§8303 Office of Volunteers for Prosperity

Summary

Creates the Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP) Office to run programs that send skilled American volunteers abroad. It will run a VfPServe grant program to help pay travel and living costs for qualified professionals. It will also connect volunteers with nonprofit groups, help U.S. nonprofits recruit and manage skilled volunteers, recognize volunteers and their host groups, help find resources and chances for international service, encourage companies to set up employee volunteer programs, and promote skilled Americans serving to improve global health and prosperity. The program has nine goals: end extreme poverty; cut world hunger and malnutrition; increase safe drinking water; achieve universal education; lower child deaths and childhood disease; fight preventable diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis; support girls’ education and women’s independence; create sustainable business and entrepreneurship; and expand access to information technology. Grants may go to eligible organizations whose members have relevant skills and that match each grant with an equal amount from the host group or private fundraising. Stipends to individuals are allowed only if the nonprofit says it does not discriminate because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs. Funded service cannot directly benefit a for-profit business, a labor union, a partisan political group, or a religious group for worship or proselytizing. USAID provides the money and oversees use of funds and staff. The VfP Office must work with other public and private programs and send an annual report to Congress.