What does CNCS mean in COMPANIES & FIRMS

CNCS strives to connect individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities that offer hands-on experience in their communities. Through this work, CNCS encourages skills development as well as authentic understanding of local issues that can lead to greater social connectedness and ultimately an improved quality of life.

CNCS provides resources to address specific unmet needs identified by community organizations by leveraging public and private resources to increase impact on those needs. These efforts help build capacity within communities so they have improved access to services such as health care, education, affordable housing, environmental quality, disaster relief; economic opportunity; youth development; family strengthening; veterans services; neighborhood safety; hunger relief; financial literacy; or other areas determined necessary by local partners.

By providing individuals a chance to have an impact on their communities through volunteer service – no matter where or how – CNCS aims to spark new ideas, mobilize people around shared solutions, spark collaboration between sectors (public/private/nonprofit), create conversations about important topics, recognize contributions made by volunteers of all ages from all backgrounds – from rural towns in East Texas to urban areas along the east coast – citizens are equipped with tools that enable them to see themselves as part of something larger than themselves. Civic engagement encourages individuals to be active participants in creating positive change within their communities.

There are numerous examples of national service programs making a difference across the country -- from fighting poverty and improving education outcomes in rural West Virginia Appalachia to helping veterans transition into civilian jobs in Las Vegas. Program activities range from restoring watersheds at national parks throughout California and Oregon or collaborating with local school districts preparing students for college success throughout Arizona or addressing chronic homelessness in Washington D.C. The possibilities are endless!

CNCS operates multiple grant programs to support national service initiatives year-round including AmeriCorps State &National Grants, Youth Engagement & Education Grants (YEEG), Generation SERVE Grants (GsGs), IMLS 21st Century Learning Center Grants (21CLCs), Partnership Grants (PGs), Foster Grandparent Program Grants (FGP)as well as other specialized grants like Office of Student Volunteers’ John Dellenback Global Leadership Fellowships Program Grant (JDF). More information on available grants can be found on our website https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/grants.

Yes - Individuals must meet certain age requirements when applying for participation in one of our programs – please refer our eligibility page http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/eligibility_criteria for more detailed information.