6. Investing in What Works through Grants and Contracts

The Alabama State Service Commission administers the AmeriCrops State Grant Program. This grant program funds service-oriented efforts surrounding community health and wellness. In the process of scoring applications for 2026 funding, up to 20 points (out of 100) were awarded based on evidence quality and tier, as defined by the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange.

In 2023, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development used a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange to determine fund allocation through the AmeriCorps State program. The 2024 Requests for Proposals require evidence-based interventions with ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’ evidence for consideration, and dedicate 20% of the available points to the tier of evidence used (12%) and quality of evidence (8%).

California invested over $3.9 billion through evidence-prioritizing competitive grants from 2023–2026. Programs span education (Community Schools Partnership Program, Literacy Coaches, Antibias Education, California Serves), health (MIECHV Home Visiting, CYBHI behavioral health grants), and workforce (AmeriCorps State). All RFPs explicitly define evidence tiers aligned with ESSA or comparable federal standards and award scoring preference points for evidence-based approaches.

Executive Order N-16-22 requires all state agencies administering competitive grant programs to, wherever practicable, prioritize the needs of historically underserved and disadvantaged communities in their grant design and award decisions.

Colorado has launched a variety of grant programs across multiple agencies that define and prioritize evidence. These programs, focusing on areas such as community health, literacy, workforce development, and opioid response require applicants to spend funds on programs that are evidence-based. The total current funding amount for these initiatives is over $123m with Request for Proposals (RFP) published between April 10, 2026. These grants aim to enhance the well-being of Colorado residents by supporting education improvements, health services, and preventive measures for youth and vulnerable populations.

Connecticut recognizes that prioritizing interventions with evidence of effectiveness will ensure better allocation of resources and more importantly, lead to better outcomes for people served by the state. As such, state agencies are making progress in requiring that grants and projects be funded with taxpayer dollars, articulate properly potential benefits and offer quantitative evidence of how this will occur. Connecticut grant programs that define and prioritize evidence include grants administered by Serve Connecticut, and the Department of Education.

Volunteer Florida, a nonprofit organization that administers state AmeriCorps funding, uses a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange in allocating funding through the Florida AmeriCorps program. The 2023 Request for Proposals prioritized evidence-based interventions with ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’ evidence for consideration by attributing points within Program Design (worth 50% of total points) towards evidence-based criteria, including Evidence Tier (worth 12%) and Evidence Quality (worth 8%).

Serve Indiana administers the AmeriCorps State Grants. This grant program funds service-oriented efforts surrounding community health and wellness. In 2023, and 2024, grantees were required to propose programs assessed as having Moderate or Strong evidence according to the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange. In the process of scoring applications for funding, up to 20 points (out of 100) are awarded based on evidence quality and tier.

In 2023, the Kentucky Public Service Commission used a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange to both define evidence and allocate funds through its AmeriCorps Kentucky State Grant Program. Criteria from the Evidence Exchange assigned preference to evidence-based interventions assessed as ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’. To do this, the grant attributed points within Program Design (worth 50% of total points) towards evidence-based criteria, including Evidence Tier (worth 12%) and Evidence Quality (worth 8%). Evidence Quality was subsequently awarded up to 8 points and Evidence Tier was allotted 12 points. Applicants assessed as lower than the Preliminary evidence tier (i.e., Pre-Preliminary) must provide adequate responses to the Evidence Quality review criteria in order to be considered for funding.” Applicants were encouraged to consider interventions through the AmeriCorps Mandatory Supplemental Guidance that further defined evidence.

In 2023, the statewide Louisiana State Service Commission used a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange to define evidence and allocate funds through its AmeriCorps Louisiana State Grant Program. Criteria from the Evidence Exchange assigned preference to evidence-based interventions assessed as ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’. To do this, the grant attributed points within Program Design (worth 50% of total points) towards evidence-based criteria, including Evidence Tier (worth 12%) and Evidence Quality (worth 8%). Evidence Base was subsequently awarded up to 20 points and Evidence Tier was allotted 12 points. The Requests for Proposals indicated that many of these interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes for individuals living in underserved communities and that the agency has committed resources to supporting grantees seeking to replicate and evaluate these interventions in similar communities. Applicants were encouraged to consider interventions through the AmeriCorps Mandatory Supplemental Guidance that further defined evidence..

The Volunteer Maine Commission for Community Service administers AmeriCorps State and National Grants which funds service-oriented efforts surrounding community health and wellness. In 2023, applicants were required to use evidence in their proposed programs, as defined by the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange.

Maryland is embedding evidence into grantmaking so public dollars fund programs that work. Across agencies, solicitations define evidence and award points for proven approaches. The Governor’s Office for Children’s ENOUGH grants include a clear definition of “evidence-based” and give priority for interventions backed by experimental or quasi-experimental studies. Children’s Cabinet Interagency Fund NOFAs direct Local Management Boards to invest in evidence-based models and name specific eligible interventions. The Maryland Department of Health has several funding streams and targeted prevention RFAs that require evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies including Produce Rx and firearm violence prevention. The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission prioritizes evidence-based practices, and the Maryland State Department of Education’s Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant added an evidence definition and prioritizes proposals grounded in cited evidence. The Maryland Department of Labor also invests in evidence-based workforce development initiatives such as Road to Careers, which is implemented in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation, as well as the Maryland Apprenticeship Incentive program.

In 2023, the Massachusetts Service Alliance, a nonprofit organization that administers state AmeriCorps funding, used a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange in allocating funding through the Massachusetts AmeriCorps program. The Requests for Proposals prioritized evidence-based interventions with ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’ evidence by attributing points within Program Design (worth 50% of total points) towards evidence-based criteria, including Evidence Tier (worth 12%) and Evidence Quality (worth 8%). Evidence Base was subsequently awarded up to 20 points and Evidence Tier was allotted 12 points. Applicants assessed as lower than the Preliminary evidence tier (i.e., Pre-Preliminary) must provide adequate responses to the Evidence Quality review criteria in order to be considered for funding.” Applicants were encouraged to consider interventions through the AmeriCorps Mandatory Supplemental Guidance that further defined evidence tiers.

State grants that define and prioritize evidence provide over three hundred million dollars to communities across Minnesota. Grant programs that define and prioritize evidence include Serve Minnesota AmeriCorps grants, grants from the Minnesota Department of Education (Full-Service Community Schools grant program and the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant), grants administered by the Department of Human Services (Housing with Supports for Adults with Mental Illness grant program, School-Linked Behavioral Health, and Opioid Epidemic Response grants), and grants administered by the Department of Health (Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention).

The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service (Volunteer Mississippi) administers AmeriCorps State Grants. This grant program funds service-oriented efforts surrounding community health and wellness. In the process of scoring 2023 applications for funding, up to 20 points (out of 100) are awarded based on evidence quality and tier, as defined by the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange.

In 2023, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Missouri Community Service Commission used a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange to define and prioritize evidence, as well as allocate funds through its AmeriCorps Missouri State Grant Program. Criteria from the Evidence Exchange assigned preference to evidence-based interventions assessed as ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’. The grant attributed points within Program Design (50% of total points) towards evidence-based criteria, including Evidence Tier (12%) and Evidence Quality (8%). Evidence Base was subsequently awarded up to 20 points and Evidence Tier was allotted 12 points.  

Applicants were encouraged to consider interventions through the AmeriCorps Mandatory Supplemental Guidance. In improving the evidence design of Missouri’s AmeriCorps programs, the state is more competitive nationally. To that end, in May 2023, it was announced that Missouri received ten new competitive AmeriCorps grants, and this led to an increase of $4,266,660 in federal support to Missouri communities.

In 2023, and 2024, the Montana Governor’s Office of Community Service used a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange to both define and prioritize evidence, as well as allocate funds through its AmeriCorps Serve Montana State Grant Program. Criteria from the Evidence Exchange assigned preference to evidence-based interventions assessed as ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’. To do this, the grant attributed points within Program Design (worth 50% of total points) towards evidence-based criteria, including Evidence Tier (worth 12%) and Evidence Quality (worth 8%). Evidence Base was subsequently awarded up to 20 points and Evidence Tier was allotted 12 points.

The Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission administers AmeriCorps State Grants. This grant program funds service-oriented efforts surrounding community health and wellness. In the process of scoring 2024 applications for funding, up to 20 points (out of 100) are awarded based on evidence quality and tier, as defined by the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange.

The 2023 Nevada Volunteers’ AmeriCorps State and National Grants program requires evidence-based approaches to secure funding and prioritize community health and wellness initiatives, granting up to 20 points for evidence quality, per AmeriCorps guidelines.

New Jersey works to include evidence-based criteria in its grants, especially in services to children. Notable initiatives include: (1) the Statewide Universal Newborn Home Nurse Visitation Program (Family Connects NJ), under which licensed nurses visit new parents at their homes to support families’ efforts to enhance maternal and child health and well-being and reduce health complications for mothers and newborns, under the evidence-based Family Connects model; and (2) the Learning Acceleration Program, providing grants for high-impact tutoring for students disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New Mexico Sentencing Commission provides grants for evidence-based services which could later be considered for recurring funding from the Legislature. These Sentencing Commission grants occur due to the Crime Justice Grant.   Serve New Mexico Commission defines and prioritizes evidence in the AmeriCorps State Grant program. The New Mexico Corrections Department funds evidence-based wellness services for individuals under supervision, probation or parole through the Behavioral health and Transitional Living Services grant program.

The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department contracts with providers to serve survivors, children, and offenders of domestic violence. According to CYFD, these contracts require providers to monitor outcomes and use programs shown to work.

In 2023, the New York Office of Children and Family Services Commission on National and Community services used a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange to define and prioritize evidence of effectiveness when allocating funds through its AmeriCorps New York State Grant Program. Criteria from the Evidence Exchange assigned preference to evidence-based interventions assessed as ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’. To do this, the grant attributed points within Program Design (worth 50% of total points) towards evidence-based criteria, including Evidence Tier (worth 12%) and Evidence Quality (worth 8%). Evidence Base was subsequently awarded up to 20 points and Evidence Tier was allotted 12 points. Applicants assessed as lower than the Preliminary evidence tier (i.e., Pre-Preliminary) must provide adequate responses to the Evidence Quality review criteria in order to be considered for funding.” If applicants assessed in the Pre-Preliminary evidence tier did not provide adequate responses to the Evidence Quality Standards, AmeriCorps New York would not consider them for funding. Applicants were encouraged to consider interventions through the AmeriCorps Mandatory Supplemental Guidance that further defined evidence tiers.

North Carolina identified 18 grant or contract awards – over $45 million in investments – that define evidence of effectiveness for programs and interventions and require or reward evidence-based models in the award of funds. Programmatic focus areas span mental and behavioral health interventions, re-entry and recidivism reduction, tobacco cessation, infant mortality, and child welfare.

Agencies across Ohio are prioritizing evidence of effectiveness in their grant awards.

For example, the Department of Education and Workforce’s Science of Reading grant program directly funds literacy coaches and evidence-based strategies for reading instruction. The Department of Health’s Integrated Harm Reduction program strengthens and expands evidence- and community-based programs focused on overdose education, naloxone distribution, syringe service programs (SSP), and other harm reduction initiatives. The AmeriCorps State and National Formula Grants prioritize programs that are supported by evidence-based program designs that demonstrate meaningful, lasting impact to effectively improve lives and strengthen communities.  

The Ohio Grants Partnership Grants Policy (Section D) directs state agencies to prioritize applications that most effectively address the needs of communities facing the greatest barriers — including underserved populations, individuals experiencing poverty, adults without a high school diploma, and other groups identified as having high levels of need. Agencies are encouraged to emphasize outcomes and to incorporate scoring criteria that reward the use of evidence-based practices, grounded in scientific research.

Oregon Health Authority’s administrative rules include evaluation of whether applicants have demonstrated the effectiveness of prior services: Division 20 (DTRSF Grants): Scoring considers “if the grantee has previously received funding, the effectiveness of services provided”. Division 33 (REALD & SOGI Grants): Review panels assess “impact of services provided” when determining funding. Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grants: Applicants are required to articulate “Evidence-Based Activities” and adhere to evaluation best practices. ODE Early Literacy Success Grants: Applicants must adopt evidence-based curricula and follow research‑informed implementation protocols. Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) Justice Assistance Grants (e.g., OIIF) require measurable outcomes and evidence-based practices.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has launched a series of evidence-based grant programs supporting violence prevention, substance abuse treatment, and child protection. Major initiatives include Coordinated Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) grants ($45M FY 2024–25 Violence Intervention and Prevention appropriation) and the BOOST program ($11.5M) to expand out-of-school time opportunities. Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) funding totaled over $4.6M (2023–24), while Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) expanded jail-based programs ($1.5M). Endowment Act grants (nearly $7M awarded in 2024) and Children’s Justice Act programs (over $700K) fund training for professionals and caregivers on evidence-based trauma response and support victims of child sexual abuse. Additional funding includes $8.5M for crisis intervention through the federal State Crisis Intervention Program, over $8.2M for Justice Assistance Grants (2026–27), and $1.5M for medical/mental health pilots for child sexual abuse victims. Across programs, PCCD emphasizes research-based strategies to reduce violence, address substance use, and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

South Carolina First Steps administers the Resources for Early Acceleration and Development in Youth (READY) Grant to Sustain and Expand Effective Programs Serving Children and Families. This grant program funds kindergarten readiness services for children aged birth through 3 years old who live in rural communities. A minimum of 75% of the available funding is reserved for evidence-based programs, as defined by the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act.

Tennessee’s Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) manages criminal justice grants to introduce evidence-based programs in local jails. Grantees must propose interventions from the highest or second-highest evidence tiers per the Results First Clearinghouse Database.  

Volunteer Tennessee, utilizing the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange, awards funds based on evidence of effectiveness, granting up to 20 points in scoring. Applicants with 3+ years of funding must submit impact evaluation plans. 

The Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council weights evidence in their scoring of Community Grants that support local organizations in implementing opioid abatement remediation strategies.

The Texas Workforce Commission defines and prioritizes evidence of effectiveness in its Building Construction Trades grant program, which funds training and outreach services to prepare youth for employment in building construction trades occupations, awarding up to 10 bonus points to applicants based on the level of causal evidence as defined by the Commission’s Evidence-Based Grantmaking Framework. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board applies the same evidence-based scoring approach in its Carl D. Perkins Equitable Access and Opportunity Program. The Texas Workforce Investment Council defines and prioritizes evidence of effectiveness in its Carl D. Perkins State Leadership Grant Program, which provides competitive funding to Texas public postsecondary institutions to improve career and technical education through two evidence-based tracks – Field Based Innovation and Perkins Excellence in Access and Opportunity – and in its Texas Talent Connection Grant Program, which funds workforce skills training and job placement programs, awarding up to 10 points based on evidence of effectiveness of the proposed services.

In 2018, the Vermont Agency of Education adopted four tiers of evidence, based on the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), to inform the distribution of education funds, including federal education and state-funded grants (such as BEST/Act 230 in 2022 and the Community Schools Act in 2022; see sample statement of evidence). The guidance states: “applying the same requirement to both federal and state grants will allow for greater consistency in the review and approval of grant applications.” In 2019, the Agency built on this guidance, creating the Vermont School Wellness Policy Guidelines and Implementation guide. This resource created the Local Wellness Policy (LWP) that informs program creation for local education agencies (LEAs), including requiring the use of evidence-based strategies in determining the policy’s goals.

In 2023, the governmental organization Serve Washington used a tiered evidence framework from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange to both define and prioritize evidence, as well as allocate funds through its AmeriCorps Washington State Grant Program. Criteria from the Evidence Exchange assigned preference to evidence-based interventions assessed as ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strong’. To do this, the grant attributed points within the Evidence Base (up to 20) depending on the evidence tier reached, from Pre-Preliminary to Strong. Applicants assessed as lower than the Preliminary evidence tier (i.e., Pre-Preliminary) must provide adequate responses to the Evidence Quality review criteria in order to be considered for funding.” Applicants were encouraged to consider interventions through the AmeriCorps Mandatory Supplemental Guidance that further defined evidence tiers.

Safe and stable housing is fundamental to helping people in recovery have more successful long-term outcomes and enables providers to serve them most effectively. Recognizing this, The State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Services (DHS) is using a portion of Wisconsin’s McKinsey & Company opioid settlement to fund the Recovery Voucher (RV) program. The goal of the RV program is to provide an opportunity for people who have been diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) or are receiving treatment for OUD to move into safe interim housing who otherwise would struggle to find housing due to limited housing options, financial or other barriers. The Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) administers the program on behalf of DHS.

In 2023, 2024, and 2025 [LW1] , DEHCR funded evidenced-based programs for clients who are experiencing HUD category 1, 2, 3, or 4 homelessness and who also have an opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnosis or have been receiving treatment for OUD within the past 12-months. Under the program, clients are eligible along with their families to be housed in a DHS recognized recovery residence. Funded applicants demonstrated their impact through the strength of their application coupled with ongoing data collection and evaluation of clients served. Criteria from the Recover Voucher NOFO & Program Manual defines evidence-based interventions and outcomes. Grant applicants are awarded points within the Project Needs Statement (worth 40% of total points) based on their plans to recruit and prioritize clients and interventions.

Serve Wyoming administers Americorps State Grants. This grant program funds service-oriented efforts surrounding community health and wellness. In the process of scoring 2023 applications for funding, up to 20 points (out of 100) are awarded based on evidence quality and tier, as defined by the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange.