Eligibility:
To apply, you must meet ALL of the requirements below:
Maryland Member Assistance Fund
The Maryland Member Assistance Fund is a collaborative program with America's Service Commissions (ASC). This program provides direct cash assistance of up to $700 for eligible AmeriCorps, MarylandCorps, Maryland Service Year Option, or VISTA members living and serving in Maryland. The Fund is designed to assist with emergency financial needs occurring within the 2024-25 program year that threaten a member’s ability to continue their service term.
1. Application Opens
Application will be open on August 1, 2024, and will remain open until funds are depleted.
2. Application Review
Applications will be reviewed weekly.
3. Decisions and Payments
Decisions and payments will be sent weekly beginning the week of August 5, 2024.
Apply now
Learn how to apply
- Be at least 17 years old at the time of application
AND - Reside within Maryland
AND - Be an active member serving a minimum of 300 hours in an eligible in an eligible AmeriCorps Maryland, MarylandCorps, Maryland Service Year Option or VISTA Maryland program
AND - Have a financial emergency that occurred on or after August 1, 2024.
Eligible Emergency Expenses
The emergency expense that threatens a member’s ability to continue their service must fall within the following categories:
- Medical (personal, family, or pet)
- Housing
- Transportation
- Expense related to a family loss
- Other*
Please note: Selecting the “Other” emergency category may require additional review. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation.
For further information on eligible expenses, please visit ameraidmaryland.org/#FAQ.
How to Apply
Before you apply, you should:
- Gather the required documents providing proof of identity and residency, a screenshot of your member portal site, my.AmeriCorps, or eGrants homepage verifying your AmeriCorps, Maryland Service Year Option, MarylandCorps, or VISTA member status, and proof of need. You can review the list of approved materials at ameraidmaryland.org/#required-documents
To apply, you should:
- Click the "Apply Now" button on this website, this will take you to the application page.
- Create a Scholar Fund account. You will only need to provide your email address and set up a password.
- Complete all of the application questions. Your application will automatically save so you are able to come back at any time.
- Once you are finished with your application, you will receive a confirmation text message and email with your Submission ID. Save this to check the status of your application or if you need help from our support team.
After you apply, you should: Check your email inbox or your junk email folder for your confirmation. You will also get a text message confirmation the day you submit your application. You may log back into your Maryland Member Assistance Fund account and check to see if your application is being reviewed and if you are awarded funds. Please only submit your application one time.
If you need help filling out the application, please connect, send a text message or email at (206) 558-6144 or support@ameraid.org.
If you need to update your contact or payment information after you have received notification that you have been approved, please contact us at (206) 558-6144 or support@ameraid.org.
Required Documents
You will need to upload documents to confirm your identity and your connection to Maryland, and my.AmeriCorps or eGrants portal screenshot verifying your AmeriCorps member status. The table below provides a list of documents you can use for identity and residency.
Please select one item from List A (Identity and Residency) OR one item from both List B (Identity) and List C (Residency) to upload.
Make sure the copy is clear and readable. Remember, there is no cost to apply. If someone asks you to pay something, it is a scam! Report it to support@ameraid.org
- [List A] Residency & Identity Documents
- [List B] Identity Documents
- [List C] Residency Documents
** Plaid Verification: If you have a Maryland Driver’s License or State ID card, you are able to use our **express verification** to verify your identity and residency. You can be finished in as quick as 30 seconds!
Our express verification process happens in a few easy steps:
- You’ll be texted a unique code to your phone
- You’ll be asked to verify your identity and address
- If we are unable to automatically verify your identity and address, you will be asked to upload a picture of your ID.
Maryland Member Verification: You will need to upload a screenshot of your member portal homepage to confirm that you are an active AmeriCorps, MarylandCorps, Maryland Service Year Option, or VISTA member in an eligible program. For an example, please visit bit.ly/3TWyZAi.
Proof of Need: Proof of need is required at the time of application. Eligible documentation includes a dated bill or invoice; or a signed and dated letter from an authorized entity such as a landlord, doctor or social worker.
Remember, there is no cost to apply. If someone asks you to pay something, it is a scam! Report it to support@ameraid.org
Application Assistance
Our team is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM (PT) to answer your questions.
Text
For the fastest response, send us a text, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! (Message and data rates may apply).
(206) 558-6144
Email the team with your questions or a brief description of your issue, and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible!
support@ameraid.org
Call
If you need application assistance, need to report a problem with the application form, or have payment questions, give us a call.
(206) 558-6144
Available Monday - Friday, 9 am -5 pm
Support across multiple languages
72hr response time
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Maryland Member Assistance Fund?
What is the Maryland Member Assistance Fund?
The Maryland Member Assistance Fund is a collaborative program with America's Service Commissions (ASC). This program provides direct cash assistance of up to $700* for eligible AmeriCorps, MarylandCorps, Maryland Service Year Option, or VISTA Maryland members living and serving in Maryland. The Fund is designed to assist with emergency financial needs occurring within the 2024-25 program year that threaten a member’s ability to continue their service term.
*Awards are up to $700, or up to $1500 for applicants experiencing housing or medical emergencies
How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the Maryland Member Assistance Fund?
To be eligible, you must meet ALL of the requirements below: :
- Be at least 17 years old at the time of application
AND - Reside within Maryland
AND - Be an active AmeriCorps member serving a minimum of 300 hours in an eligible AmeriCorps Maryland, MarylandCorps, Maryland Service Year Option or VISTA Maryland program
AND - Have a financial emergency that occurred on or after August 1, 2024
Which Maryland programs are eligible?
To be eligible to apply you must serve a minimum of 100 hours in one of the following:
- Break a Difference
- CASA de Maryland, Inc.
- Civic Works, Inc.
- Digital Harbor Foundation
- Equity Now, Inc.
- Frostburg State University / ASTAR
- George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. / Project Change
- The Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, Inc.
- Improve Your Tomorrrow
- International Rescue Committee, Inc.
- Latin American Youth Center, Inc.
- MICA / Community Art Collaborative
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Partners in Care
- Salisbury University
- Teach for America, Inc.
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- City Teaching Alliance
- Maryland Service Year Option
- MarylandCorps
- VISTA Maryland
What is considered an emergency expense?
An emergency expense is defined by an unforeseen, urgent event or circumstance that necessitates immediate financial assistance and threatens a member’s ability to continue their service.
The emergency expense must fall within the following categories:
- Medical (personal, family, or pet)
- Housing
- Transportation
- Expense related to a family loss
- Other*
Please note: Selecting the “Other” emergency category may require additional review. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation.
What is NOT considered an emergency expense?
The following costs are not considered emergency expenses:
- Regular transportation costs
- Routine vehicle maintenance
- Expected healthcare costs
- Expected costs for education or professional development
- Typical rent, utility, and other housing costs
- Entertainment
Please note: Selecting the “Other” emergency category may require additional review. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation.
My emergency expense occurred prior to the launch, am I able to apply?
To apply, you must have had a financial emergency that occurred on or after August 1, 2024.
Will I be required to provide documentation to prove financial need?
Yes, you will be required to submit documentation at the time of application. Eligible documentation includes a dated bill or invoice; or a signed and dated letter from an authorized entity such as a landlord, doctor or social worker.
I currently do not have permanent housing. Can I still apply, and how can I receive financial aid without a mailing address?
Yes. Applicants without permanent housing should still apply. You have two options:
- If you are eligible and prefer to receive a physical check, you may send your payment to someone’s address you trust, within Maryland.
- If you are eligible and prefer to receive direct deposit, please select this option.
I currently do not have permanent housing. What residency documents can I use?
If you have a current document from List A that provides proof of your identity and residency in Maryland prior to not having housing, you can provide it on the application.
If you do not have a document from List A, you can provide a document from List B proving your identity AND a signed and dated letter from one of the people listed in List C proving that you reside in Maryland.
I currently do not have permanent housing. What address can I use on my application?
If you have a current List A document verifying your identity and residency in Maryland, please enter the Maryland address you had prior to becoming unhoused. If you do not have a current List A document, and are providing a List B (identity) and List C (residency) document, please enter the address listed in your List C document.
I live outside of the state boundaries. Can I still apply?
No. If you live outside of state boundaries, you may not be eligible.
Are there any other options if I am not able to receive financial aid from the Member Assistance Fund?
At this moment there are no other funding programs available.
Will every AmeriCorps member who applies receive financial assistance?
Due to limited funds, we are unable to serve every AmeriCorps member. Some eligible members may not receive financial support.
For additional resources regarding mental and physical health, housing, food insecurity, and more, please visit 211md.org.
How are eligible applicants selected?
Due to limited funds, we are unable to serve everyone. We are selecting applicants on a first come first serve basis.
When will the application open?
The application will open on August 1, 2024 .
When are applications due?
There is no due date, however the application will remain open until funds are depleted.
What kind of documents will I need to submit?
You will need to upload documents to confirm your identity and residency, and a screenshot of your my.AmeriCorps or eGrants homepage verifying your AmeriCorps member status.
The table below provides a list of documents you can use for identity and residency. Please ensure you have a clear copy of one item from List A OR one item from both List B and List C.
[List A] Maryland Residency & Identity Documents
- State Identification Card showing your full name and address
- State Driver License showing your full name and address
- Utility bill showing your full name and current address
- Cell phone bill or internet bill showing your full name and current address
- Insurance statement showing your full name and current address
- Bank statement showing your full name and current address
- 2022 or 2023 tax return showing your full name and current address
- Paystub from employer showing your full name and your current address
- None. I am going to select one option each from List B and List C
[List B] Identity Documents
- Any State or Country Identification Card showing your full name
- Any State Driver's License showing full name
- Any government issued card showing your full name
- Passport showing your full name
- Birth certificate showing your full name**
- None. I am going to select one option from List A
[List C] Residency Documents
Signed and dated letter* stating the full name and phone number of the person writing the letter from the following entities:
- Landlord
- Employer
- Representative from your place of worship
- Social worker or advocate
- None. I am going to select one option from List A
*You may use this letter template for this application.
Unless prohibited by state law.
AmeriCorps Member Verification: You will need to upload your My.AmeriCorps Portal screenshot to confirm that you are an active AmeriCorps member. For an example of the My.AmeriCorps Portal, please visit bit.ly/3TWyZAi.
Proof of Need: Proof of need is not required at the time of application. However, you are able to submit documents such as a dated bill or invoice; or a signed and dated letter from an authorized entity such as a landlord, doctor or social worker.
There are multiple AmeriCorps members living at my address. How should we apply?
Each AmeriCorps member should submit their own application that includes their own funding request for their own emergency expense.
If I help someone complete an application, what information do I need to share with them?
Please give all applicants their Submission ID and tell them to write it down and/or take a photo and save it somewhere. This number is very important to track the status of their application.
How do I update my information or correct an error after I submit my application?
If you need to update or correct an error on your application after it has been submitted, please contact us as (206) 558-6144 or support@ameraid.org.
Is there an appeal process if after I apply I do not receive financial aid from the Maryland Member Assistance Fund?
Due to the anticipated high number of applications, there will not be an appeal process. However, if a new financial emergency occurs during the 2024-25 service year, we encourage you to please review the eligibility requirements listed, and submit a new application for review if you meet the criteria.
Please note that eligible applicants are only able to receive a one-time payment, for now.
What happens if I submit a duplicate application by mistake? Are we then disqualified as a result?
If you submit multiple applications by mistake, Scholar Fund will be able to identify that multiple applications were submitted and will review the application that conveys the higher need. Applicants may also be contacted via phone call or text if application issues are detected.
I submitted my application, but haven’t heard back yet. When will I find out if I’ve been approved?
Applications will begin to be reviewed on a weekly basis. Starting the week of August 5th, 2024, decisions will go out weekly to the email address linked to your account and via text message. You may look up the status of your application at any time by logging back into the application portal. Please be patient as we are reviewing applications.
How much are payments?
This program provides direct cash assistance of up to $700* for eligible AmeriCorps members living and serving in Maryland. The Fund is designed to assist with emergency financial needs occurring within the 2024-25 program year that threaten a member’s ability to continue their service term.
*(Applicants experiencing housing or medical related financial emergencies can apply for up to $1500 during the service year.)
Is this a one-time payment?
Eligible applicants are only able to receive a one-time payment, for now.
When will I get my payment?
Payments will be released to the community in weekly intervals starting the week of August 5, 2024. Mailed checks may take longer to receive, and we expect everyone will receive payment within 14 days after you have been given your award notice.
How can I receive my payment?
There are two options for receiving payments:
Check
- When: 7-14 days after you have been notified of an award.
- How: Mail via postal service to the mailing address you provided.
- *Physical checks are void after 90 days.
Direct deposit
- When: 2-5 days after you have been notified of an award.
- How: Transferred to the direct deposit info you provided.
Can I have my payment sent to a different address from my residential address?
Yes, the mailing address could be a P.O. box or any address where you feel more comfortable receiving payment.
If approved, can I change my form of payment?
Yes, you can change your form of payment after you have been approved. Please contact Scholar Fund at (206) 558-6144 or at support@ameraid.org with your name, submission ID, and the form of payment you would prefer.
If I am approved, can I change my award amount?
No, once you are approved changes cannot be made to your award amount.
If I am awarded $500 or less, do I have to pay this money back? Will this impact my taxes?
No, if you receive a payment of $500 or less, you do not have to pay this money back or report it on your taxes because the payment is under $600.
If I am awarded $600 or more, how will I receive my 1099 Form for my 2024 taxes?
Regardless of your payment type, applicants who were awarded $600 or more will receive a digital 1099 Form to the email address provided in the application by the end of January 2025.
Is the information I provide in the application confidential?
The nonprofit organization Scholar Fund will not voluntarily share your data with government entities. Scholar Fund is responsible for collecting the personal information you voluntarily submit on the application for the Member Assistance Fund.
To help prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, Scholar Fund has instituted appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information they collect.
You can learn more about the Scholar Fund’s comprehensive Privacy Policy here (English only).
Is my information safe?
Personal information will never be voluntarily shared with your landlord, your employer, or any government agency including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, other law enforcement, or any other agency. All information is stored securely in an encrypted format so it cannot be accessed.
According to our contract with America's Service Commissions (ASC), the only people with access to an applicant’s personal information is Scholar Fund, the community organization that manages the fund. We will not share your information with anyone else. But if there is a legal subpoena, we may be legally required to release personal information. It’s unlikely that this would happen, but not impossible.
The my.AmeriCorps and eGrants portal screenshots have sensitive information such as my Social Security Number. How can I share my information privately?
The information you provide in the application is stored securely in an encrypted format so it cannot be accessed. If you feel more comfortable, please block out your Social Security Number. However, please make sure your name, birth date, and National Service Participant ID (NSPID) are clearly visible.
Also make sure to never share your eGrants portal screenshots in an unsecure way such as text or an un-encrypted email.
Why am I being asked demographic questions? Will my answers affect my eligibility?
Demographic questions are asked to better understand who is being served with the Member Assistance Fund. Your answers will have no effect on your eligibility, and you can choose not to disclose any demographic information.The information you provide will never be shared with any government agency with your name attached to it.
How will the application process prevent fraud?
In order to identify fraud, avoid duplicates, and maintain disbursement limits, Scholar Fund has developed several mechanisms to screen for discrepancies, which includes a thorough application review process, spam filters, and address verification. Applicants may also be contacted via phone or text if application issues are detected.
What do I do if I discover that an applicant has been approved for more than one application?
If you discover that an applicant has been approved and/or funded multiple times, please notify Scholar Fund at (206) 558-6144 or support@ameraid.org. If applicants apply using different names or slightly different information, it makes deduplication difficult. However, a payment can be stopped if it has not been cashed.
[List A]
Maryland or a Bordering State Residency & Identity Documents
[List B]
Identity Documents
[List C]
Residency Documents
[List B]
Documents for Confirming Your Identity
[List C]
Documents Confirming Your Seattle Residency
*You may use this letter template for this application.