The CTC VISTA Project builds the capacity of nonprofit organizations that use media and technology to strengthen communities. We support a diverse network of partner organizations that provide services that benefit communities nationwide. While any organization using media and technology is a potential partner, organizations typically include low-power radio stations, media arts centers, rural broadband initiatives, and media reform policy advocates. CTC VISTA builds the strength and community impact of these organizations by supporting specific capacity-building projects through the recruitment and placement of a full-time, on-site AmeriCorps*VISTA member.
To apply, your application must be submitted through our online application system: http://apply.ctcvista.org
For questions regarding your application, please send an email to info@ctcvista.org
Interested organizations are invited to submit proposals for capacity building projects. If accepted, the organization and the CTC VISTA Project work together to recruit an AmeriCorps*VISTA member to work with the organization for one year. With a successful placement, the CTC VISTA Project provides approximately $14,500 for the VISTA member’s living expenses, relocation, and professional development, in addition to other non-cash support. The partnering organization contributes $3,500 and budgets $1,000 for the VISTA member to attend a national conference during their year of service and additional funds for local transportation.
The final deadline to submit an application is April 1st, 2009. Once your application is approved, you can begin the process of recruiting a VISTA member. Early applications will receive priority, as well as extend the available time to recruit and select a VISTA candidate.
| December 15 | Application window opens |
| February 1 – April 1 | Rolling application deadlines on the 1st of each month. Applications will be reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis. Early applications will receive priority within this competitive process. |
| February 15 - April 15 | All applicants notified of status by the 15th of each month and recruitment begins |
| May 15 | Finalize your selection of a VISTA candidate |
| June 1 | Acceptance of VISTA candidates |
| Mid July | VISTA placement at your organization following a mandatory Pre-Service Orientation |
| August 1 | Partner Contribution due to CTC VISTA Project |
The CTC VISTA Project receives many more applications than we are able to accept, making this process very competitive. Once accepted, an organization is not guaranteed placement of a VISTA member as not all organizations are able to successfully recruit a candidate. Once the maximum number of VISTA slots available is filled with approved candidates, the recruitment window will be closed.
This process makes the early applications and rolling deadlines important to your success. By applying earlier, your organization will receive feedback on your application if it needs revisions so that you may resubmit. Earlier acceptance also gives you more time to recruit a candidate either from your local community or from our national pool of applicants.
The CTC VISTA Project supports nonprofit organizations working with media and technology to strengthen communities. To be eligible, an organization will:
Applications are evaluated based upon the questions provided in the RFP as well as the following priorities:
Replication/relevance to the field: The ability for outputs and information learned from your project to contribute to the development of other organizations
Sustainable Impact: Projects must demonstrate long-lasting impact. Projects should be designed so they can be sustained beyond the limited support of the CTC VISTA Project, or with outputs and outcomes that will contribute to organizational capacity beyond completion of the project.
New Organizations: Organizations applying for the first time will receive greater deference than those that have received support in the past. Re-applying organizations are still eligible to apply, but should place additional emphasis upon their project’s sustainability of impact, replicability, and relevance to the field
