Senior Corps FAQs

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How do I find AmeriCorps Seniors and other national and community service programs in my state?

Visit our new AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder search tool to find AmeriCorps Seniors opportunities and contact information for programs near you.

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You can also visit our State Profiles section and click on your state. There is a listing of grantees under each program. They are listed by city and organization name. To find the appropriate CNCS contact for your state, download the PDF labeled “National Service Contacts in My State.”

I’m a grantee and am looking for national and community service photos to use in our brochures. Where can I find them?

CNCS maintains an online photo gallery for all its programs. High-resolution digital files of the photos can be downloaded directly from the site.

I’m interested in promoting your programs to my organization’s constituents. Where can I order brochures or other promotional materials?

Visit the National Service Publications website to order publications and promotional materials. 

Where do I find out about CNCS funding opportunities?

Opportunities vary by program. Learn more about what’s available, eligibility, responsibilities, and new grant opportunities.

How do I submit a grant application?

eGrants is an online system designed to automate the entire grants and project management process from application to closeout.  It allows applicants to find funding opportunities, apply for grants or projects, and manage grant reporting online. Visit eGrants.

Where can I find training and technical assistance information?

The National Service Knowledge Network, CNCS’s online stop for training and technical assistance. Through the Resource Center, you can access training publications, sample forms, funding notices, effective practices, and much more. For a directory of all CNCS training and technical assistance providers, visit the Learning and Best Practices page.

AmeriCorps Seniors posts upcoming trainings and recordings of training and technical assistance calls on our AmeriCorps Seniors Training Calendar.


AmeriCorps Seniors: For Individuals

Where can I search for AmeriCorps Seniors opportunities?

Visit our new AmeriCorps Seniors Pathfinder search tool to find AmeriCorps Seniors opportunities and contact information for programs near you.

Search Now

What is AmeriCorps Seniors?

AmeriCorps Seniors provides service opportunities for Americans 55 and over by connecting you with the people and organizations that need you most. We offer three national programs: Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP.

AmeriCorps Seniors programs operate in local communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

How do I benefit?

You’ll forge new relationships with people in your community and make a significant difference in the lives of others.  AmeriCorps Seniors service also provides tangible benefits for volunteers. The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs offer modest stipends and other ways to help offset the costs of volunteering. Other benefits include training and insurance.

Is AmeriCorps Seniors a good place to learn new skills?

Absolutely! AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers often tap their wealth of experience and wisdom and channel it in new directions. For example, some volunteers learn how to be effective tutors to young children; some organize community watch programs or environmental protection projects; others help nonprofit organization boards with planning or resource development. Your host agency will provide the training you need to be effective.

Who decides what AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers do?

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers work closely with their local project director, who gathers specific information about how potential volunteers would like to serve. After you find the program that interests you most, you will help to shape your placement and assignments.

Is there an age requirement?

All AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers must be 55 years and older to serve as a Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and/or a RSVP volunteer.

What is the time commitment each week?

The time commitment varies by program.

Foster Grandparents serve an average of 20 hours per week in schools, hospitals, drug treatment centers, correctional institutions, and/or child care centers.

Senior Companions serve an average of 20 hours per week, with the majority of the volunteer service taking place in the homes of their clients.

RSVP volunteer choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week.


AmeriCorps Seniors: For Organizations

I’m a grantee and am looking for AmeriCorps Seniors photos to use in our brochures. Where can I find them?

AmeriCorps Seniors maintains an online photo gallery. Through the gallery, high resolution digital files of the photos can be downloaded directly from the site.

I’m interested in promoting AmeriCorps Seniors to my organization’s constituents. Where can I order brochures or other promotional materials?

Help, I’m having trouble using eGrants. Who can I contact for help?

For technical issues related to eGrants, please visit the National Service Hotline or call 1(800) 942-2677. The general public hours for the National Service Hotline are as follows:

  • Monday - Friday, 9AM - 7PM Eastern Time (January, May, June, July, August, and September)
  • Monday - Thursday, 9AM - 7PM Eastern Time (February, March, April, October, November, and December)

  • AmeriCorps Seniors: You can also contact your Corporation State Office.

Explain to me the different types of AmeriCorps Seniors programs.

Foster Grandparent Program (FGP): The Foster Grandparent Program supports local programs that engages adults 55 and over to provide loving and experienced tutors and mentors to children and youth with exceptional needs. Learn more about Foster Grandparent Program.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): RSVP engages people age 55 and older in diverse range of volunteers activities not limited to the following: tutoring children, renovating homes, teaching English to immigrants, assisting victims of natural disasters, providing independent living services, and recruiting and managing other volunteers. Learn more about RSVP.

Senior Companion Program (SCP): The Senior Companion Program supports local programs that engages adults 55 and over to provide companionship and support to other adults in need of extra assistance to remain at home or in the community for as long as possible.  Learn more about Senior Companion Program.

 

AmeriCorps Seniors: For Current Members

I'm interested in ordering AmeriCorps Seniors gear such as T-shirts.  Where do I place my order?

Visit the National Service Catalog where you can purchase identity items online or download an order form. 

I am currently participating in AmeriCorps Seniors and have a question about my benefits. Who should I contact?

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers with RSVP, the Foster Grandparent program, or the Senior Companion program should speak directly to their project supervisor. If further assistance is required, contact your Corporation State Office.
 

 

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