals from high schools and eligible institutions. Eligible institutions must collaborate in the facilitation of this subrule by providing information on the mentor request process to all students who meet the criteria of Iowa Code sections 256.228 and 256.229. The college student aid commission may enroll eligible students into the texting services whenever possible to facilitate overall student success and communication about career mentoring opportunities. Students may opt to not participate in the program.

13.4(2) Mentor application process. Prospective mentors may apply to be a volunteer mentor through the commission’s website or through high schools, eligible institutions, or partner agencies or employers. These partner agencies may also enlist employers and other partners to help make direct mentoring connections with local mentoring cohorts. Prospective mentors must complete an application, consent to an Iowa division of criminal investigation criminal background check, attend orientation training and agree to the minimum commitment and guidelines outlined in the mentor/mentee agreement.

History

• ARC 0473D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—13.5 Subrecipient award process

If the commission deems it necessary, the commission may seek subrecipients to carry out components of the program through the commission’s regular grant program application processes. The commission may also work with partner state agencies to assist in the administration of this chapter.

History

• ARC 0473D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Chapter 14 Iowa National Service Corps Program

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.1 Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

“Approval” means the process for identifying service programs as meeting the criteria to become eligible for Iowa national service corps program benefits and technical assistance.

“Commission” means the Iowa commission on volunteer service.

“Host site” means the physical location where an Iowa national service corps member is based for the period of service in the Iowa national service corps program. The sponsoring organization may be the host site.

“Iowa national service corps approval application” means the application used to determine an applicant’s designation as an approved Iowa national service program. The application contains information that can be used to determine an applicant’s designation as an approved Iowa national service corps program.

“Iowa national service corps member” or “corps member” means a participant in an approved Iowa national service corps program.

“Iowa national service corps program” or “national service corps program” means a program that provides meaningful service opportunities to individuals, provided that the program meets the following requirements:

1. The program is approved via the automatic approval, reciprocal approval, or regular approval process.

2. The program is located in this state or has sites operating in the state.

3. The program is operated by one of the following entities: a state agency; a political subdivision of the state; or a private, nonprofit organization. State agencies or political subdivisions of the state may establish Iowa national service corps programs or contract with a third-party vendor to assist the agency or political subdivision in establishing such programs.

4. The program is developed to meet state and local needs and to provide more opportunities for Iowans to serve their state and country and foster a cultural expectation of service in Iowa through a unified service corps.

“Sponsoring organization” means the entity operating the Iowa national service corps program that is responsible for submitting the Iowa national service corps approval application and meeting requirements for approved programs.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.2 Approval

Before a national service corps program can access the benefits of the Iowa national service corps, it must be approved by the commission.

14.2(1) Automatic approval. Existing programs and service positions in the following categories are automatically approved:

a. AmeriCorps programs in Iowa created pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §12501,

b. Senior Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA in Iowa created pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §4950 et seq.,

c. The Iowa summer youth corps program created pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.5,

d. The Iowa green corps program created pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.6,

e. The Iowa reading corps program created pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.7, and

f. The RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps program created pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.8.

14.2(2) Reciprocal approval. Existing programs and service positions recognized by another service year certifying body may request reciprocal approval by following the process outlined on the commission’s website.

14.2(3) Regular approval. All other entities seeking approval for their service programs or positions should follow the regular approval process by completing an Iowa national service corps approval application.

a. Applications for national service corps program approval are available from the commission’s website.

b. A review team designated by the commission will review applications from national service corps programs to determine whether the national service corps programs or positions are eligible to participate in the program.

c. Applicants will receive written notification of the commission’s decision. Written notification will also be provided regarding the due dates and process for submission of program reports.

d. Full approval means the commission has determined that the national service corps program has met the established standards.

e. Conditional approval means the commission has temporarily approved the national service corps program before the program becomes fully operational or before the program has met the standards for full approval.

f. Any program that is denied approval or decertified for any reason bears the burden of proving that all deficiencies previously cited have been corrected. Corrections shall be in accordance with the requirements of the commission.

14.2(4) Documentation. Additional documentation may be required to verify elements of the application. Documentation verifying a program’s compliance with approval standards may be required by the commission during the approval process. Each program shall provide relevant information upon the commission’s request in order to be considered for approval. National service corps programs may be requested to provide documentation of continued eligibility at any time during and after approval.

14.2(5) Duration of approval.

a. Automatic approval will be in effect as long as the program is recognized as one of the automatically approved programs listed in subrule 14.2(1).

b. Reciprocal approval will be in effect as long as the program is recognized by the other certifying body.

c. Regular approval.

(1) Full approval may be in effect for three years as long as the program continues to meet the approval standards.

(2) Conditional approval may be in effect for six months and may be used for the purpose of applying for program benefits and technical assistance available to approved national service corps programs. The commission may grant an extension of conditional approval if it is determined that significant progress is being made toward meeting the requirements for full approval. It shall be the responsibility of the national service corps program to notify the commission when the program believes it has met the full approval criteria.

(3) A national service corps program may renew its approval. Programs whose full approval has expired should reapply using the application form available on the commission’s website.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.3 (

15H) Approval standards. The commission has established standards to certify national service corps programs. These standards are based on a combination of factors established by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Service Year Alliance, and the existing rules for:

1. The Iowa summer youth corps program created pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.5,

2. The Iowa green corps program created pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.6,

3. The Iowa reading corps program created pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.7, and

4. The RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps program created pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.8.

14.3(1) Program design. The national service corps program should have a program design defining the impact the program will have on the community, sponsor organization, and service corps members. The program design must identify how the national service program will address a state or local need and how the program will promote a sense of civic engagement in program participants.

14.3(2) Corps member position description. The national service corps program shall have written descriptions or plans for high-quality service activities. National service corps member activities must be clearly delineated from those of employees of the sponsoring organization and host site.

14.3(3) Orientation. The national service corps program shall have an orientation for national service corps members, including clarification on how the member service activities differ from employee responsibilities.

14.3(4) Eligibility. The national service corps program shall have eligibility screening for national service corps members commensurate to the service activities to be conducted and the population to be served. National service corps programs shall set and meet minimum requirements for checking the criminal history of national service corps member applicants and considering the following results when selecting corps members:

a. Criminal background and sex offender registry checks for corps members over the age of 18.

b. Reference checks for corps members under the age of 18.

14.3(5) Training and professional development. The national service corps program shall provide ongoing training and professional development to the national service corps members.

14.3(6) Member supervision. The national service corps program shall demonstrate the ability to effectively supervise the national service corps members.

14.3(7) Certification of member service. Upon successful completion of the term of service by the Iowa national service corps member, the sponsor organization shall issue a certification of service letter to the corps member. The letter should include, at a minimum, the name of the corps member, whether the corps member served in a full-time capacity or less than full-time capacity, the dates of service (if the corps member served in a full-time capacity) or the hours of service (if the corps member served in a less than full-time capacity), the name of the sponsor organization, and a contact person at the sponsor organization.

14.3(8) Compliance process. The national service corps program shall have a process for ensuring compliance with program standards.

14.3(9) Program impact. The national service corps program should have a method for tracking progress toward the established goals of the program.

14.3(10) Organizational capacity. The sponsoring organization shall have an established history and demonstrate the staff capacity and experience to effectively oversee the national service corps program.

14.3(11) Financial capacity, cost effectiveness and budget adequacy. The sponsoring organization should demonstrate the financial capacity to administer the national service corps program, including any living allowances or stipends provided to national service corps members. The national service corps program budget should be sufficient to provide the national service corps member(s) with the tools needed to be effective in the assigned tasks.

14.3(12) Risk management. The national service corps program should practice appropriate risk management strategies for the approved national service corps positions.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.4 Application process

14.4(1) Sponsor organization approval process. Eligible organizations may request approval using the application materials available through the commission’s website.

14.4(2) Iowa national service corps member process. Prospective national service corps members should apply directly to an approved Iowa national service corps program. Prospective corps members must meet the approved program’s eligibility requirements and agree to the program standards.

14.4(3) Applications. Appropriate forms and applications for grants and eligibility preapproval are available from the commission’s website.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.5 Special consideration

In addition to the standards set forth in rule 817—14.3(15H), the commission may consider other factors to determine approval status to ensure that only high-quality national service corps programs are approved.

14.5(1) On-site audits. At the discretion of the commission, on-site audits may be conducted to determine approval.

14.5(2) Reporting. Programs that fail to submit required documentation are at risk of decertification and may be deemed ineligible to receive the benefits of approval, including complimentary training registration and inclusion on the commission’s website.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.6 Decertification

A national service corps program will be decertified by the commission if it is determined that the program no longer meets the approval standards identified herein for a high-quality national service corps program if program personnel cannot be contacted by the commission, if the program fails to provide documents requested by the commission or if the program fails to complete any required Iowa national service corps annual report.

14.6(1) Written notice of the intent to revoke approval will be provided to a national service corps program when the commission determines that there is reasonable cause to believe the program does not comply with these rules. Notice will be sent at least 30 days before decertification becomes effective.

14.6(2) Decertification procedures may be initiated by the commission, by the program, or following investigation of a complaint filed by the general public. A request for an investigation from the public must be in written form and shall specify the reason(s) why the approved national service corps program no longer meets the approval standards. Supporting documentation may be attached to the request. The identity of the complainant is confidential pursuant to Iowa Code section 22.7(18).

14.6(3) Benefits and designation as an approved national service corps program will continue until the final decision is issued by the commission.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.7 Fraudulent practices in connection with approved national service corps programs

A person is considered to be guilty of a fraudulent practice if the person knowingly falsifies information on an application for the purpose of obtaining approval and any other potential benefits, including those offered through the commission or other state contracts and grants available only to approved national service corps programs. The commission may investigate allegations or complaints of fraudulent practices and will take action to decertify a national service corps program upon concluding that a violation has occurred. A violation under this rule is grounds for decertification of the national service corps program responsible for the violation. Decertification will be in addition to any penalty otherwise authorized.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.8 Appeal procedure

Commission decisions regarding approved national service corps programs may be contested by an adversely affected party as detailed in 7—Chapter 2506.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.9 Intergovernmental agreements

Approved Iowa national service corps programs are considered governmental entities in accordance with rule 11—118.4(8A). As such, state agencies or political subdivisions of the state may enter into an agreement for services with any approved Iowa national service corps program directly or through an agreement with the commission and are not required to use competitive selection.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.10 Program administration

State agencies or political subdivisions of the state may establish Iowa national service corps programs or contract with a third-party vendor to assist the agency or political subdivision in establishing such programs. In the case that a vendor is utilized, the program is still considered a governmental entity for the purposes of intergovernmental agreements pursuant to rule 11—118.4(8A).

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.11 Funding priority

State agencies or political subdivisions of the state may give priority to grants or projects funded that utilize Iowa national service corps programs.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.12 Hiring preferences

14.12(1) State agencies or political subdivisions of the state may establish hiring preferences for any Iowa national service corps or AmeriCorps participant who has successfully completed a year of full-time service or 1,700 hours over a period extending beyond a year.

14.12(2) Iowa national service corps members may request a letter verifying their eligibility for a hiring preference from the program in which they served or agencies may independently verify upon application.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.13 Participant employment status

A person participating in the Iowa national service corps program is not an employee of the organization in which the person is enrolled regardless of whether a stipend is provided; shall be exempt from the merit system requirements of Iowa Code chapter 8A, subchapter IV; and is not eligible to receive unemployment compensation benefits under Iowa Code chapter 96 upon completion of service.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.14 Information specific to the Iowa summer youth corps program

14.14(1) Incentives. Incentives will be determined by federal funding guidelines or restrictions, depending on the source of funds utilized for the Iowa summer youth corps in a given grant year. Types of incentives may include:

a. Education awards that may be used to further educational attainment and that may be earned upon completion of a defined number of hours;

b. Living allowances that are not considered wages but are paid evenly over the course of a service period; or

c. Wages that are based upon the hours worked.

Types of incentives or combinations of incentives that may be used for a program design will be described in the application instructions.

14.14(2) Grant criteria. To respond to funding priorities, as funds are made available, the executive director of the commission will establish criteria consistent with federal regulations. If federal funds are being offered, applicants will be considered on a competitive basis. At a minimum, the criteria will contain the following:

a. Goals and objectives of the project;

b. Qualifications of the applicant to manage funds;

c. For new and recompeting applicants, letters of local support verifying coordination and communitywide cooperation;

d. Total project budget;

e. For previous grantees, evidence of ability to submit timely and accurate reports;

f. Description and timeline of planned activities;

g. Agreement to develop for the project a community partnership group whose membership should include a cross-section of the community served;

h. Description of the applicant organization, including staffing pattern; and

i. Documentation of the applicant’s ability to provide the required local match.

14.14(3) Application process for new grants.

a. The commission shall issue a request for applications containing project criteria and application forms for the appropriate fiscal year.

b. The applicant shall submit the completed application to the commission according to the timeline identified in the request for applications.

c. Applications submitted will be reviewed by a grant review committee composed of members of the commission grant review committee, individuals with expertise in youth programming, and the citizens of Iowa. Using the criteria in subrule 14.14(2), the committee will review the applications for appropriateness and to determine the merit of the project.

d. Applicants whose projects have been selected for funding will be notified by the commission.

14.14(4) Administration of grants.

a. Contracts. The commission shall prepare contractual agreements for the grants.

b. Reporting. All grant recipients shall submit progress and financial reports to the commission as outlined in the contract.

c. Availability of funds. Separate request for applications will only be issued when there are funds available for this program. To the extent allowable by federal regulations, summer youth corps will always be an acceptable program model for annual AmeriCorps grants and will be listed in the annual AmeriCorps program request for applications.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.15 Information specific to the Iowa green corps program

14.15(1) Incentives. Incentives will be determined by federal funding guidelines or restrictions, depending on the source of funds utilized for the Iowa green corps in a given grant year. Types of incentives or combinations of incentives that may be used for a program design will be described in the application instructions.

14.15(2) Grant criteria. To respond to funding priorities, as funds are made available, the executive director of the commission will establish criteria consistent with federal regulations. If federal funds are being offered, applicants will be considered on a competitive basis.

14.15(3) Designated funds. A percentage of the grants may be designated by the commission to address capacity-building activities that target communities that are already working with existing community improvement programs, including but not limited to the green streets and main street Iowa programs administered by the Iowa economic development authority, and disaster remediation activities by communities located within an area declared to be a disaster area by the President of the United States or the governor of the state of Iowa.

14.15(4) Application process for new grants.

a. The commission will issue a request for applications containing project criteria and application forms for the applicable fiscal year.

b. The applicant shall submit the completed application to the commission according to the timeline identified in the request for applications.

c. Applications submitted will be reviewed by a grant review committee, which is composed of members of the commission grant review committee, individuals with expertise in youth programming, and the citizens of Iowa. Using the criteria in subrule 14.15(2), the committee will review the applications for appropriateness and to determine the merit of the project.

14.15(5) Administration of grants.

a. Contracts. The commission will prepare contractual agreements for the grants.

b. Reporting. All grant recipients shall submit progress and financial reports to the commission.

c. Availability of funds. Separate requests for applications will only be issued when there are available funds for this program. To the extent allowable by federal regulations, Iowa green corps will always be an acceptable program model for annual AmeriCorps grants and will be listed in the annual AmeriCorps program request for applications.

d. Notification. Applicants whose projects have been selected for funding will be notified by the commission.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.16 Information specific to the Iowa reading corps program

14.16(1) Program eligibility criteria. The commission and department of education will establish criteria consistent with federal regulations to ensure the alignment of the program with the goals outlined in Iowa Code section 256.9(49)“c” and 281—Chapter 62. Any program determined eligible for inclusion as an Iowa reading corps program must ensure that it meets standards outlined by the department of education in 281—Chapter 62. All applicants must be preapproved by the department of education as eligible to compete for Iowa reading corps grants.

14.16(2) Grant criteria. The commission will establish criteria and funding priorities consistent with federal regulations and the goals of the department of education and the commission. Preapproval of applicant eligibility shall be sought as outlined in subrule 14.16(1). Applicants will be considered either in conjunction with the regular AmeriCorps grant process or, in certain cases, through special competitions outlined and announced by the commission.

14.16(3) Designated funds. A percentage of grant funding may be designated by the commission to address specific underserved or high-need geographic areas or schools. In advance of the competition, the commission may also set a minimum amount available for Iowa reading corps grants financed with state, federal and private funds, as well as any minimum or maximum funding amounts for individual applicants based on program need and the service territory of the communities described and, if applicable, past performance of use of funds. The commission may also give priority to programs that serve underserved or high-need areas or schools.

14.16(4) Application process for new grants.

a. Request for application. The commission shall issue a request for applications, which shall include program criteria and application forms for the applicable fiscal year.

b. Application time frame. The applicant shall submit the completed application to the commission according to the timeline identified in the request for application.

c. Application review process. Applications will be reviewed by a grant review committee, which is composed of members of the commission grant review committee, individuals with expertise in youth programming, and citizens of Iowa. The committee will review the applications based on the appropriateness and merit of the projects.

d. Notification. Applicants whose projects have been selected for funding shall be notified by the commission.

14.16(5) Administration of grants—contracts. The commission will prepare contractual agreements for the grants.

a. Reporting. All grant recipients shall submit progress and financial reports to the commission.

b. Availability of funds. A separate request for applications will be issued only when there are available funds for this program. To the extent allowable by federal regulations, Iowa reading corps will always be an acceptable program model for annual AmeriCorps grants and will be listed in the annual AmeriCorps program request for applications.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.17 Information specific to the RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps program

14.17(1) Program eligibility criteria. The commission and department of health and human services will establish criteria consistent with state-level needs and federal program requirements. Any program deemed eligible for inclusion as a RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps program must meet the standards outlined by the commission and the department in the application instructions. All applicants that wish to be considered as RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps programs shall be considered as part of the AmeriCorps grant process.

14.17(2) Grant criteria. The commission will establish grant criteria and funding priorities consistent with federal regulations and with commission and department of health and human services goals. Applicants will be considered either in conjunction with the RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps grant process or, in certain cases, through special competitions outlined and announced by the commission.

14.17(3) Application process for new grants.

a. Request for applications. The commission will issue a request for applications containing program criteria and application forms for the applicable fiscal year.

b. Application time frame. The applicant shall submit the completed application to the commission according to the timeline identified in the request for applications.

c. Application review process. Applications submitted will be reviewed by a grant review committee that is composed of members of the commission, individuals with expertise in youth programming, and citizens of Iowa. Using the criteria in subrule 14.17(2), the committee will review the applications to determine the appropriateness and the merit of the project.

d. Notification. Applicants whose projects have been selected for funding will be notified by the commission.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26

Iowa Admin. Code r. 817—14.18 Reversion of funds

Grant funds awarded under this chapter that are not expended by the specified project closeout date shall revert to the commission and to the community programs account established pursuant to Iowa Code section 15H.5, as applicable.

History

• ARC 0474D, IAB 8/5/26, effective 10/1/26