Uniting Americans through Service: The Power of AmeriCorps and Philanthropy Working in Partnership

View our conversation with Michael D. Smith, newly appointed CEO of AmeriCorps! The conversation, hosted in partnership with Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, explored how philanthropy and AmeriCorps (the federal agency for national service and volunteering) can connect to advance the Biden Administration’s priorities. In Mr. Smith’s first national appearance, he shared his vision for the agency and its partnership with the philanthropic sector. Kathleen Enright, President & CEO of the Council on Foundations, and Tonya Allen, President of the McKnight Foundation and Chair of the Council’s Board of Directors, discussed with Mr. Smith how philanthropy can partner with the agency, including with AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps Seniors, FEMA Corps, and the new Public Health AmeriCorps. Mr. Smith is a longtime friend of philanthropy - prior to his appointment by President Biden, he served as executive director of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and the director of Youth Opportunity Programs at the Obama Foundation. 

 

In this call, we also heard about the AmeriCorps experience from current partners, Tyra Mariani, President, Schultz Family Foundation, Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation, and Ridgway White, President & CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.