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USCIS Grant Announcement for Citizenship Services

Posted on 03/15/2010

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the availability of two competitive grant programs totaling about $7 million from its USCIS Citizenship Grant Program.  Organizations planning to apply must send a mandatory letter of intent to citizenshipgrantprogram@dhs.gov by March 26, 2010, with an application deadline of April 30, 2010.  Awards will be  announced in September, 2010. These grants are designed to help agencies work with and prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for citizenship and to advance their integration into the United States.  Allowable activities will include:

  • Citizenship or civics-based English language instruction
  • Citizenship education and instruction
  • Educational resources
  • Naturalization application assistance

The types of agencies that can apply for this funding include, but are not limited to:

  • Public school systems
  • Universities and Community Colleges
  • Civic, community and faith based organizations
  • Adult education providers
  • Public  libraries
  • Volunteer literacy organization

These funds are being made available as part of the 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act and will serve to strengthen locally-based citizenship service providers, as well as increase the capacity of organizations to offer citizenship services to underserved communities Through this competitive grant programs, USCIS seeks to expand citizenship preparation programs for LPRs to ensure that those who are committed to the goal of U.S. citizenship receive the support they need to be successful. Increased opportunities and additional resources in communities will help LPRs improve their English language skills and knowledge of U.S. history and government as they prepare for citizenship.  The information posted here was originally posted in The Office of Adult Education (OVAE)’s Thursday Notes Series, March 11, 2010.  For more information about this grant program, go to USCIS Citizenship Grant Program.