The Corporation shall apply the criteria described in subsection (b) of this section in determining whether to approve an application submitted under section 12543 of this title or under subsection (a) or (b) of section 12544 of this title and to provide assistance under section 12542 of this title to the applicant on the basis of the application.

In evaluating such an application with respect to a program under this subpart, the Corporation shall consider the criteria established for national service programs under section 12585 (c) of this title.

A State Commission or grantmaking entity shall apply the criteria described in subsection (b) of this section in determining whether to approve an application under section 12544 (c) of this title and to make a grant under section 12542 (b)(1) of this title to the applicant on the basis of the application.