History

ServeMinnesota began in 1994 as the Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service and serves as the state designated recipient of funding for the AmeriCorps program, often referred to as "the domestic Peace Corps". In 2002, the Minnesota Legislature approved the organization becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the expectation that a nimble, entrepreneurial organization could increase both the quantity and quality of the federal AmeriCorps resources available to address critical issues in Minnesota.

1993

President Bill Clinton signs The National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 creating AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service to expand opportunities for Americans to serve their communities.

1994

The Minnesota Commission on National and Community is established.

2002

ServeMinnesota is established as an independent nonprofit organization.

2004

ServeMinnesota started the Minnesota Reading Corps, to blend the resources of the AmeriCorps program with the science of how children learn to read.

ServeMinnesota is surveyed by a team of experts against criteria established for high quality state commissions and achieved an A rating.

2006

ServeMinnesota launches a Business Advisory Committee that raises $1 million for the Minnesota Reading Corps.

2007

Minnesota State Legislature passes legislation appropriating $1 million to support the expansion of the Minnesota Reading Corps.

2008

ServeMinnesota launches the Minnesota Math Corps, an initiative geared to helping 8th graders achieve proficiency in algebra.

2009

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act is signed by President Obama which positions AmeriCorps to triple in size.

Minnesota State Legislature passes legislation appropriating $2.3 million to support further expansion of the Minnesota Reading Corps.

ServeMinnesota launches the Minnesota Green Corps, a pilot project to match AmeriCorps members with environmental projects in local communities.

2010

ServeMinnesota creates independent foundation to advance strategic initiatives.

ServeMinnesota launches the Education Corps which will house the Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps.

ServeMinnesota ranks 4th among all 50 states in the national competitive grantmaking allocation illustrating innovative and cutting-edge programming, for the second year running.