LSC grantees may use LSC funds as matching funds in AmeriCorps grants and other grants funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

LSC permits LSC grantees to use LSC funds for matching requirements in federally financed programs only when “the agency whose funds are being matched determines in writing that [LSC] funds may be used for federal matching purposes.”  45 C.F.R. § 1630.3(a)(8). 

Valerie Green, the general counsel at the Corporation for National and Community Service, has provided LSC with a written statement  (attached to this Program Letter) that satisfies this requirement.

The use of LSC funds as matching funds must also meet any other applicable LSC or Corporation for National and Community Service requirements.   LSC funds can be used only for LSC-permissible activities, regardless of whether they are used as matching funds, and can be used only in compliance with the Legal Services Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 2996 et seq.); applicable appropriations law; Legal Services Corporation rules, regulations (45 C.F.R. Parts 1600–1644), guidelines, and instructions; the Accounting Guide for LSC Recipients; the terms and conditions of the grant or contract; and other applicable law.  This Program Letter is not preapproval of any specific activities, expenditures, or costs.  Grantees should contact LSC if they are considering retroactively changing matching funds for Corporation for National and Community Service grants to LSC funds in prior years.

If you have any questions regarding the matching funds requirements, please contact Lora Rath in the Office of Compliance and Enforcement at rathl@lsc.gov or Mark Freedman in the Office of Legal Affairs at mfreedman@lsc.gov.