VISTA: Volunteers in Service to America

For more than 50 years, VISTA members have been on the forefront of ending poverty in America. Administered locally by Opportunity Council, we help match volunteers willing to make a year-long, fulltime to commitment to local non-profits with anti-poverty programs that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

VISTA projects can focus on:

• Anti-poverty Efforts: Strengthening, expanding and increasing the reach of anti-poverty programs within the community.
• Enhancing Economic Opportunity (Housing, Financial Literacy, Employment)
• Ensuring Healthy Futures (Food & Obesity, Access to Care)
• Supporting Education (School Readiness, K-12 Success, Post-Secondary Education)
• Community and Organizational Capacity Building: VISTAs engage in tasks and activities that create, expand or strengthen systems and processes in order to increase an organization’s ability to function effectively and meet its mission.
• Indirect Service: VISTAs often will serve people in need through work with project staff and volunteers, rather than directly serve the clients of an organization.

Program Costs: $5,000 annually* (Administration Fee: $1,500, Cost Share: $3,500)

• Please note: Costs are subject to change and are based on fees charged to the Opportunity Council from the Corporation for National & Community Service.

How to Apply:

• Step 1: Complete the Concept Paper Narrative
  • This paper introduces your organization and summarizes the proposed project.

Once Accepted:

• Step 2: Complete the VISTA Assignment Description (VAD)
  • This will break down the goals you have for the project and the activities that comprise each goal.

For more information or to receive application materials contact: