cns.gov

In 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service was established. The Corporation was created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. It merged the work and staffs of two predecessor agencies, ACTION and the Commission on National and Community Service.

At its inception, the Corporation was directed to manage three main programs:

• The newly created Senior Corps, which incorporated the longstanding Foster Grandparents, Retired and Senior Volunteer, and Senior Companion Programs;
       
• The newly created AmeriCorps, which incorporated the longstanding VISTA, the new National Civilian Community Corps programs, and the full-time demonstration program that had been established under the 1990 Act; and
      
• Learn and Serve America, formerly known as Serve America.

The Corporation is part of our nation's history of commitment to building a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility. View a more detailed history of the federal government efforts to support volunteering and community service.