AmeriCorps VISTA Program
CDR has partnered with AmeriCorps through sponsorship of the VISTA program, and part of our 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 nonprofit organizations and public agencies to address poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into AmeriCorps' network of national service programs, housed at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
AmeriCorps VISTA supports efforts to address poverty by providing opportunities for 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. A VISTA project is operated and overseen by, and is the responsibility of, the sponsor. Projects typically last three to four years and are carried out by VISTA members placed at selected sites.
AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors
A sponsor is a nonprofit organization or government agency that applies for and receives an award to place AmeriCorps VISTA members and, in limited cases, receives VISTA grant funds. Sponsors design, operate, and direct the project, recruit and supervise the VISTA members, and provide the administrative support necessary to achieve the project's goals, with meaningful involvement of the low-income communities to be served.
How can organizations become a sponsor?
Organizations interested in becoming a sponsor should begin by visiting AmeriCorps.gov and reviewing VISTA 101: Understanding VISTA. Prospective sponsors apply by submitting a concept paper and application through the eGrants system under the AmeriCorps VISTA New Projects Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Frequently asked questions
What is AmeriCorps VISTA?
VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America), founded in 1965, is a federal anti-poverty national service program that provides resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to address poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993 VISTA joined the AmeriCorps network of national service programs.
Who can serve as a VISTA member?
Americans 18 years of age and older, from a diverse range of backgrounds, can dedicate a year of full-time service with a sponsoring organization like CDR on a project that empowers individuals and communities to overcome poverty.
Who is eligible to be a VISTA sponsor?
Nonprofit organizations, Native American Tribes, and state and local government agencies are eligible. Sponsorship is not limited to 501(c)(3) organizations; other 501(c) statuses that focus on anti-poverty outcomes may also apply. Organizations that focus solely on advocacy or lobbying are not eligible.
How does CDR use the VISTA program?
CDR sponsors VISTA members focused on capacity building, with an emphasis on developing economic opportunities, providing financial literacy education, and assisting individuals with their employment search needs in Fargo-Moorhead.