Americorps

VISTA Program

CDR has partnered with AmeriCorps through the sponsorship of their VISTA Program, and part of their staff are VISTA members. VISTA stands for Volunteers In Service To America.

This program, founded in 1965, is a federal anti-poverty national service program designed to provide resources to non-profit organizations and public agencies to address poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps' network of national service programs, housed at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

AmeriCorps VISTA support efforts to address poverty by providing opportunities to Americans 18 years of age and older, from a diverse range of backgrounds, to dedicate a year of full-time service with a sponsoring organization on a project that will create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.

AmeriCorps VISTA Projects

An AmeriCorps Vista Project refers to a set of activities, as set forth in a project application, for which a federal award of VISTA resources is made. An AmeriCorps VISTA project is operated and overseen by, and the responsibility of, the sponsor. The duration of a project varies, but they typically last three to four years. These projects are carried out by AmeriCorps VISTA members placed at selected sites.

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsors

A Sponsor is a non-profit organization or government agency that applies for and receives an award to place AmeriCorps VISTA Members, and in limited cases, receives VISTA grant funds. They design, operate and direct the project, recruit and supervise the VISTA Members, and provide the necessary administrative support to achieve the goals of said project.

Sponsors develop and implement the projects, with meaningful involvement of the low-income communities to be served.

Who is eligible to be a VISTA Sponsor?

Non-profit organizations, Native American Tribes, and State and Local government agencies are eligible to apply to be AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsors.

In regard to Non-profits, sponsorship is not limited to those designated by the IRS as 501(c)(3). Specifically, other organizations with IRS-designated 501(c) statuses that focus on anti-poverty outcomes are also eligible to apply.

Organizations that focus solely on advocacy or lobbying are not eligible.

How can organizations become a VISTA Sponsor?

Organizations interested in becoming a sponsor should begin by visiting NationalService.gov and reviewing VISTA 101: Understanding VISTA for more in depth information.

Interested organizations can also learn more by participating in a scheduled Webinar or listening to a previously recorded one. Prospective sponsors apply by submitting a concept paper and application through the CNCS web-based eGrants system under the FY AmeriCorps VISTA New Projects Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Additional details, including a timeline with key dates, is available on the VISTA webpage as well.