AmeriCorps is the nation’s flagship civil service program. Created in 1993, AmeriCorps offers the chance for people to serve the country and address the nation’s most pressing challenges. It serves hundreds of communities across the country, providing critical services and opportunities, including education access, housing support, and youth mentorship. AmeriCorps’ mission is to improve communities and promote civic engagement through service and volunteer opportunities.
On April 25, with direction from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the AmeriCorps agency issued a notice that it would be cancelling nearly $400 million in grant program funding. In response, a nationwide coalition of community organizations filed a lawsuit and immediate relief request against AmeriCorps, its Acting Director, Jennifer Bastress Tahmasebi, and the DOGE Team Lead for AmeriCorps, Nate Cavanaugh, to challenge the unlawful shuttering of the agency and the continued attacks on our civil service.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, alleges the administration does not have unilateral power to cut or end the AmeriCorps grants and service programs, and that doing so would unlawfully deprive communities of critical services and opportunities the agency provides.
The plaintiffs include AmeriCorps Employees Union AFSCME Local 2027, Aspire Afterschool Learning, Bur Oak Land Trust, Democracy Maine, Elev8 Baltimore, HandsOn Suburban Chicago, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ, Michigan College Access Network, National College Attainment Network, North Carolina Housing Coalition, Partners for Campus-Community Engagement, Rainbow Labs, Red Cloud Indian School, Seed Coalition, and The Service Collaborative of WNY.
Plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward, Democracy Defenders Fund, and Lowell & Associates.
Timeline:
- May 5, 2025 — We filed a complaint against Americorps seeking to block the administration’s attempt to dismantle the program without congressional authorization.
- May 20, 2025 — We filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to stop devastating budget cuts to AmeriCorps.
The case is ELEV8 Baltimore, INC. et al. v. Corporation for National and Community Service.