Rural Community Toolbox: Funding & Resources for Rural Communities to Address Substance Misuse

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AmeriCorps VISTA for Individuals

Link

https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-vista

Deadline

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis

Sponsor

AmeriCorps

Purpose

Provides volunteer service opportunities to individuals as AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members. Members serve full time for 1-year terms building capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities. VISTA supports substance misuse programming by placing members with organizations that are creating new or expanding existing prevention, treatment, and recovery projects. Projects serve low-income communities, which often suffer a lack of resources and may be disproportionately impacted by substance misuse.

AmeriCorps VISTA offers 3 types of service member positions:

  • VISTA Members serve for 12 months. No prior service experience is required.
  • VISTA Leaders serve for 12 months and are required to have 1 year of prior service experience as a full-time AmeriCorps or Peace Corps member.
  • VISTA Summer Associates serve 8 to 10 weeks. No prior service experience is required.

Member and leader service benefits include:

  • A living allowance that covers basic necessities
  • Money for colleges and trade school in the of the form of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or a cash stipend
  • Reduction in education costs, including loan forbearance and interest deferment on qualified student loans
  • Professional development and training opportunities, including VISTA orientations, online courses, webinar series, and virtual coaching
  • An alumni network that offers access to special benefits and resources
  • Healthcare benefits or a stipend to purchase healthcare

Other benefits for qualifying individuals include:

  • Relocation costs
  • Child care benefits

Summer associates services benefits include:

  • A living allowance that covers basic necessities such as housing, utilities, and food
  • Either the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or the VISTA end-of-service cash stipend
  • Reducing education costs, including loan forbearance and deferment; award matching from many educational institutions; and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) fee reduction

To become a sponsoring organization for AmeriCorps VISTA members, see the AmeriCorps VISTA for Project Sponsors opportunity.

Amount of Funding

All AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance based on the location of the position. Positions last 1 year for VISTA members and leaders, and 8 to 10 weeks for VISTA summer associates.

Members who successfully complete their service term can choose between a Segal Education Award or a cash stipend as an end-of-service award. Segal Education awards can be used for a range of education expenses up to 7 years after service completion. End-of-service award amounts vary by service position.

In fiscal year 2024:

  • Members can receive a $7,395 education award for full-time service or a $1,800 cash stipend
  • Minimal-time and Summer Associate can receive a $1,565.08 education award or a cash stipend based on the length of full-time service

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be 18 years or older, there is no upper age limit
  • Pass a national service criminal history check
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or person residing in a state with the following legal residency classifications:
    • Refugee
    • Asylum or asylee
    • Temporary protected status
    • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status

Geographic Coverage

Nationwide

What This Program Funds

Capacity Building

Application Process

Application deadlines vary by position. Opportunities are posted online year-round on my.americorps.gov.

Application instructions, requirements, open opportunities, and other information about the online application process are available on the program website.

Application guide

Contact

For program or application questions contact the National Service Hotline:
800-942-2677
VISTAOutreach@cns.gov
Live chat

Topics This Program Addresses

Community Planning and Coalition Building • Prevention • Substance Use Disorder