Court Ruling Restores AmeriCorps Funding, Allows NJ VISTA Volunteers to Return to Service

8/19/2025

AmeriCorps VISTA members returned to service with the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) after a federal court last month halted the Trump Administration's attempt to dismantle the program. The legal decision ensures that AmeriCorps VISTA members can continue serving New Jersey communities.

The ruling, issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, grants a preliminary injunction against the administration’s April 2025 actions that sought to eliminate nearly 90 percent of AmeriCorps’ workforce and cancel more than a thousand grants nationwide. The case was brought by the Network and other AmeriCorps grantees, sponsors, service members, and the AmeriCorps Employees Union AFSCME Local 2027, represented by Democracy Defenders Fund, Democracy Forward, AFSCME, and Lowell & Associates.

“The Network is thrilled to welcome back our AmeriCorps VISTA members, whose service strengthens the work of our members across the state,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Network. “The work of these volunteers is helping communities thrive and expanding opportunities for New Jersey residents. The court’s decision ensures that these critical services continue, and we are grateful to stand with allies nationwide to protect programs that make our neighborhoods stronger and more resilient.”

This ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by AmeriCorps grantees, sponsors, service members and the AmeriCorps Employees Union AFSCME Local 2027, who have come together to challenge the administration's April 2025 actions to eliminate nearly 90% of AmeriCorps' workforce, cancel more than a thousand grants, and decimate the National Civilian Community Corps by prematurely pulling service members out of the field in the middle of critical projects. They are represented by Democracy Defenders Fund, Democracy Forward, AFSCME, and Lowell & Associates.

"Today’s ruling is an important victory for communities across the country that rely on the work of AmeriCorps," said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), executive chair of Democracy Defenders Fund. "From rural towns to tribal nations to urban neighborhoods, AmeriCorps provides critical services to people in need. This ruling makes clear that you don’t get to erase that on a whim – an illegal one.”

“This decision provides relief to the AmeriCorps employees who have been blocked from doing their essential work, the jobs they love doing,” said AFSCME Local 2027 President Kelly Daly. “We have dedicated our careers to public service, helping working families nationwide recover from disasters, escape poverty and support themselves for the long term. This ruling means we can keep showing up for our communities when they need us most. We’re not just fighting for jobs — we’re fighting for the people who depend on us every day.”

“The President does not have unilateral power to cut or end AmeriCorps grants and service programs. We are grateful that the court has recognized that the government’s actions would unlawfully deprive communities of critical services and opportunities provided through this renowned service program,” said Elena Goldstein, Legal Director for Democracy Forward. “Democracy Forward is proud to work with community organizations from across the country, AFSCME Local 2027, and individual youth plaintiffs in this case.” 

“This decision is the latest to demonstrate that the Administration’s effort to scuttle important agencies and programs on which millions of Americans rely will not succeed.  We look forward to making this relief permanent,” said Abbe Lowell, founding partner at Lowell & Associates, PLLC.

The ruling can be found HERE.

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Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.

Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement.

Lowell & Associates, PLLC provides strategic and principled legal representation across civil, criminal, compliance, congressional and regulatory matters. The firm brings a deep understanding of both the law and the broader context in which our clients operate, serving individuals, businesses and institutions that value experienced counsel and effective advocacy in today’s legal environment.

The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 270 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities.

For more information: Nina Rainiero
(609) 393-3752 x1200
Website: hcdnnj.org
Socia Media: @HCDNNJ