The purpose of this program is to promote healthy futures and safer communities in Colorado by supporting projects that engage the efforts of AmeriCorps members. These members are individuals who engage in community service through an approved national service position, using evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions. Funding will support projects that promote healthy futures by supporting projects that reduce or prevent drug and opioid abuse. Funding will also support projects that promote safer communities by strengthening law enforcement and community relations. Ultimately, applicants must make the priorities of healthy futures and safer communities a significant part of their projects’ focus and intended outcomes. Applicants must also propose a high-quality project design.
The funding agency also intends to geographically diversify its AmeriCorps programs by serving rural and mountainous communities, and promoting service and volunteerism as an integral component of education at all levels.

Preference may be given to projects that address the top three priorities of Colorado’s 2016-2018 State Service Plan, which are:

• Strengthen cross-sector support to increase strategic partnerships and sustainability: programming that fosters collaboration with other AmeriCorps streams of service, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and the private sector to increase effectiveness, as well as ensure financial and programmatic sustainability
• Increase public awareness and engagement in national service and volunteerism: programming that demonstrates impact throughout the state, and promotes a culture of civic engagement and volunteerism
• Expand the state portfolio to effectively impact regionally identified priorities: support for evidence-based solutions that address locally determined priorities with geographic diversity