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Robert E. Wone Award

Opportunities to Enrich Lives, Improve Communities, and Build a Stronger America

Nearly 18,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are making a difference through 91 national service projects across Virginia. From mentoring children to restoring the environment, volunteers serving these programs touch lives, strengthen their communities and encourage civic involvement. This year, the Corporation for National and Community Service will commit more than $12,500,000 to support Virginia communities through three national service programs.

National Service Programs

AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans to make an ongoing, intensive commitment to service through three programs:

  • AmeriCorps*State and National offers grants that support a broad range of local service programs that engage thousands of Americans in intensive service to meet critical community needs.
  • AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a full-time residential program for men and women aged 18-24 that strengthens communities while developing leaders through direct, team-based national and community service.
  • AmeriCorps*VISTA provides full-time members to community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs in order to bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

Senior Corps taps the rich experience, skills and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges.

  • Foster Grandparents connects volunteers age 55 and over with children and young people with exceptional needs.
  • The Senior Companion Program brings together volunteers age 55 and over with adults in their community who have difficulty with simple day-to-day tasks.
  • Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers "one stop shopping" for all volunteers 55 and over who want to find challenging, rewarding, and significant service opportunities.

Learn and Serve America provides grants to schools, higher education institutions and community-based organizations that engage students, their teachers and others in service.

  • Tuesday, November 10
    10:00am How-to-Apply Webinar - AmeriCorps State
  • 1:30pm How-to-Apply Webinar - AmeriCorps VISTA
  • Monday, January11
    RFP released by Office on Volunteerism and Community Service (OVCS)
  • Monday, February 1
    Intent to apply deadline for prospective applicants
  • Wednesday, February 10
    Mandatory eGrants training for prospective applicants - 1:00pm
    - Participants will receive an overview of key elements of the RFP and have the opportunity to ask questions
  • Thursday, March 11 (5:00pm)
    Deadline to submit applications to Office on Volunteerism and Community Service via eGrants

Virginians ready to serve their communities as AmeriCorps members were sworn in during ceremonies at John Tyler Community College, Oct. 16 and Mountain Empire Community College, Nov. 1. At the ceremonies, Virginia AmeriCorps members were honored with the second annual Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service. Established in memory of Robert Wone, a former member of the Virginia Governor's Commission on Community and National Service (2002-06), the award recognizes an AmeriCorps member who has exhibited outstanding civic engagement and community service. The AmeriCorps Launch ceremony is held each fall to introduce new AmeriCorps members embarking on a year of service to the Commonwealth.

Americorps Launch Ceremonies

Registration for 2008 AmeriCorps launch ceremonies has closed.

Quick Links
- Current programs
- Become an AmeriCorps member
- AmeriCorps Alums

Virginia AmeriCorpsAmeriCorps*National provides grants directly to national public and nonprofit organizations that sponsor service programs, Indian tribes, and consortia formed across two or more states, including faith-based and community organizations, higher education institutions, and public agencies. Grants assist these groups in recruiting, training and placing AmeriCorps members to meet critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.

Purpose

The purpose of AmeriCorps*National is to engage AmeriCorps members in direct service and capacity-building to address unmet community needs. Local programs design service activities for a team of members serving full- or part-time for one year or during the summer. Sample activities include tutoring and mentoring youth, assisting crime victims, building homes, and restoring parks. AmeriCorps members also mobilize community volunteers and strengthen the capacity of the organizations where they serve.

The organizations that receive grants are responsible for recruiting, selecting, and supervising AmeriCorps members to serve in their programs.

Who May Apply for AmeriCorps*National Grants?

AmeriCorps*National accepts applications from:

  • National nonprofit organizations that operate in two or more states
  • Indian tribes
  • Consortia formed across two or more states, consisting of institutions of higher education, or other nonprofits, including labor, faith-based and other community organizations

Learn more about applying for grants from AmeriCorps*National.

Do You Want to Serve in an AmeriCorps*State and National Program?

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Quick Links
- Apply for an AmeriCorps NCCC Team

Virginia AmeriCorps NCCCAmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a 10-month full-time, team-based residential program for men and women ages 18-24 who serve in a region's local communities by meeting needs in the areas of: natural and other disasters (all phases); urban and rural development; environmental stewardship and conservation; infrastructure improvement; and energy conservation. Members respond to disasters, construct homes, develop trails in state and national parks, mentor youth, oversee emergency shelters, organize donations of food, clothing and other materials, lead volunteers and meet other needs identified by communities. Members receive CPR and First Aid training, room and board, valuable work experience and an education award of $5350 that can be used to pay tuition or student loans.

Learn about the impact of Americorps*NCCC in Virginia.

Learn about what kind of projects  AmeriCorps*NCCC can do in Virginia.

Quick Links
- Current programs
- Become an AmeriCorps member
- Apply for AmeriCorps State Grant

Virginia AmeriCorpsAmeriCorps*State operates through the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service (OCVS) and the Governor-appointed Advisory Board on National and Community Service to provide grants to public and nonprofit organizations that sponsor service programs throughout Virginia, including faith-based and community organizations, higher education institutions, and public agencies. Grants assist these groups in recruiting, training and placing more than 740 AmeriCorps members to meet critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment across Virginia. Since 1994, more than 10,000 Virginia residents have served over 15 million hours and qualified for AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling nearly $29,000,000.

Purpose

The purpose of AmeriCorps*State is to engage AmeriCorps members in direct service and capacity-building to address unmet community needs. Local programs design service activities for a team of members serving full- or part-time for one year or during the summer. Sample activities include tutoring and mentoring youth, assisting crime victims, building homes, and restoring parks. AmeriCorps members also mobilize community volunteers and strengthen the capacity of the organizations where they serve.

The organizations that receive grants are responsible for recruiting, selecting, and supervising AmeriCorps members to serve in their programs.

Who May Apply for AmeriCorps*State Grants?

Roughly three-quarters of all AmeriCorps' funding available in Virginia is allocated by OCVS. We oversee an annual Request for Proposal process that solicits and funds grant proposals from community and faith-based organizations seeking to use AmeriCorps service members in the delivery of program services. Additional AmeriCorps funding, available through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), is distributed directly to state, multi-state, and national organizations through a competitive grants process. For AmeriCorps*State, OVCS accepts applications from:

  • State and local nonprofit organizations
  • Community and faith-based organizations
  • State, local, and higher education institutions
  • State and local governments
  • U.S. Territories

Learn more about applying for AmeriCorps*State funding.

Do You Want to Serve in an AmeriCorps*State Program?

In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members may earn an education award of up to $5,350 that can be used to pay for college or to pay back qualified student loans.

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Quick Links
- Current programs
- Apply for AmeriCorps VISTA Grant

Working to Provide Long-term Solutions to Poverty

Virginia AmeriCorps VISTAAmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) provides full-time members to nonprofit, faith-based and other community organizations, and public agencies to create and expand programs that bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

AmeriCorps*VISTA members leverage human, financial, and material resources to increase the capacity of thousands of low-income areas across the country to address challenges and improve their lives and communities.

They leave behind lasting solutions to some of our country's toughest problems. For more information, visit AmeriCorps*VISTA. CNCS's Virginia State Office administers AmeriCorps*VISTA in our state.

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Last year, Virginia AmeriCorps State offered nearly 400 individuals the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service in communities across Virginia. Learn how Virginia AmeriCorps is Getting Things Done.

Download the 2009-10 AmeriCorps State and National Annual Report [PDF - 4MB]

Quick Links- AmeriCorps*NCCC in Virginia.

Each year, AmeriCorps NCCC engages teams of members in projects in communities across the United States. Service projects, which typically last from six to eight weeks, address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Members construct and rehabilitate low-income housing, respond to natural disasters, clean up streams, help communities develop emergency plans, and address countless other local needs. Some of NCCC’s priorities include working with veteran related organizations and disaster preparation projects.

To apply for the support of an AmeriCorps NCCC team, organizations apply through a simple two-step process. The first step is submitting a Project Concept Form to the campus. After review, eligible organizations will complete the full Service Project Application. The campus can provide support in project development and preparing the sponsor for hosting a team. There is no cost to host an AmeriCorps NCCC team nor does AmeriCorps NCCC provide financial support.

Virginia is supported by the Southern Region Campus based out of Vicksburg, Mississippi. To learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC, contact Assistant Program Director Jen Prall at jprall@cns.gov or 601-630-4044.

For organizations interested in hosting a team this fall, the deadline for the Project Concept Form is June 15. 2012 Request for Proposals.

For organizations interested in hosting a team in 2013, the deadlines and available project rounds can be found in the 2013 Request for Proposals.

Quick Links
AmeriCorps*State in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Social Services, Office on Volunteerism and Community Service, accepts responses to the Request for Proposals for the AmeriCorps*State program at the beginning of each calendar year. Grants are available to public and nonprofit organizations that sponsor service programs throughout Virginia, including faith-based and community organizations, higher education institutions, and public agencies. These grants assist groups in recruiting, training and placing individuals, as AmeriCorps members, to meet critical community needs in education, economic opportunity, and serving military veterans and their families.

View  the presentation Overview of AmeriCorps and the Application Process  for information on AmeriCorps nationally and in the State of Virginia, as well as on our application process.

The Office on Volunteerism and Community Service is no longer accepting applications for the 2013-14 Program Year.  The 2013-14 AmeriCorps*State RFP was released on January 11, 2013, and closed on March 7, 2013. 

 

 

The School Turnaround AmeriCorps FY 2013 Virginia Request for Proposals can be found here.  The RFP includes links to the Corporation's Announcement of Federal Funding Opportunity and to the Corporation's Application Instructions.  Please note that there is a mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference and Pre-Application Training on March 22, 2013, via webinar, for which prior registration is required.  Registration information is located in Section 4 of the Request for Proposals.  The application and all attendant documentation must be in the possession of the Virginia Department of Social Services, in Richmond, Virginia, by 3 pm, local time, on April 11, 2013.

Below are Documents from the Pre-proposal Conference and e-Grants/Budget training on March 22, 2013

Pre-proposal PowerPoint, e-Grants/Budget PowerPoint (section 1, section 2, section 3), Financial Spreadsheet 1 and 2, Recorded webinar in streaming and download versions, and in Windows Media Viewer format.

Additional documents for submittal include: budget analysis checklist, w-9, and Proposal Cover Sheet

Quick Links- AmeriCorps*VISTA in Virginia.

The Corporation for National and Community Service Virginia State Office accepts applications for the AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) program throughout the year. Grants are available to public and nonprofit organizations that sponsor service programs throughout Virginia, including faith-based and community organizations, higher education institutions, and public agencies. These grants assist groups in recruiting, training and placing individuals, as AmeriCorps members, to meet critical community needs in the following areas: education, environment, health, poverty, public safety, and other human needs.

New to AmeriCorps?

Organizations interested in learning more about AmeriCorps and becoming a sponsoring organization review the presentations and resources below.

Recruiting and engaging Virginians with disabilities in volunteer service is fundamental to our mission to "provide service opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds." Persons with disabilities contribute a wide range of talents to our communities and desire opportunities to serve in significant ways. In addition, successful organizations strive to assemble a wide and diverse volunteer force into their service efforts, part of which means including persons with disabilities. According to the latest U.S. Census, over 49 million men, women and children of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels and religious affiliations have some form of disability, many of which take the form of hidden disabilities. Hidden disabilities include mental and cognitive disabilities, some hearing and visual impairments, alcoholism and addiction, Epilepsy, Diabetes, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Virginia AmeriCorps

• See and hear the stories of Americorps members with disabilities.
• Read testimonials on ways members are serving their communities through AmeriCorps.

Partners

The Office on Volunteerism and Community Service (OVCS) leverages partnerships that advocate for persons with disabilities so their lives are enhanced from the benefits of volunteerism.

  • The Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) provides opportunities for all Virginians to engage in service. In concert with DRS, networks of associations throughout the state match persons with disabilities with volunteer opportunities. The Workforce Networks are groups of businesses, volunteer organizations, and job or rehabilitative specialists. Currently, eighteen Workforce Networks exist across the state to share information on clients and opportunities. If you are a director or manager of a nonprofit organization or volunteer program (national or community service), review the contact list of Workforce Network managers and find the network nearest your organization. They can assist you in identifying prospective volunteers (AmeriCorp members or traditional volunteers) to recruit for your program. If you are a prospective AmeriCorp member and would like further assistance or information, please contact the program manager for the program that interests you (AmeriCorps program listings).
  • The Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are non-residential places of action and coalition, where persons with disabilities learn empowerment and develop the skills necessary to make lifestyle choices. Centers provide services and advocacy to promote the leadership, independence, and productivity of people with disabilities. Centers work with both individuals as well as with the local communities to remove barriers to independence and ensuring equality of persons with disabilities.
  • University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) is a network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities. Virginia's UCEDD is located at Virginia Commonwealth University and is called the Partnership for People with Disabilities.
  • Virginia Board for People with Disabilities assists Virginians by promoting and guiding public policy changes that create opportunities for new approaches in service delivery systems for persons with disabilities. The Virginia Special Education Network is a grassroots communications network created by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC). Parents, transition-aged students, educators, and others in your community who work with the disabled are encouraged to join the network. For additional information, contact Tom Driscoll at (800) 846-4464, e-mail: thomas.driscoll@vbpd.virginia.gov.
  • Virginia Easy Access is a new Web resource for seniors and adults with disabilities. The site provides information about public benefits and programs for individuals and caregivers, allowing them to search for specific services in their communities.
  • The National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP) which provides OVCS technical assistance, training, and product dissemination.

Quick Links
- Online AmeriCorps member application and recruitment
- AmeriCorps Alums

There are many ways to serve, and many reasons. Each one is an opportunity to express your patriotism, deepen your ties to the community, and do lasting good. For opportunities in Virginia, review the Virginia AmeriCorps State program listing or Virginia AmeriCorps National program listing.

To decide what program is right for you, ask yourself a few questions:

  • How much do I currently know about AmeriCorps?
  • Where would I like to serve?
  • What area of service am I interested in (tutoring, environment, public safety, etc.)?
  • Do I want to serve full-time, part-time or less?

How to Apply

There are a few different ways to receive an AmeriCorps application and/or apply to the Virginia AmeriCorps State program of your choice. Some programs have their own application process, therefore contact the program you would like to join to confirm that they accept the standard, national AmeriCorps application.

• Apply on-line directly by registering and completing an application at: https://my.americorps.gov
• Contact a Virginia AmeriCorps State program or Virginia AmeriCorps National program directly.
• Contact the Corporation for National & Community Service at 1-800-942-2677 or click here to download and print an application.

Eligibility Requirements

To become a Virginia AmeriCorps member you must:

  • Reside in Virginia as a U.S. Citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien;
  • be at least 17 years old;
  • be able to serve full-time (1700 hours) or part-time (900 hours) over a ten-to-twelve month period.

Benefits of Joining AmeriCorps

  • For one year of full-time service, members can receive an education award to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back student loans.
  • Serving part-time with AmeriCorps provides members with a partial education award.
  • About half of AmeriCorps members receive a modest annual living allowance.
  • Members receive health insurance, training, and student loan postponement.
  • Those members who serve in Virginia are also eligible for Workers' Compensation.

If you currently receive any kind of benefit (TANF, SSI, SSDI, etc.), you will want to know if the AmeriCorps stipend or education award will impact those benefits.

Additional Information

For more information, a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) is available at the Corporation for National and Community Service web site. Generally, Virginia AmeriCorps State programs begin their service year in the fall (September-October), and recruit new AmeriCorps members as early as June. If you would like additional information, contact the Office on Volunteerism and Community Service toll-free at (800) 638-3839, in the Richmond area at (804) 726-7064, or via email at info@vaservice.org.

 

Quick Links
- Current programs

Learn and Serve America provides grants to schools, colleges, and nonprofit groups to support efforts to engage more than 4,500 Virginia students in community service linked to academic achievement and the development of civic skills. This type of learning, called service learning, improves communities while preparing young people for a lifetime of responsible citizenship. In addition to providing grants, Learn and Serve America serves as a resource on service and service-learning to teachers, faculty members, schools, and community groups.

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Established in memory of the late Robert E. Wone (pictured right), a former member of the Governor's Commission on Community and National Service (2002-2006) and Northern Virginia resident, the award recognizes an AmeriCorps member who exhibits outstanding community service. Candidates for this award must have served as a Virginia AmeriCorps member during the previous program year and be returning for the subsequent program year, must exemplify dedication and leadership within their AmeriCorps program, and have been nominated by their AmeriCorps Program Director, Program staff or by a fellow AmeriCorps member. There can be only one nominee per AmeriCorps program.  Historically, the award has been presented in the fall as part of the Virginia AmeriCorps launch activities. 

About Robert E. Wone

In addition to his service on the Governor’s Commission, Mr. Wone was a tireless activist and volunteer who actively advanced the interests of many charitable organizations and provided many hours of pro bono legal services to help others. While with the Commission, Mr. Wone was instrumental in establishing the Virginia Service Foundation, which supports volunteer and community service initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.

Robert Wone, who grew up in New York, received a bachelor's degree in public policy from the College of William and Mary and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. At his graduation from William and Mary in 1996, Mr. Wone was presented with the highly prized Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for distinguishing himself and excelling in “characteristics of heart, mind, and helpfulness to others.”

Mr. Wone clerked in Norfolk with Raymond A. Jackson, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Virginia and in 2000, joined the law firm of Covington & Burling in Washington, DC, where he was an associate focusing on employment law and commercial real estate. While there, he provided pro bono services to several community organizations, including the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center and was instrumental in facilitating the expansion of the Museum of Chinese in the Americas in New York City. At the time of his death in August 2006, Mr. Wone served as General Counsel for Radio Free Asia, a nonprofit group that broadcasts news in Asian countries that are unable to receive free media. He was also the President-elect of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA).

See a complete list of community organization involvement, as well as service awards and scholarships in honor of Robert E. Wone.

Senior Corps is a network of programs that tap the experience, skills, and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges with Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).

Virginia Senior CorpsMore than 4,300 seniors in Virginia contribute their time and talents in one of three Senior Corps programs. Foster Grandparents serve one-on-one as tutors and mentors to more than 4,200 young people who have special needs. Senior Companions help more than 490 homebound seniors and other adults maintain independence in their own homes. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers conduct safety patrols for local police departments, participate in environmental projects, tutor and mentor youth, respond to natural disasters, and provide other services through more than 1,500 groups across Virginia. For more details, visit Senior Corps.

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InterCorps CouncilThe Virginia InterCorps Council (VAIC) is a leadership team made up of AmeriCorps and other national service members from throughout the Commonwealth. The purpose is to connect and collaborate with members of programs statewide, share resources and promote leadership skills. VAIC provides a forum for service members to voice collective opinions and ideas. Representatives actively participate and help organize seasonal teleconference meetings, member-related activities, share input, and help organize training for members at statewide events. Get involved with the Virginia InterCorps Council - Be the VOICE for your Corps!

Virginia InterCorps Council FAQ

Who can be a part of the VAIC?

  • AmeriCorps State and National Direct members
  • AmeriCorps VISTA members (1-2 VAIC members per year)
  • Senior Corps members (1 member per year, only if applicable)

What are the benefits of being a VAIC member?

  • As a member, you'll join your peers in a statewide forum of leadership and getting things done.
  • VAIC is a place to gather, strategize, and assist with ideas for service projects, member training, and speakers for events and other peer-related activities.
  • As part of the VAIC, you'll lead and represent your Corps on member-related matters, hot topics and other ideas.
  • VAIC is the place to connect and network on matters that impact all national service members.

Be a part of Virginia's solution to keep AmeriCorps members engaged, motivated and inspired by participating on a council that supports members of national service. Contact OVCS to join the Virginia InterCorps Council.