Golden, a platform for managing volunteers and community involvement, has announced a $500 million in-kind contribution to aid nonprofits, local governments, educational institutions, and other organizations impacted by the recent halt in AmeriCorps and USAID funding. The company will offer up to one million affected groups free access to its Community Plan software, which helps manage volunteer operations and fundraising efforts. Each license, typically valued at $50 per month, aims to ease operational burdens and allow organizations to redirect limited resources toward frontline services. The move follows significant cuts, including a $370 million reduction in AmeriCorps grants, the suspension of all volunteers, and major staffing reductions.
In response to these disruptions, Golden is also launching initiatives to support displaced AmeriCorps volunteers, extending services for existing clients at no cost, and partnering with groups like TechSoup and GivingTuesday to broaden access. The platform enables efficient volunteer scheduling, compliance-based fundraising, and AI integration—functions many organizations can no longer afford independently. Sam Fankuchen, Founder and CEO of Golden, remarked, "A mission is more than what you do daily. Beyond software, we are honored to help our community members meet their needs wherever they are in their journeys." Organizations previously affiliated with AmeriCorps, USAID, or affected universities are eligible to claim the software. Golden’s approach reflects a broader effort to maintain service delivery amid the growing challenges nonprofits face.
