Serve with AmeriCorps VISTA at Habitat for Humanity of Dane County and help build long-term solutions to housing insecurity across Dane County. As the Fundraising VISTA, you’ll strengthen the systems that make affordable homebuilding possible; researching grants and donors, improving fundraising strategies, and enhancing donor data systems that support Habitat’s mission.
This is a full-time, one-year national service role, ideal for someone exploring a career in nonprofit fundraising, development, or community impact. Rather than direct service, you’ll focus on capacity building; creating sustainable fundraising and operational improvements that last beyond your service year.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in grant research, individual giving, donor databases, and nonprofit strategy while receiving professional development support, a housing allowance, and an education award. If you’re passionate about housing justice, eager to learn, and motivated to make a measurable difference, this VISTA role offers both impact and career-building experience.
AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program, similar to a public service fellowship. Members commit to one full year of service with a nonprofit or public organization that is addressing the root causes of poverty.
In this role, you would serve as a VISTA member placed at Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, supported by Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin.
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Service for 12 months
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30 hours per week
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Flexible hybrid schedule (with weekly onsite expectations)
Compensation & Benefits
AmeriCorps VISTA members receive living supports instead of a salary:
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$957 living allowance paid every other week ($24,882 for the full 12-month program)
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$500/month housing allowance paid directly to a landlord or mortgage holder
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Education Award in the amount of $7,395 OR End-of-Service Stipend in the amount of $1800 upon successful completion
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Health coverage during service
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Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) membership
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Professional development, training, and networking opportunities
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Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) for federal jobs after service
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Student loan deferment or forbearance for qualified loans
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Student loan interest accrual paid for qualified loans
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Childcare assistance (if qualified)
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This is an entry level position, no industry specific training is required, just a heart for the mission
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AmeriCorps provides VISTA orientation and training
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Habitat staff will onboard you and provide role-specific training
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The role is intentionally designed as a learning and professional growth experience
To serve as a VISTA member, you must:
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Be 18 or older
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Be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
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Commit to the full year of service
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Pass required background checks
This role is especially popular with:
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Recent college graduates
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Career changers
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People exploring nonprofit, fundraising, or public service careers
At the end of the service term:
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The systems and projects you built are transitioned to staff
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You leave with tangible experience, professional references, and nationally recognized service
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Many VISTA alumni go on to careers in nonprofits, government, or graduate school
If you’re looking for:
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Mission-driven work
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Professional skill-building
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A structured, supported entry into the nonprofit sector
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A meaningful way to make an impact through service
AmeriCorps VISTA offers a clear, guided, one-year pathway to do exactly that.
