Volunteer Generation Fund

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) is a grant program funded by the federal AmeriCorps agency. VGF was established by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act on April 21, 2009, expanding the role of the AmeriCorps agency in strengthening the nation’s volunteer infrastructure. Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA) introduced VGF as an amendment to the bipartisan Serve America Act to build the capacity of state and local volunteer organizations to recruit, manage, and train volunteers.

In 2013, President Obama named VGF in honor of President George H.W. Bush during a special ceremony awarding the 41st President with the 5,000th Daily Points of Light Award.

decorative. three photos. 1) President Obama and President HW Bush shaking hands. 2) attendees of the 2022 VGF Convening pose for a group photo. 3) two volunteers pack groceries. 

The goals of VGF are to:

  • Assist nonprofit, faith-based, and other civic organizations by expanding and improving the capacity of such organizations to utilize volunteers
  • Spur innovation in volunteer recruitment and management practices, with the goal of increasing the number of volunteers
  • Enable the people of the U.S. to effect change by participating in active volunteer and citizen service
Commission VGF Initiatives