National Service

The national service field encompasses all individuals, programs, agencies, and organizations that are involved in federal government sponsored community service and volunteerism in the United States and its territories. The major players in this space include the AmeriCorps agency, state and territorial service commissions, and the Volunteer Generation Fund.

AmeriCorps Agency

Established in 1993, the AmeriCorps agency, also known as the Corporation for National and Community Service, is the federal agency tasked with overseeing national service. In addition to conducting oversight and compliance, the AmeriCorps agency provides grants to service commissions and nonprofit organizations to fund service programs meeting local needs across the country. Programs include AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps NCCC, AmeriCorps Seniors, and AmeriCorps VISTA.

AmeriCorps

Service Commissions

State and territorial service commissions are major partners of the AmeriCorps agency. They administer AmeriCorps State, Volunteer Generation Fund, and related programs in their state or territory to address critical community needs and engage citizens in service. There are service commissions in 49 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

Commissions

Volunteer Generation Fund

Established in 2009, the Volunteer Generation Fund is a grant program funded by the AmeriCorps agency. Its goal is to build the capacity of state and local organizations to recruit, manage, and train volunteers.

VGF