For 50 years, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has been offering personalized placement, matching volunteers age 55+ with community service opportunities across Dane County. RSVP is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, part of the national AmeriCorps Seniors organization. Our funding is a combination of federal, state, city and county support as well as private grants and donations from local businesses and individuals. Our major funders include: Corporation for National and Community Service, Dane County Department of Human Services, City of Madison, and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Our Mission
To make a positive impact in the community by recruiting volunteers 55 and older to help deliver priority services to people of all ages, providing Dane County with a valuable resource.
Our Vision
RSVP aspires to build and expand a community-wide network of volunteers and organizations that unites compassionate, experienced adults with meaningful and fulfilling service opportunities, which enrich the lives of the volunteers while enhancing support for people in need.
Our Values
Dependability – Partnership – Service – Volunteerism – Innovation
Inclusion Statement
RSVP is committed to a culture of inclusion and connectedness. RSVP volunteers and staff come from many backgrounds, and this makes us stronger. Individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our volunteers contribute represent the service and compassion we offer our community.
Our History
In 1969, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) was created as a national volunteer program under the Administration on Aging. Eleven programs were launched in 1971, and they became part of the National Volunteer Agency, ACTION (now the Corporation for National and Community Service—AmeriCorps Seniors programs.)
In 1972 we became the first RSVP program in Wisconsin, and then in 2000 added a Foster Grandparent Program (FGP). Today, 170,000 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in RSVP, FGP, and Senior Companion programs serve nationwide. With over 1,000 volunteers, RSVP of Dane County is one of the largest AmeriCorps Seniors programs in the United States.
Our Annual Report
To view our recent Annual Reports, click on the images above.