Points of Light
The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the Foundation encourages people from all walks of life — businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youth, and older adults — to volunteer. Based in Washington, D.C., the Foundation advocates community service through a partnership with the Volunteer Center National Network. Together, they reach millions of people in thousands of communities to help mobilize people and resources, which deliver solutions that address community problems.
The Foundation has gained a national reputation as America's Address for Volunteering. As President George W. Bush commented, "The Points of Light Foundation embodies America's spirit of volunteerism and the goodwill of its citizens."
Mission
The Foundation's mission is to engage more people more effectively in volunteer community service to help solve serious social problems.
Achievements
The Points of Light Foundation works in partnership with the Volunteer Center National Network (VCNN) to help mobilize people and resources to find creative solutions to community problems.
Volunteer Centers are conveners for the community, catalysts for social action and key local resources for volunteer involvement. They bring people and community needs together through a range of programs and services based upon community needs, demographic area, population size, and other factors.
1-800-VOLUNTEER.org
A national website portal providing volunteers with a direct connection to local volunteer opportunities that match interests, skills, and the common desire to make a difference.
Volunteering Initiative
Building the expertise and capacity of individuals and programs to develop high-impact and rewarding volunteer opportunities for people over the age of 50. Learn More >
AmeriCorps Promise Fellows Program
A leadership cadre of talented individuals who dedicate a year of their lives to ensure that local youths receive the Five Promises identified at the Presidents' Summit for America's Future.
AmeriCorps*VISTA Strengthening Communities Initiative
Over three years, 75 VISTAs per year will serve in Volunteer Centers to recruit volunteers and develop organizational capacity for programs to meet community needs in four focus areas: Empowering Faith-Based and Grassroots Organizations, Asset Development and Wealth Creation, Strengthening Families, and Homeland Security: Emergency and Disaster.
Disaster Preparedness & Volunteers
Learn more about Disaster Preparedness, Volunteering, and Volunteer Management. See how collaborative planning by disaster groups and other organizations can prevent a "disaster within the disaster."
Earned Income Tax Credit Initiative
The Foundation is committed to supporting and improving the lives of children and families by engaging more volunteers more effectively in local EITC and Asset Development Initiatives. Learn about EITC, get involved in or start a local initiative, and share your effective practices.
THE EXTRA MILE — National Volunteer Pathway
A tribute in honor of our country's greatest volunteers—those who have changed the world by going the extra mile for others.
FamilyCares
Provides resources for parents, teachers and community leaders who want to engage families in volunteer activities.
Family Strengthening and Neighborhood Transformation
With support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this initiative strengthens the networks in tough neighborhoods through volunteering so children and their families thrive.
International Youth Hall of Fame ® (IYHF)
The IYHF program helps communities come together to recognize, celebrate, encourage, document and publicize the positive efforts of their youth who are making a difference at home, in school, and in the community.
Kids Care Clubs
Designed to develop compassion and the spirit of service and philanthropy in elementary and middle school aged youth.
MissionFish
MissionFish helps nonprofits raise money on eBay. Through an exclusive relationship with eBay Giving Works, this unique program makes it possible for eBay sellers to give some of the proceeds from items they sell to nonprofits. MissionFish provides the technology to make it possible, and the tools, tips and support to help organizations of every size turn online trading into a new revenue stream.
National Conference on Volunteering and Service
The nation’s premiere conference on volunteering.
Partnership for National Service (PNS)
Offers expertise in enabling national foundations to invest their money effectively at the local level through a growing network of community foundations.
Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute
Provides youth with the encouragement, networks and skills to make meaningful contributions to their communities and begin a life-long journey of leadership and service. Learn More >
Putting People First: Interacting with People with Disabilities
It is important to be conscious of people with disabilities and be prepared to interact with them as naturally as anyone else. They are your co-workers, neighbors and friends, and each has their own preferences.
Youth Engaged in Service (YES) Ambassadors
Places community-minded young people between the ages of 18-25 with statewide "Partner" organizations for one year.
Contact Information
Points of Light Foundation
1400 I ("Eye") Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-729-8000
Fax: 202-729-8100
Email: Info@PointsofLight.org
Website: www.PointsofLight.org