Yes. Southeast Iowa RSVP is funded by AmeriCorps Seniors.

AmeriCorps Seniors includes national service programs designed for older adults, and RSVP is one of the nation's largest volunteer networks for people aged 55 and older.

Adults aged 55 and older are eligible to become AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers.

You do not need to be retired. Many RSVP volunteers are retired, while others continue to work full- or part-time and volunteer when their schedules allow.

The Fellowship Cup sponsors Southeast Iowa RSVP.

Southeast Iowa RSVP is a program of The Fellowship Cup, not a separate nonprofit organization. The Fellowship Cup receives and administers the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant that supports our program and provides the organizational structure and oversight RSVP needs to operate in our local communities.

As the sponsor organization, The Fellowship Cup is responsible for grant administration, financial management, staffing, compliance, and overall program oversight. Southeast Iowa RSVP staff then carry out the day-to-day work of developing community partnerships, supporting volunteers, managing Volunteer Stations, and coordinating service throughout Henry, Des Moines, and Louisa Counties.

This partnership allows Southeast Iowa RSVP to combine the resources of a federally supported national service program with the knowledge, relationships, and community focus of a local nonprofit organization.

Southeast Iowa RSVP operates through an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant awarded to our sponsor organization, The Fellowship Cup.

AmeriCorps Seniors provides federal support for RSVP programs that engage adults age 55 and older in volunteer service addressing locally identified community needs. Through this grant, Southeast Iowa RSVP can recruit and support volunteers, develop partnerships with local organizations, and coordinate service opportunities throughout our three-county service area.

The Fellowship Cup administers our local program, which operates in accordance with the requirements of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP award.

Southeast Iowa RSVP is supported through an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP federal grant awarded to The Fellowship Cup, our local sponsor organization.

In addition to federal grant funding, the program is also supported through state funding, generous local business partnerships, and individual donors throughout the communities we serve. These combined resources help sustain the program and allow Southeast Iowa RSVP to recruit and support volunteers, build community partnerships, and respond to locally identified needs throughout Henry, Des Moines, and Louisa Counties.

The Fellowship Cup administers grant funds and provides financial and organizational oversight for the Southeast Iowa RSVP program. Local and state support strengthens that federal investment and ensures RSVP can continue serving communities across Southeast Iowa.

No. RSVP is a volunteer service program rather than paid employment.

Depending upon the volunteer assignment and available program resources, certain allowable expenses associated with volunteering may be reimbursed. Our staff can explain what applies to a particular volunteer opportunity before you begin serving.

That is largely up to you.

RSVP is designed to provide flexible volunteer opportunities. Some volunteers serve occasionally or a few hours each month, while others volunteer regularly each week.

AmeriCorps Seniors describes RSVP service commitments as ranging from a few hours to as many as 40 hours per week.

Our goal is to help you find an opportunity that fits your interests, abilities, and schedule.

Volunteer opportunities vary by community and by the needs of our partner organizations.

Southeast Iowa RSVP volunteers may serve in areas such as:

• Medical transportation

• Food pantries and food distribution

• Home-delivered meals

• Reading and mentoring programs

• Pen Pal programs

• Hospitals and healthcare settings

• Programs supporting older adults and independent living

• Community and nonprofit organizations

• Other locally identified community needs

We continue developing new opportunities as needs and partnerships grow.

Southeast Iowa RSVP primarily serves Henry, Des Moines, and Louisa Counties, and our volunteer opportunities are developed around needs within those communities.

If you are interested in volunteering but are unsure whether you fall within our service area, contact us. We can help determine whether one of our opportunities is appropriate or help connect you with additional resources.

A Volunteer Station is a community organization where RSVP volunteers serve.

Volunteer Stations may include nonprofit organizations, healthcare organizations, schools, government or community programs, food assistance organizations, and other eligible community partners.

Southeast Iowa RSVP works with each Volunteer Station to establish appropriate volunteer assignments and define how RSVP volunteers will support the organization's work.

No. Organizations do not pay Southeast Iowa RSVP for access to RSVP volunteers.

Instead, Volunteer Stations enter into a partnership with Southeast Iowa RSVP that outlines the volunteer opportunities being offered, the responsibilities of the station and RSVP, volunteer supervision, safety requirements, and other expectations.

Because RSVP volunteers are serving through a federally funded AmeriCorps Seniors program, Southeast Iowa RSVP and each Volunteer Station need a shared understanding of the volunteer assignment and each organization's responsibilities.

The agreement helps make sure volunteers receive appropriate supervision, understand their duties, and are serving in safe and meaningful roles. It also helps RSVP document how volunteer service addresses identified community needs.

Possibly and we would love to talk with you.

If your organization serves Henry, Des Moines, or Louisa County and has meaningful volunteer opportunities that address a community need, contact Southeast Iowa RSVP.

We will talk with you about your organization's needs, potential volunteer roles, and whether the opportunity is a good fit for RSVP.

In many cases, yes.

Part of RSVP's role is working with community organizations to identify needs and develop meaningful volunteer assignments. If you have a need but are not sure exactly what an RSVP volunteer role might look like, contact us. We can explore the possibilities together.

Yes. RSVP is designed to help volunteers find meaningful ways to serve, and volunteers may have more than one assignment when appropriate.

Our staff can help you explore opportunities based on your interests and availability.

Absolutely.

If the organization where you currently volunteer is already an RSVP Volunteer Station or is eligible to become one you may be able to continue doing what you already love while becoming part of Southeast Iowa RSVP.

Contact us and we can help determine what options are available.

You can certainly volunteer directly with many organizations, but RSVP offers something additional.

As an RSVP volunteer, you become part of a larger network of adults age 55+ serving throughout Southeast Iowa. Our staff can help you find opportunities, connect you with community organizations, support you throughout your volunteer experience, and help you discover new ways to use your skills and interests.

Most importantly, RSVP gives you the flexibility to choose how, where, and when you want to serve.

Our program began as Henry County RSVP on June 30, 1989, at Henry County Health Center.

In 2014, Henry County RSVP moved to The Fellowship Cup, which became the program's sponsor organization.

In 2026, the program expanded beyond Henry County and became Southeast Iowa RSVP, serving Henry, Des Moines, and Louisa Counties.

While our name, service area, and sponsor have grown, our purpose remains the same: connecting experienced adults with meaningful opportunities to strengthen their communities.