WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today announced more than $13.6 million in funding to support senior volunteer service in more than 150 communities across the country. The Senior Corps grants will both strengthen existing programs and establish new areas of service for the Senior Corps RSVP program.

The funding announced today will support Senior Corps RSVP projects in 40 states and territories and will leverage the experience and skills of more than 50,000 Senior Corps RSVP volunteers. A complete list of grants is available here.

“As more and more Americans reach retirement age, we are grateful that so many are choosing to make service a part of their second act,” said Deborah Cox-Roush, director of Senior Corps. “Senior Corps provides an opportunity to harness the experience and dedication of an entire generation – to ensure opportunity for generations that follow. With the grants announced today, we’re building upon the proven concept of senior service and delivering more opportunities for older adults to serve.”

Today, Senior Corps engages approximately 220,000 Americans at 25,000 locations across the nation through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs. Established in 1971, RSVP engages Americans age 55 and older in citizen service that addresses the nation’s most pressing challenges -- everything from fighting the opioid epidemic, reducing crime and reviving cities, connecting veterans to jobs and benefits, preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, ensuring seniors age independently and with dignity, and helping Americans rebuild their lives following a disaster.

While serving, Senior Corps volunteers also improve their own lives, staying active and healthy through service. A growing body of research points to mental and physical health benefits associated with volunteering, including lower mortality rates, increased strength and energy, decreased rates of depression, and fewer physical limitations. Findings from a recent CNCS study show that Senior Corps volunteers serving with the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs report feeling significantly less depressed and isolated, along with higher health scores.