Washington, DC - Numerous nonprofit organizations receiving grants from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families to aid their fight against poverty are encouraged to take advantage of an additional method of assistance: AmeriCorps VISTA members who can help expand the volunteer management capacity of community and faith-based organizations serving low-income communities.

The two government agencies hope that organizations receiving grants from the Compassion Capital Fund will apply to utilize VISTA members under a Memorandum of Understanding that was recently signed by VISTA, which is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services.

“This memorandum exemplifies the dedication of the two federal agencies to combine their efforts in a new and exciting way that will benefit the people most in need in this country,” said Jean Whaley, VISTA director. “Because VISTA and ACF have similar missions and priorities, we can join forces to strengthen the efforts of faith-based nonprofits by providing the ability to expand their capacity for volunteer recruitment and management.”

Organizations that receive ACF grants through the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) may be eligible to use grant funds to support VISTA programs.

VISTA, which is part of AmeriCorps, is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. The mission of the Corporation is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement though volunteering and service. For more information, visit nationalservice.gov.

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