Volunteer Louisiana

The Louisiana State Office of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announces the availability of Federal grant funds to support a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in East Baton Rouge Parish.

RSVP is authorized by The Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as Amended, (Title 42 U.S. Code, and Chapter 26). In accordance with the National and Community Service Trust Act, the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency, manages the RSVP program. The Corporation for National Service provides grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of engaging persons 55 and older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers.

Now available is $59,081 per year in federal funds to support 450 volunteers. Applications must be submitted to the Corporation State Office by 5:00 pm on January 20, 2010. The successful applicant shall be awarded the funds and shall start the new program on April 1, 2010.

Public or private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and other community organizations; tribal government; institutions of higher education; and government entities within Baton Rouge are eligible to apply for funding. Existing sponsoring agencies are eligible to apply, although preference will not be given to agencies currently or formerly receiving CNCS funds. The Corporation encourages organizations that have never received funding from the Corporation or Senior Corps to apply for the grants described in this Notice.

Non-federal share requirements (cash or in-kind) are as follows:
First year-minimum of 10% of the total grant budget.
Second year-20% of total grant budget.
Third year and thereafter-30% of total grant budget.

To determine if this program is consistent with your organization's interests and capabilities as a potential sponsor, all interested parties are invited to participate in an informational meeting on Friday, December 18, 2009 at 10 a.m. To receive meeting logistical information, please contact Pam Olson, Louisiana State Program Director at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by Wednesday, December 16, 2010.

For more information on Senior Corps and RSVP, click here.