In response to sudden AmeriCorps funding cuts that have disrupted staffing, programming, and long-standing partnerships at nature centers across the US, ANCA convened an emergency virtual ANCA CONNECTS program on May 6. This gathering brought members together to share immediate impacts, exchange strategies, and support one another through a rapidly evolving challenge. The conversation made it clear just how deeply these cuts are affecting ANCA members — and reinforced the value of the peer connection and collective problem-solving that ANCA provides.
AmeriCorps members serve important roles at nature centers. They lead school field trips, facilitate public programs, support conservation projects, and expand organizations' capacity to serve their communities. The sudden funding reductions have forced many centers to pause or cancel these services, leaving staff and AmeriCorps members without clear answers.
The funding cuts have created logistical challenges and significant emotional and ethical strain. The cuts were immediate and without advance notice, resulting in significant confusion for ANCA member organizations and the AmeriCorps members themselves. In some cases, AmeriCorps members are on unpaid administrative hold, leaving them in limbo and uncertain about continuing their role.
ANCA members reported a lack of consistent guidance across different states and host agencies, which has exacerbated confusion on how to move forward.
Takeaways for the ANCA community
#1: AmeriCorps cuts are disrupting operations at nature centers nationwide
If your organization is impacted, you are not alone. A significant number of ANCA members have had AmeriCorps programs for years.
#2: Impacts of the cuts vary widely
The specific circumstances of your organization are likely unique, depending on your region, number of AmeriCorps members, and your AmeriCorps partners.
#3: Now is the time to advocate for AmeriCorps, emphasizing the nonpartisan, long-term value
AmeriCorps has a strong return on investment and plays an important role in developing professional workforces across many industries. AmeriCorps has had bipartisan support since it launched in 1994. This is an opportunity for your organization to connect with your federal representatives and advocate for restored AmeriCorps funding.
#4: Communicating the cuts’ impacts helps build understanding and mobilize support
ANCA members have written press releases, engaged with the media, and shared statements on blogs and social media. Some ANCA members highlight that not everyone is familiar with AmeriCorps, and explaining how AmeriCorps members made a difference is necessary. These communications efforts have helped fundraising in many cases.
#5: Nonprofits are fundraising to try to cover costs
In response to the disruption, nonprofit ANCA members have launched emergency fundraising efforts to fill staffing gaps and retain services. At least a few organizations have seen high levels of donor engagement in response to the AmeriCorps funding cuts.
Some organizations are fundraising to hire AmeriCorps members whose positions were cut, at least for the short-term. Others are starting campaigns to cover the costs of internships or temporary positions in the future, to replace work that AmeriCorps members would have done. Understanding the potential penalties associated with hiring AmeriCorps staff to fill program gaps is essential, as is being transparent with AmeriCorps staff so they can make informed decisions.
#6: Long-term impacts remain uncertain
While immediate fundraising efforts have been successful for some organizations, questions remain about how these organizations can still sustain the impact that AmeriCorps programs have enabled.
For many ANCA members, AmeriCorps programs were built up over years. It is a significant challenge to suddenly lose this capacity, not only for the immediate repercussions, but also for future operations.
#7: Opportunities may arise from the crisis
While the AmeriCorps cuts have created real and immediate challenges, some ANCA members are beginning to ask: is there a silver lining? Given the inherently transitional nature of AmeriCorps service, this moment may offer an opportunity to build more stable, long-term solutions, such as part-time staff positions or locally rooted volunteer programs, that can strengthen organizational capacity and deepen community engagement.
Moving forward, many questions remain for the profession-wide impact on early-career positions at nature centers and related organizations. Many ANCA members — who are now in leadership positions — started in our profession as AmeriCorps members. Our field must now re-examine how to support early-career professionals who may be the nature center leaders of tomorrow.