AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service to America 94.013

AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is the national service program of AmeriCorps designed specifically to fight poverty. VISTA supports efforts to alleviate poverty by engaging individuals, 18 years and older, from all walks of life,

AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is the national service program of AmeriCorps designed specifically to fight poverty. VISTA supports efforts to alleviate poverty by engaging individuals, 18 years and older, from all walks of life, in a year of full-time service with a sponsoring organization (sponsor) to create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

The proposed project must have a clear anti-poverty focus, include the involvement of the low-income community, and the activities must lead to sustainability of the project. The activities of the VISTA members may not supplant staff or current volunteers. See program's Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.

VISTA activities must benefit low-income persons and communities by building the capacity of the sponsoring organization to find permanent solutions to poverty. VISTAs live and serve in some of our nation's poorest areas. They receive a modest living allowance and other benefits during their service. After successfully completing a term of service, VISTAs and Summer Associates may receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used to pay for college or student loans, or an end-of-service cash stipend. Sponsors may contribute to the cost of a VISTA through "cost share," but are under no obligation to do so.

See program's Notice of Funding Opportunity and Annual Program Guidance at https://americorps.gov/partner/funding-opportunities. This is not a grant-based program.

Assistance is awarded for approximately one year at a time, up to an average of 3-4 years total. Note that, with certain small exceptions, the VISTA program does not grant financial resources to organizations, but rather provides the resource through the placement of a VISTA member.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/

All of the following elements must be found in the applicant's proposal for new or renewal projects. The project must: (1) be poverty oriented in scope and comply with the provisions of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 applicable to VISTA and all published regulations and AmeriCorps policies; (2) show that the project goals, objectives and AmeriCorps member tasks are attainable within the time frame during which the members will be serving on the project and will produce a measurable result; (3) must recruit and involve low-income community residents in the planning, development and implementation of the VISTA project; (4) provide for frequent and effective supervision of the members; (5) identify resources needed and make them available for AmeriCorps members to perform their tasks; and (6) have the management capability to carry out the project.

See program's Notice of Funding Opportunity and application instructions for information on other application procedures.

Notice of Funding Opportunities, with important dates and deadlines, are listed here: https://americorps.gov/partner/funding-opportunities

Eligible applicants may be public sector organizations or private nonprofits as designed by the IRS. For-profit entities are not eligible. Public sector organizations including state, local and Tribal entities as well as private non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. The beneficiaries of VISTA projects must be low-income communities or individuals within the United States and its territories.

Renewal applications are required annually at least 120 days prior to the end of the project period. Renewals are subject to the same review procedures as new projects.

No formal appeals for denial of initial project application; however, regulations provide for hearings on terminations and suspensions, and opportunity to show cause in cases of denial of refunding.