| What are the benefits of serving as an Initiative Foundation VISTA? |
- Gain valuable work skills
- Access leadership training opportunities
- Perform valuable local service in the fight against poverty
- Defer college loan repayments during term of service
- Choose between a cash award of $1,200 or an educational award of $4,725 (which can be used for tuition or repayment of college loans).
- Basic medical coverage during service
- Childcare assistance (if eligible)
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| Can a person supplement their monthly living allowance by getting a part-time job? |
| No. Commitment to a VISTA term of service is considered full-time and outside employment or education of any type are prohibited so a VISTA can be available to help with activities of their project site at all times. |
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| How does the VISTA monthly living allowance affect a person’s eligibility for or current receipt of government benefits? |
| If a person is currently receiving public benefits, the VISTA monthly living allowance does not affect the amount of their payment. However, an enrolled VISTA cannot apply for benefits if they were not receiving those benefits prior to their term of service. |
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| How is being a VISTA Member different from serving as an AmeriCorps volunteer? |
| Both are national service programs. Each has different terms, conditions and benefits. Two key features of the VISTA program are: (1) projects must be related to the elimination, reduction or alleviation of poverty and (2) VISTA Members perform indirect or capacity-building service as opposed to direct service. In other words, VISTAs are meant to help develop and/or strengthen existing organizations and projects through activities like program development, volunteer recruitment and management, fund development, community awareness/relations, etc. See www.americorps.gov for more information on the distinction between types of national service. |
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| Can selected VISTA Project Sites apply for grants through other Initiative Foundation grant programs? |
| Yes, so long as they meet the specified grant requirements. |
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| Can a project site apply for more than one VISTA Member? |
| In some cases Project Sites may request more than one VISTA but this is handled on a site-by-site basis in consultation with the foundation's VISTA Program Manager. |
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| How long can a VISTA member serve? |
| VISTAs can serve up to three, year-long terms. |
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