Overview
AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed to fight poverty. Established as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993. Any public, private, or faith‐based nonprofit organization, educational institution, or public agency may sponsor a VISTA. The VISTA program is guided by four core principles: anti-poverty, community engagement, capacity building, and sustainable solutions.
“VISTAs” do not provide direct services, and VISTAs’ duties should not replace or supplant those of paid staff, contractors or existing volunteers. However, VISTAs can perform a wide range of activities that amplify the sponsor’s organizational capacity, such as expanded volunteer recruiting activities, developing new volunteer programs, enhancing website content and functions, drafting and disseminating information for court users, and more.
Note: Although applications to sponsor VISTA members are made through AmeriCorps, it is included in this database of state-administered federal funds because of the technical assistance state-level AmeriCorps commission staff can provide and because courts and legal aid programs can partner with local or state government agencies to become a sponsoring organization.
Match Requirements
None.
How do you apply?
Applicants submit a brief Concept Paper through eGrants, the AmeriCorps online application and reporting system. Concept papers are reviewed four times throughout the year. Organizations submitting accepted concept papers will be invited to submit a full application. The latest VISTA priorities, concept paper and application process links, deadlines, and other guidance and resources are available here. AmeriCorps federal and state commission staff can answer questions and provide technical assistance throughout the project development process.
Potential Uses
AmeriCorps VISTA priority areas include:
- Economic Opportunity
- Healthy Futures
- Education
- Veterans and Military Families
- Environmental Stewardship
- Priority Populations: Rural Communities, Indian Country, and areas of deep poverty.
- Additional priority consideration for projects that work in the above areas and populations that address issues of racial equity
Legal aid providers, sometimes with a court partner, have used VISTAs to launch, strengthen, or expand programs that increase civil access to justice.
- Recruit volunteer attorneys, law students, and/or non‐legal volunteers
- Develop and enhance technology resources, including informational materials or websites
- Conduct studies and/or surveys
- Network and/or develop partnerships with hospitals, schools, public agencies, or other service providers
- Supporting/developing technology tools
CFDA
94.013
Administering Federal Agency
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) now operating as AmeriCorps
Find Your State/Local Administrator
AmeriCorps provides contact information for states-specific staff here.
More Information
To find examples of courts and/or their justice partners receiving these funds, click on the PDF.
Formula Grants
AmeriCorps State and National Grants
AmeriCorps provides grants to a broad range of local and national organizations and agencies committed to using service to address compelling community issues.
AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps VISTA program is guided by four core principles: anti-poverty, community engagement, capacity building, and sustainable solutions.
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