Community Service: A Description of AmeriCorps, Foster Grandparents, and Other Federally Funded Programs

Publication Date: March 2002

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Social conditions

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Abstract:

The major federally funded community service and volunteer programs in this country are authorized under two statutes: the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended (NCSA), and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended (DVSA). In general, the programs authorized by these statutes are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency.

NCSA authorizes four programs: AmeriCorps Grants, the National Civilian Community Corps, Learn and Serve America, and the Points of Light Foundation. AmeriCorps Grants is the largest of the NCSA programs, funded at $240 million for FY2002. In addition, NCSA also authorizes the National Service Trust.

DVSA authorizes Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and the National Senior Volunteer Corps. The Corps consists of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program. The Foster Grandparent Program is the largest of the DVSA programs, funded at $107 million for FY2002.

While all of these programs encourage community service and volunteer activities, they vary considerably in terms of their specific program focus, age and income eligibility requirements, participant benefits, and allocation of funds. For example, AmeriCorps Grants participants serve the community in general, must be 17 years of age or older, have no income eligibility requirements to meet, and receive educational awards (from the National Service Trust). AmeriCorps funds are allocated by formula to state commissions on national and community service, on a competitive basis to programs first selected by the state commissions, and through national competition.

In contrast to AmeriCorps, Foster Grandparent Program participants specifically serve children, must be 60 years of age or older, and must be low income in order to receive a stipend of $2.65 an hour for an average of 20 hours of service a week. Funds are awarded to public agencies and private organizations who apply directly to the Corporation.

Funding for NCSA programs is contained in the Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act. For FY2002, $402 million was appropriated, not including $5 million for the Office of the Inspector General. Funding for DVSA programs is contained in the Labor, Health and Human Service, and Education Appropriations Act. For FY2002, $329 million was appropriated.

Authorization of appropriations for the NCSA and DVSA programs expired at the end of FY1996. Programs authorized under both statutes continue to be funded through appropriations legislation.