AmeriCorps, the operating name of the Corporation for National and Community Service, is a federal government corporation that engages Americans in volunteer and paid national service to address community needs. It awards grants to states, nonprofits, and other organizations and funds programs such as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, placing members in education, disaster relief, public health, and anti-poverty work.
Created by Congress under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amending the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 103-82; 42 U.S.C. 12651 et seq.), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
