Order Code RL33931
The Corporation for National and
Community Community
Service: Overview of Programs
and FY2009 Funding
Updated March 19, 2008
Ann Lordeman
Specialist in Social Legislation
Domestic Social Policy Division
Abigail B. Rudman
Information Research Specialist
Knowledge Services Group
The Corporation for National and Community Service:
Overview of Programs and FY2009 Funding
and Funding
Abigail R. Overbay
Information Research Specialist
Benjamin Collins
Analyst in Labor Policy
February 10, 2015
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
RL33931
The Corporation for National and Community Service
Summary
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is an
independent federal agency
that administers the programs authorized by two statutes:
the National and Community Service Act (NCSA,
Act of 1990 (NCSA; P.L. 101-610) of 1990, as
, as amended, and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973
(DVSA;(DVSA, P.L. 93-113) of 1973, as
amended. This report first provides an overview of each NCSA and DVSA program
and then compares CNCS funding from the FY2007 appropriation (P.L. 110-5),
FY2008 appropriation (P.L. 110-161), and the FY2009 budget request, as amended. NCSA and DVSA programs were substantially amended and
reauthorized by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (P.L. 111-13). The report compares
CNCS funding for FY2012, FY2013, FY2014, and FY2015.
The NCSA is designed to meet unmet human, educational, environmental, and
public safety needs,
needs and to renew an ethic of civic responsibility by encouraging
citizens to participate in
national service programs. The NCSA authorizes four
community service programs: Learn and Serve America,major programs authorized by NCSA include AmeriCorps State and
and National Grants, and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), and the Points of
Light Foundation. The NCSA also
authorizes the National Service Trust, which
funds educational awards for community service
participants.
A central purpose of the DVSA, which authorizes the Volunteers in Service to
America (VISTA)
program and the National Senior Volunteer Corps, is to foster and
expand voluntary service in
communities while helping the vulnerable, the
disadvantaged, the elderly, and the poor. The National Senior Volunteer Corps
includes three main programs: the Foster Grandparents Program, the Senior
DVSA also authorizes the National Senior Volunteer Corps, which includes three programs for
senior citizens: the Foster Grandparent Program, the Senior Companion Program, and the Retired
and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
Appropriations for the DVSA and the NCSA programs are made annually
through the
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and
Related Agencies
Appropriations Act (Labor-HHS-ED). The FY2008 Consolidated
Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-161), enacted on December 26, 2007, provided $856.3
million for CNCS. For FY2009, the President has requested $829.7 million.
This report will be updated as warranted by legislative developments.
Contents
Most Recent Developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Program-by-Program Overview and FY2009 Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
NCSA Programs and Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Learn and Serve America (Title I-B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
AmeriCorps State and National Grants (Title I-C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
National Service Trust (Title I-D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) (Title I-E) . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Points of Light Foundation (Title III) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
DVSA Programs and Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VISTA (Title I-A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
National Senior Volunteer Corps (Title II) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) (Title II-A) . . . . . 5
Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) (Title II-B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Senior Companion Program (SCP) (Title II-C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
List of Tables
Table 1. Educational Awards by Service Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Table 2. Corporation for National and Community Service Funding . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Corporation for National and
Community Service: Overview of Programs
and FY2009 Funding
Most Recent Developments
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (P.L. 110-161), signed by the
President on December 26, 2007, funds the Corporation for National and Community
Service (CNCS) at $856.3 million, which reflects a reduction of 1.747%, per Section
528(a) of the act. The President’s FY2009 budget requests $829.7 million.
Introduction
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) was established
by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (P.L. 103-82). Operating
as an independent federal agency, the CNCS oversees all national and community
service programs authorized in two statutes: the National Community Service Act
(NCSA) of 1990,1 as amended, and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act (DVSA) of
1973,2 as amended.
Although authorized funding for CNCS programs expired at the end of FY1996,
funding continues through annual appropriations. DVSA programs have been
continually funded under the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and
Related Agencies (L-HHS-ED) Appropriations Act. Since FY2006, funding for
NCSA programs have also been included in the L-HHS-ED appropriations.3
This report first provides a summary of each NCSA and DVSA program. Next,
it compares funding under Labor-HHS-ED in:
!
!
!
the FY2007 Continuing Appropriations Resolution (P.L. 110-5),
the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-161), and
the President’s FY2009 Budget of the U.S. Government (request).
1
National and Community Service Act (NCSA) of 1990, P.L. 101-610.
2
Domestic Volunteer Service Act (DVSA) of 1973, P.L. 93-113.
3
Prior to FY2006, funding for NCSA programs was under the Veterans Affairs and Housing
and Urban Development (VA-HUD) Appropriations Act.
CRS-2
Program-by-Program Overview and FY2009 Funding
NCSA Programs and Funding
On November 16, 1990, the National Community Service Act (NCSA) of 1990
was signed into law to address unmet human, educational, environmental, and public
safety needs. One main purpose of NCSA is to renew an ethic of civil responsibility
and community spirit in the U.S. by encouraging citizens to participate in national
service programs. NCSA, as amended in 1993, includes Learn and Serve America,
AmeriCorps State and National Grants, the National Service Trust, National Civilian
Community Corps (NCCC), and the Points of Light Foundation. Table 2 contains
funding information for NCSA programs.
Learn and Serve America (Title I-B). Program Focus: Since 1990, Learn
and Serve America (LSA) has authorized three community service programs
benefitting students and communities. These programs provide for “servicelearning” (i.e., student mentoring and tutoring) or collaborative efforts between
schools and local communities addressing local community issues in areas such as
education, public safety, human services, and the environment. The three programs
are (1) school-based programs for students, (2) community-based programs for
school-age young people, and (3) higher-education programs of community service
for post-secondary students. Eligibility: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary
students. Benefits: the Learn and Service America programs offer no stipends,
educational awards, or other direct benefits. Administrative Entity: LSA programs
are administered, depending on the program, by (1) CNCS, (2) an independent state
education agency, (3) a state commission on national service, or (4) a public or
private nonprofit organization.
AmeriCorps State and National Grants (Title I-C). Program Focus:
Programs under AmeriCorps State and National Grants identify and address critical
community needs, including tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, managing
or operating after-school programs, helping communities respond to disasters,
improving health services, building affordable housing, and cleaning parks and
streams. Created in 1993, AmeriCorps was developed as a network of local, state,
and national service programs for individuals aged 17 and older. Grants include
formula and competitive grants to states, national competitive grants to nonprofit
organizations, grants to national and local organizations for the Education Award
Program (EAP),4 and grants to U.S. territories and Indian tribes. Eligibility:
individuals aged 17 and older. Amount of Volunteer Service: full-time or part-time
for a nine- to 12-month period. Benefits: AmeriCorps members receive a living
allowance and, in some cases, student-loan forbearance (i.e., loan postponement),
health coverage, and child care for those who qualify. AmeriCorps members can
4
Education Award Programs (EAP) members receive educational awards and loan
forbearance, if applicable, but do not receive other federally funded benefits such as a living
allowance.
CRS-3
receive an educational award5 of up to $4,725 per year of full-time service, the
amount is reduced based on service term or part-time hours (see Table 1).
Administrative Entity: Each state Governor appoints members of a service
commission to manage, monitor, and administer annual grant applications for the
state. CNCS reviews the State Commission formula package and makes the awards.
CNCS selects all other grantees and makes the awards.
Table 1. Educational Awards by Service Term
Member Service Term
Full time
Half time
Reduced half time
Quarter time
Minimum time
Number of Hours
at least 1,700
at least 900
at least 675
at least 450
at least 300
Educational Award ($)
4,725.00
2,362.50
1,800.00
1,250.00
1,000.00
Source: CNCS, FY2009 Congressional Budget Justification.
National Service Trust (Title I-D). The National Service Trust, a special
account in the U.S. Treasury, provides a maximum of two educational awards per
volunteer participant in AmeriCorps Grants, the National Civilian Community Corps
(NCCC), and VISTA. The trust fund also provides funding for scholarships to high
school students rewarded for outstanding community service. Additionally, the
National Service Trust provides interest payments on qualified student loans to
recipients of AmeriCorps Grants and participants in NCCC or VISTA who have
obtained forbearance (loan postponement).
National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) (Title I-E). Program
Focus: NCCC is a residential program that focuses on short-term projects such as
building homes for low-income families and helping to provide disaster relief.
Eligibility: individuals aged 18 to 24. Amount of volunteer service: participants can
serve up to two years full-time. Full-time service is defined as 10 months each year.
Benefits: NCCC participants may receive a living allowance, room and board, and
an educational award of $4,725 per year of service. Administrative Entity: NCCC
programs are administered by the CNCS.
Program Update: the FY2007 Presidential budget proposed the elimination of
the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).6 According to the
Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Program Assessment Rating Tool
(PART) assessment, AmeriCorps NCCC was rated ineffective due to significant
flaws in the program’s design, performance, and cost effectiveness.
5
AmeriCorps Educational Awards are funded under the National Service Trust. These
awards are intended to help pay qualified student loans, or finance college, graduate school,
or eligible vocational training.
6
U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Program Assessment: AmeriCorps National
Civilian Community Corps, available at [http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore/
summary/10004457.2005.html].
CRS-4
In response, the CNCS significantly restructured the NCCC as a less expensive
program predominately focused on disaster relief and recovery7. Although the NCCC
closed two of its five campuses in FY2007, Washington, D.C. and Charleston, S.C.,
Congress provided start-up funding in FY2008 for two new residential campuses:
Vinton, IA, and in Vicksburg, MS. The three remaining NCCC campuses are in
Sacramento, CA, Denver, CO, and Perry Point, MD. Despite the decrease in the
FY2009 requested funding, 59% less than the FY2008 level, or $9.836 million, the
CNCS plans to implement a private sector fund-raising strategy for the NCCC to
keep the number of member service years (MSY) at 1,120, the same as the FY2008
level.8
In FY2007, the NCCC began a new residential program, a Summer of Service,
targeted to 250 youth from disadvantaged circumstances (between the ages of 14 and
17) in New Orleans, LA, Denver, CO, and Charleston, SC. The three-week program
contains projects in areas such as education, the environment, and hurricane recovery.
CNCS estimated that 250 youth will also participate in the program in FY2008 and
proposes 300 participants for FY2009.9
Points of Light Foundation (Title III). The Points of Light Foundation is
a nonprofit charitable organization that functions as an independent and autonomous
entity. The foundation promotes community service through a partnership with the
Volunteer Center National Network. The purposes of the Points of Light Foundation
are to (1) encourage all Americans to help solve critical social problems by
volunteering, (2) identify successful and promising community service projects and
disseminate information about them, and (3) discover new leaders and develop
individuals and institutions that serve as examples of commitment to others.
Program Update: Prior to and including FY2007, funds were designated for the
Points of Light Foundation during the annual appropriations process. In FY2008,
previous partnership grantees, including the Points of Light Foundation, will be
eligible to compete for merit-based grants as funded under Subtitle-H, the Innovation,
Demonstration, and Assistance Activities.10 For FY2009, the Points of Light may be
eligible to compete for new competitive award(s) or continue a multi-year grant
awarded competitively in FY2008.11
7
The Corporation for National and Community Service, FY2008 Congressional Budget
Justification, available at [http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/2008_budget_justification.
pdf].
8
A Member Service Year is the equivalent of one full time term of service.
9
Correspondence to CRS from the Corporation for National and Community Service, March
12, 2008.
10
The Joint Explanatory Statement, Congressional Record, daily edition (December 17,
2007), p. H16282.
11
The Corporation for National and Community Service, FY2009 Congressional Budget
Justification, p. 64, available at
[http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/2009_budget_justification.pdf].
CRS-5
DVSA Programs and Funding
In 1973, Congress passed the Domestic Volunteer Service Act (DVSA). The
purpose of DVSA is to foster and expand voluntary citizen service throughout the
nation. DVSA programs are designed to help the poor, the disadvantaged, the
vulnerable and the elderly. Administered by the CNCS, the DVSA programs include
the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and the National Senior Volunteer
Corps. The National Senior Volunteer Corps consists of the Retired and Senior
Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent Program, and the Senior
Companion Program. Table 2 contains funding information for DVSA programs.
VISTA (Title I-A). Program Focus: the Volunteers in Service to America
(VISTA) program encourages Americans to participate in community service in an
effort to eliminate poverty. Eligibility: individuals aged 18 and older. Amount of
volunteer service: VISTA members serve full-time for up to three years. Benefits:
VISTA members may receive a living allowance, student-loan forbearance (i.e.,
postponement), health coverage, relocation costs, training, and child care assistance.
VISTA participants receive an educational award of up to $4,725 per year of fulltime service or a $1,200 “lump sum” cash stipend from the National Service Trust.
The maximum number of educational awards per participant is two; the maximum
number of lump-sum payments per participant is three. Administrative Entity:
CNCS state offices.
National Senior Volunteer Corps (Title II). The National Senior
Volunteer Corps consists of three programs, summarized below: the Retired Senior
Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), and the Senior
Companion Program (SCP). The FY2009 Presidential budget request is $174 million
for all three programs comprising the Senior Corps, reflecting an overall decrease
of approximately 19%. Specifically, the Foster Grandparent Program would be
reduced by 38%, while the Senior Companion Program would remain the same and
funding for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program would increase by 2%.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) (Title II-A). Program
Focus: volunteers in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) may play
community service roles in education, health and nutrition services, community and
economic development, and other areas of human need. Eligibility: individuals aged
55 and older. Amount of volunteer service: participants can contribute up to 40
hours each week. Benefits: the RSVP offers no direct benefits (e.g., stipends or
educational awards). Administrative Entity: CNCS state offices.
Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) (Title II-B). Program Focus: the
Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) supports children with exceptional needs by
providing aid and services. FGP members mentor children and teenagers, teach
model parenting skills, and help care for premature infants and children with
disabilities. Eligibility: individuals must be 60 or older and meet income eligibility
requirements. Amount of volunteer service: volunteer schedules, which range from
15 to 40 hours each week, average 20 hours a week. Benefits: if qualified, members
may receive a stipend of $2.65 an hour. Members may also receive mileage
reimbursements and accident, liability, and automobile insurance coverage during
assignments. Administrative Entity: CNCS state offices.
CRS-6
Senior Companion Program (SCP) (Title II-C). Program Focus: the
Senior Companion Program (SCP) gives older adults the opportunity to assist frail,
homebound individuals, most of whom are elderly. SCP volunteers help with such
tasks as finding transportation to medical appointments, paying bills, and buying
groceries. Eligibility: individuals must be 60 or older and meet income eligibility
requirements. Amount of volunteer service: volunteer schedules, which range from
15 to 40 hours each week, average 20 hours a week. Benefits: participants receive
a stipend of $2.65 an hour. Members may also receive mileage reimbursements and
accident, liability, and automobile insurance coverage during assignments.
Administrative Entity: CNCS state offices.
CRS-7
Table 2. Corporation for
National and Community Service Funding
(in thousands of dollars)
FY2007
Approp.
FY2008a
Approp.
FY2009
Request
37,125
37,459
32,099
AmeriCorps State and National Grants (NCSA Program)
264,825
256,805
274,185b
National Service Trust (NCSA)
117,720
122,539
132,110
National Civilian Community Corps (NCSA)
26,789
c
23,782
9,836
Innovation, Demonstration, and Assistance Activities (NCSA)
29,771d
18,893
20,460
9,900
e
0
0f
3,960
3,891
4,500
12,516
11,790
12,642
c
93,800
91,618
g
0
0
217,586
213,785
174,003
110,937
108,999
68,174
— Senior Companion Program (non-add)
46,964
46,144
46,144
— Retired Senior Program (non-add)
59,685
58,642
59,685
c
5,828
6,512
Salaries and Expenses
70,324
cd
67,759
71,715
Total
884,547
856,331a
829,680
Programs
Learn and Serve America (NCSA Program)
— Points of Light Foundation (NCSA)(non-add)
Evaluation (NCSA)
State Commission Administrative Grants (NCSA)
VISTA (DVSA)
95,468
e
VISTA Revolving Fund (DVSA)
National Senior Volunteer Corps (DVSA)
— Foster Grandparents Program (non-add)
Inspector General
3,500
4,963
Sources: Funding for the FY2007 and FY2008 appropriations and the presidential budget request for FY2009 are
compiled from the FY2009 Congressional Budget Justification, the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007
(P.L. 110-5), and from information provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
a. FY2008 funding reflects a 1.747% reduction per Section 528(a) of P.L. 110-161.
b. The budget request would include up to $2 million for a pilot program of “member-based service” within the
AmeriCorps State and National Grants program.
c. Includes a pay raise adjustment per P.L. 110-5.
d. $1.360 million was transferred from Innovation, Demonstration, and Assistance to the Salaries and Expenses
account pursuant to the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability
Appropriations Act of 2007, P.L. 110-28.
e. In FY2008, the Points of Light Foundation, as authorized under Title III of the National and Community Service
Act of 1990, will be eligible to compete for merit-based grants as funded under Subtitle-H, the Innovation,
Demonstration, and Assistance Activities, see the Joint Explanatory Statement, Congressional Record, daily
edition (December 17, 2007), p. H16282.
f. For FY2009, the Points of Light will be eligible to compete for new competitive award(s), or continue a multi-year
grant awarded competitively in FY2008.
g. The VISTA Revolving fund advanced funds to VISTA grantees who assume a portion of the costs of supporting
VISTA members. Funds are advanced so that a VISTA member can receive one check from the Corporation
— rather than one from the Corporation and one from the grantee — for a “subsistence” allowance and so that
grantees can reimburse the Corporation throughout the year.CNCS programs are funded through the end of FY2015
under an omnibus appropriations law (P.L. 113-235), enacted just prior to the end of the 113th
Congress. FY2015 funding for CNCS programs totals $1.055 billion, $5.0 million more than the
FY2014 amount of $1.050 billion.
This report will be updated as warranted by legislative developments.
Congressional Research Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service
Contents
Background ...................................................................................................................................... 1
Most Recent Developments ............................................................................................................. 1
Program-by-Program Overview and Funding ................................................................................. 1
NCSA Programs and Funding ................................................................................................... 1
Learn and Serve America (Title I-B)—Not Funded Since FY2010 .................................... 2
AmeriCorps State and National Grants (Title I-C) .............................................................. 2
National Service Trust Education Awards (Title I-D) ......................................................... 2
National Civilian Community Corps (Title I-E) ................................................................. 3
Innovation, Demonstration, and Assistance Activities (I-H) ............................................... 3
DVSA Programs and Funding ................................................................................................... 4
VISTA (Title I-A) ................................................................................................................ 4
National Senior Service Corps (Title II) ............................................................................. 5
Tables
Table 1. Educational Awards by Service Term ................................................................................ 3
Table A-1. Corporation for National and Community Service Funding .......................................... 6
Appendixes
Appendix. CNCS Program Funding ................................................................................................ 6
Contacts
Author Contact Information............................................................................................................. 7
Congressional Research Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service
Background
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) was established by the National
and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (P.L. 103-82). Operating as an independent federal
agency, the CNCS oversees all national and community service programs authorized by the
National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA)1 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act
of 1973 (DVSA).2
The NCSA and DVSA were last reauthorized by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
(P.L. 111-13).3 Although authorization of appropriations under the Serve America Act expired in
FY2014, NCSA and DVSA programs continued to receive funding through the Departments of
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
(Labor-HHS-ED).
Most Recent Developments
CNCS and other government programs were funded by a series of three continuing resolutions in
early FY2015, until a final full-year omnibus appropriations bill was enacted on December 16,
2014 (P.L. 113-235). The final enacted appropriations law for FY2015 included $1.055 billion for
CNCS. The overall FY2015 funding level for CNCS is 0.48% above the FY2014 level of $1.050
billion.
This report provides a summary of each NCSA and DVSA program and compares funding under
Labor-HHS-ED in
•
•
•
•
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-74);
the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6);
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (P.L. 113-76); and
the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (P.L. 113235).
Program-by-Program Overview and Funding
NCSA Programs and Funding
On November 16, 1990, NCSA was signed into law to address unmet human, educational,
environmental, and public safety needs. One main purpose of NCSA is to renew an ethic of civil
responsibility and community spirit in the United States by encouraging citizens to participate in
national service programs. NCSA programs include Learn and Serve America (LSA),
AmeriCorps State and National Grants, the National Service Trust, and the National Civilian
Community Corps (NCCC). See Table A-1 for NCSA funding information.
1
National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA), P.L. 101-610.
Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA), P.L. 93-113.
3
For more information, see CRS Report R40432, Reauthorization of the National and Community Service Act of 1990
and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (P.L. 111-13), by Ann Lordeman.
2
Congressional Research Service
1
The Corporation for National and Community Service
Learn and Serve America (Title I-B)4—Not Funded Since FY2010
Since 1990, NCSA has authorized community service programs benefitting students and
communities through “service-learning,” which integrates community service projects with
classroom learning. This program was last funded in FY2010 by the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117).
AmeriCorps State and National Grants (Title I-C)5
Program Focus: Created in 1993, programs under AmeriCorps State and National Grants identify
and address critical community needs, including tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth,
managing or operating after-school programs, helping communities respond to disasters,
improving health services, building affordable housing, and cleaning parks and streams. Grants
include formula grants to states and territories, and competitive grants to states, territories, Indian
tribes, and national non-profit organizations.
Volunteer Eligibility: Individuals aged 17 and older.
Amount of Volunteer Service: Full-time or part-time for a 9- to 12-month period.
Volunteer Benefits: Some full-time AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance, health
coverage, and child care for those who qualify.6 Participants in AmeriCorps may receive
educational awards for their service through the National Service Trust (see the following section
of this report). AmeriCorps members can also obtain loan forbearance (i.e., postponement) in the
repayment of their qualified student loans while participating in these programs and have the
interest on their accrued loans paid from the trust once they earn an educational award.
Administrative Entity: Each state and territory governor appoints members of a service
commission to manage, monitor, and administer annual grant applications for the state. CNCS
reviews the state commission formula package and makes the awards. For multi-state or national
awards, grantees are selected competitively by the CNCS headquarters office.
National Service Trust Education Awards (Title I-D)
The National Service Trust, a special account in the U.S. Treasury, provides educational awards
for participants in AmeriCorps Grants, NCCC, and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). An
individual may not receive more than an amount equal to the aggregate value of two awards for
full-time service.7
The educational award for full-time service is equal to the maximum amount of a Pell Grant in
effect at the beginning of the federal fiscal year in which the Corporation approves the national
service position. AmeriCorps members serving in programs funded in FY2015 will receive an
education award of up to $5,730, the current Pell Grant maximum. Pro-rated awards are also
made for other terms of service, such as half-time (see Table 1). AmeriCorps members aged 55 or
older at the beginning of a term of service may transfer the education award to a child,
grandchild, or foster child. AmeriCorps State and National participants can serve a maximum of
4
In statute, Title I-B is titled “School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning Programs.”
In statute, Title I-C is titled “National Service Trust Program.”
6
For more information on AmeriCorps benefits eligibility, see 42 U.S.C.A. §12594.
7
42 USCS §12602 (c).
5
Congressional Research Service
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The Corporation for National and Community Service
four terms of service.8 Full-time, half-time, reduced half-time, quarter time, and minimum time
terms of service each count as one term of service.
In addition to education awards, the National Service Trust provides interest payments on
qualified student loans to recipients of AmeriCorps Grants and participants in NCCC or VISTA
who have obtained forbearance (postponement of loan repayment).
Table 1. Educational Awards by Service Term
(for programs funded with FY2015 appropriations)
Member Service Term
Number of Hours
Educational Award ($)
at least 1,700
5,730.00
One-year half time
at least 900
2,865.00
Reduced half time
at least 675
2,182.78
Quarter time
at least 450
1,515.55
Minimum time
at least 300
1,212.44
Full time
Source: CNCS, Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity: AmeriCorps State and National Grants FY2015, p. 18,
http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2015_AmeriCorps_Notice_NOFO_final.pdf.
National Civilian Community Corps (Title I-E)
Program Focus: NCCC is a full-time residential program that focuses on short-term projects that
meet national and community needs related to disaster relief, infrastructure improvement,
environment and energy conservation, environmental stewardship, and urban and rural
development.
Volunteer Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 to 24. By statute (42 U.S.C.S. §12613(c)), the
Corporation is required to take steps to increase the percentage of program participants who are
disadvantaged to 50% of all participants.9
Amount of Volunteer Service: Participants can serve up to two years full time. Full-time service is
defined as 10 months each year.
Volunteer Benefits: NCCC participants may receive a living allowance, room and board, limited
medical benefits, and an educational award through the National Service Trust.
Administrative Entity: NCCC programs are administered by the CNCS.
Innovation, Demonstration, and Assistance Activities (I-H)
CNCS continues to have broad authority to fund a range of activities as authorized by Subtitle IH, Investment for Quality and Innovation. The Serve America Act established the following
programs.
8
Corporation for National and Community Service, Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, http://www.americorps.gov/
for_individuals/benefits/benefits_ed_award_details.asp.
9
“Disadvantaged youth” are defined at 42 U.S.C.S. §12511(b) as youth who are economically disadvantaged and one
or more of the following: out-of-school youth, in or aging out of foster care, have limited English proficiency, homeless
or have run away from home, at-risk to leave school without a diploma, juvenile offenders or at risk of delinquency,
individuals with a disability.
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The Corporation for National and Community Service
Social Innovation Fund (SIF). The Social Innovation Fund leverages federal investments to
increase state, local, business, and philanthropic resources to replicate and expand proven
solutions and invest in the support of innovation for community challenges.10
Volunteer Generation Fund. The Volunteer Generation Fund awards competitive grants to state
commissions and nonprofit organizations to develop and support community-based entities that
recruit, manage, or support volunteers.11
Innovation, Demonstration, and Call to Service. The corporation supports innovative initiatives
and demonstration programs, such as the Call To Service, which would engage Americans in
community needs, such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service and the September
11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.
DVSA Programs and Funding
In 1973, Congress passed the Domestic Volunteer Service Act (DVSA). The purpose of DVSA is
to foster and expand voluntary citizen service throughout the nation. DVSA programs are
designed to help the poor, the disadvantaged, the vulnerable, and the elderly. Administered by the
CNCS, DVSA programs include VISTA and the National Senior Volunteer Corps. See Table A-1
for DVSA funding information.
VISTA (Title I-A)
Program Focus: The VISTA program encourages Americans to participate in community service
in an effort to eliminate poverty.
Volunteer Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 and older.
Amount of Volunteer Service: VISTA members serve full time for up to five years.12
Volunteer Benefits: VISTA members may receive a living allowance, student-loan forbearance,
health coverage, relocation costs, training, and child care assistance. VISTA members have the
option of receiving an educational award, which is equivalent to the educational awards earned by
AmeriCorps or NCCC members, or they may choose to receive an end-of-service lump sum
stipend of $1,500 instead. Like NCCC members, VISTA members receive an educational award
based on the Pell Grant.13 Full-time, half-time, reduced half-time, quarter time, and minimum
time terms of service each count as one term of service.
Administrative Entity: CNCS state offices.
10
For a list of grantees, and year grantees were selected, please see the Corporation for National and Community
Service, Social Innovation Fund, http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/social-innovation-fund/fundedorganizations.
11
For information on FY2014 Funding for the Volunteer Generation Fund, see http://www.nationalservice.gov/buildyour-capacity/grants/funding-opportunities/2014/volunteer-generation-fund-fy14.
12
Memorandum of August 4, 2011, from Mary Strasser, AmeriCorps VISTA Director on Limits on Duration of
Service for Members.
13
Corporation for National and Community Service, Segal AmeriCorps Education Award,
http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/segal-americorps-education-award.
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The Corporation for National and Community Service
National Senior Service Corps (Title II)
The National Senior Service Corps consists of three programs, summarized below: the Retired
Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), and the Senior
Companion Program (SCP).
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (Title II-A)
Program Focus: Volunteers in RSVP may play community service roles in education, health and
nutrition services, community and economic development, and other areas of human need.
Volunteer Eligibility: Individuals aged 55 and older.
Amount of Volunteer Service: Participants can contribute up to 40 hours each week.
Volunteer Benefits: The RSVP offers no direct benefits (e.g., stipends or educational awards),
with the exception of mileage reimbursement and insurance coverage during assignments.
Administrative Entity: CNCS state offices.
Foster Grandparent Program (Title II-B)
Program Focus: FGP participants support children with exceptional needs by providing aid and
services. FGP participants mentor children and teenagers, teach model parenting skills, and help
care for premature infants and children with disabilities.
Volunteer Eligibility: Individuals must be aged 55 or older to participate in FGP and meet income
eligibility requirements to receive a stipend.
Amount of Volunteer Service: Volunteer schedules, which range from 15 to 40 hours each week,
average 20 hours per week.
Volunteer Benefits: Income eligible participants may receive a tax-free hourly stipend.
Participants may also receive mileage reimbursements and accident, liability, and automobile
insurance coverage during assignments.
Administrative Entity: CNCS state offices.
Senior Companion Program (Title II-C)
Program Focus: SCP gives older adults the opportunity to assist homebound elderly individuals
to remain in their own homes and to enable institutionalized elderly individuals to return to home
care settings.
Volunteer Eligibility: Individuals must be 55 or older to participate in SCP and meet income
eligibility requirements to receive a stipend.
Amount of Volunteer Service: Volunteer schedules, which range from 15 to 40 hours each week,
average 20 hours per week.
Volunteer Benefits: Participants may receive a stipend. Participants may also receive mileage
reimbursements and accident, liability, and automobile insurance coverage during assignments.
Administrative Entity: CNCS state offices.
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The Corporation for National and Community Service
Appendix. CNCS Program Funding
Table A-1. Corporation for National and Community Service Funding
($ in thousands)
Program (Authorizing Legislation)
FY2012
Appropriation
FY2013
Appropriation
FY2014
Appropriation
FY2015
Appropriation
AmeriCorps State and National Grants (NCSA Title I-C)
344,348
326,336
335,430
335,430
National Service Trust (NCSA Title I-D)
211,797
200,719
207,368
209,618
National Civilian Community Corps (NCSA Title I-E)
31,882
30,214
30,000
30,000
Innovation, Demonstration, and Assistance Activities
(NCSA Title I-H)
53,280
50,493
79,900
77,400
4,481
4,246
3,100
3,600
44,815
42,471
70,000
70,000
3,984
3,776
3,800
3,800
13,441
12,738
15,038
16,038
Evaluation (NCSA Title I-F, Sec. 179)
2,994
2,838
5,000
5,000
Training and Technical Assistance (NCSA Title 1-J)
1,996
1,892
0
0
94,820
89,861
92,364
92,364
207,490
196,637
202,117
202,117
50,204
47,578
48,903
48,903
—Foster Grandparent Program (non-add)
110,565
104,781
107,702
107,702
—Senior Companion Program (non-add)
46,722
44,278
45,512
45,512
3,992
3,784
5,000
5,250
82,843
78,510
80,737
81,737
1,048,884a
994,022b
1,049,954
1,054,954
—Innovation, Demonstration & Other (non-add)
—Social Innovation Fund (non-add)
—Volunteer Generation Fund (non-add)
State Commission Administrative Grants
(NCSA Title I-C, Sec 126(a); and Title I-F, Sec 178)
VISTA (DVSA Title I-A)
National Senior Service Corps (DVSA Title II)
—Retired Senior Volunteer Program , RSVP (non-add)
Inspector General
Salaries and Expenses
Total
Source: Compiled by the Congressional Research Service based on data from the FY2014 Budget Chart for the
Corporation for National and Community Service, the FY2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing
Appropriations Act, and the FY2015 Budget Chart for the Corporation for National and Community Service.
a. Incorporated a 0.189% across the board rescission to all CNCS programs, pursuant to the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-74).
b. Incorporated a 0.2% across the board rescission to all CNCS programs per section 2004 (a) of the Full-Year
Appropriations Act and a 5% reduction to account for sequestration as ordered by the Budget Control Act
of 2011.
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The Corporation for National and Community Service
Author Contact Information
Abigail R. Overbay
Information Research Specialist
aoverbay@crs.loc.gov, 7-9519
Congressional Research Service
Benjamin Collins
Analyst in Labor Policy
bcollins@crs.loc.gov, 7-7382
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