President Strengthens Federal Investment in Service

President Strengthens Federal Investment in Service

On February 1, 2010, President Obama released his Administration's budget for fiscal year 2011, including $1.416 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), an increase of $266 million or 23.1% above the FY 2010 enacted level.

According to the White House budget:

"The President believes that service is central to addressing our Nation’s greatest challenges. The Corporation for National and Community Service provides an on-ramp for Americans of all ages to serve their community and country in sustained and effective ways throughout their lives, from tutoring at-risk youth to responding to natural disasters to building the capacity of community organizations. The President also believes that many of the best solutions to America’s challenges can be found outside of Washington, in communities across the country."

The budget includes $488 million for AmeriCorps State and National ($115 million above FY10) and $98 million for AmeriCorps VISTA ($1.1 million below FY10).

In releasing his Fiscal Year 2011 budget to Congress, President Barack Obama is also recommending $446.15 million for the Peace Corps.  This would represent an 11.5% increase over current Peace Corps funding. Current funding for the Peace Corps - $400 million - provided the largest single-year dollar increase ($60 million) in the history of the agency.  If the President's Fiscal Year 2011 request is approved, it would mark the second highest increase in history and the largest percentage increase (other than last year) since 1991.