Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service is seeking proposals from organizations interested in hosting full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members. The AmeriCorps VISTA program is part of SMIF’s goal to create economic vitality by ensuring equal access to employment and financial literacy across southern Minnesota. The VISTA program is an excellent way for organizations to build sustainable processes for new initiatives and programs.

Members will engage with nonprofit organizations that focus on creating economic opportunities for diverse populations through employment or financial literacy training. At partner sites, VISTA members help build program capacity, but do not engage in direct service activities. Their  activities are designed to create a lasting impact on an organization’s ability to serve low-income communities. Additionally, VISTA members cannot be engaged in activities that could be considered replacement for a paid staff. VISTAs serve in 501(c) nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; faith-based organizations; tribal, state, and local government agencies to build organizational capacity for conducting anti-poverty work. Organizations that focus solely on advocacy and lobbying are not eligible.

The deadline for community partner site applications is Feb. 1. This is a competitive application process across SMIF’s 20-county region. For application, visit www.smifoundation.org or contact Pam Bishop  for more information.About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation invests for economic growth in 20 Minnesota counties. The Foundation has provided more than $55 million in grants and loans within the region during the past 29 years. SMIF’s key interests include early childhood and economic development. To learn more about its work and mission, visit www.smifoundation.org.