| Overview of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 (Serve America Act) |
 On April 21, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act at an elementary school in Washington DC (read more). The Serve America Act reauthorizes and expands national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service by amending the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA).
Over a year later, volunteering is up, momentum is strong, and a new vision for service is taking effect. At a time of great need, Americans are answering President Obama’s call to serve. This landmark law is making America stronger by focusing service on key national issues; by expanding opportunities to serve; by building the capacity of individuals, nonprofits, and communities; and by encouraging innovative approaches to solving problems.
Serve America Act
The Serve America Act is landmark legislation that charges the Corporation for National and Community Service and our partners to dramatically expand opportunities for Americans to serve, to focus on critical national issues, to be a catalyst for social innovation, and to support the nonprofit sector. The law both expands our existing programs and creates new initiatives to increase service opportunities and strengthen our civic infrastructure.
Following passage of the Act, the Corporation embarked on lengthy public input process, receiving thousands of comments through listening sessions, conference calls, emails, and web postings. We thank all those who submitted comments, which we have reviewed as part of the implementation process.
Rulemaking
On August 20, 2010, the Corporation for National and Community Service issued a final rule implementing changes in the National Service Trust and other provisions as directed by the Serve America Act. The final rule was developed after a through review of extensive public input. It makes a number of changes that will further our goal of expanding opportunities for Americans to serve by increasing incentives, expanding eligibility, and improving the benefits for those who answer the call to serve.
Funding Opportunities
The Corporation for National and Community Service provides grants to national and local nonprofits, schools, government agencies, faith-based and other community organizations and other groups committed to strengthening their communities through volunteering. The following notices of federal funding opportunity reflect programmatic changes resulting from the passage of the Serve America Act.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act expanded the authorities of the National Service Trust, including changing the basis for the amount of the award and expanding its available uses.
Social Innovation Fund
The Social Innovation Fund, a public-private collaboration created by the 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, is designed to create new knowledge about how to solve social challenges in the areas of economic opportunity, youth development and school support, and healthy futures, and to improve our nation’s problem-solving infrastructure in low-income communities.
| Press Releases, Official Statements, and Updates |
The Serve America Act, S. 277, legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the national service laws, was introduced by Senators Kennedy and Hatch on January 16, 2009. On March 26, 2009, the Senate voted 79-19 to pass national service reauthorization legislation, naming the bill the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.
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