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SCP – Previous Change Logs 2017-2022

This table lists all changes made in previous revisions of this document, beginning with January 2017 to 

2022. For the most recent changes, please see the Change Log in the front of the current Operations 

Handbook. All page numbers are accurate at the time of the original revision. Some content may shift in 

future revisions.

Edits Made in Version 2017.1 (January 2017)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page Number Change

1 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

A new method of tracking versions has been implemented, 

labeling each revision by the calendar year and calendar 

quarter of the publication. For example, CNCS published this 

revision in January (Quarter 1) of 2017, so this is Version 

2017.1.

2 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

We have combined the appendices of each program’s 

handbook (the SCP Operations Handbook, FGP Operations 

Handbook and RSVP Operations Handbook) and introduced a 

new numbering system. This simplifies the use of appendices 

for sponsors with multiple programs, allows for greater 

consistency among the programs, and will enable CNCS to 

update them quickly and accurately in the future. We have 

added a new chapter, Chapter 14: Description and List of 

Appendices, with more information. Internal references to 

specific appendices have been updated accordingly.

3 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

This change log was added.

4 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

This version contains several formatting changes to allow for 

more accurate, consistent updates. This includes the 

formatting of the Preface, the Table of Contents, and page 

headers.

5 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

The capitalization of the names of the Senior Companion 

Program and Foster Grandparent Programs have been 

standardized to include a capital “P.”

6 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

All dates are written out in full, without ordinal suffixes. For 

example: March 31, not 3/31. Years are included as necessary 

on a case-by-case basis.

7 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

Several links to the Senior Companion Program Regulations (45 

CFR 2551) have been updated. 

8 Chapter 1: Introduction and 

Overview (pg. 1)

Minor edits for grammar and style were made to the CNCS 

Overview section.
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9 Chapter 1: Introduction and 

Overview (pg. 9)

Information has been added about Litmos, CNCS’ learning 

management system. Links have also been updated.

10 Chapter 2: Project 

Operations (pg. 18)

A link has been added to the Davis-Bacon Act 

11 Chapter 6: Volunteer Stations 

(pg. 36)

An erroneous reference to documenting the special needs of 

children has been removed. This text is not relevant to the 

Senior Companion Program.

12 Chapter 6: Volunteer Stations 

(pg. 39)

A sentence has been added to specify that the effective date of 

a memorandum of understanding must be on or after the date 

it is signed.

13 Chapter 9: Volunteer Cost 

Reimbursements (pg. 63)

A link to the Office of General Counsel’s Income Disregard 

Memo has been updated.

14 Chapter 9: Volunteer Cost 

Reimbursements (pg. 66)

Minor changes were made to Section 9.2.3 on Meal 

Reimbursements for clarity. These edits do not change the 

substantive meaning of this section.

15 Chapter 9: Volunteer Cost 

Reimbursements (pg. 67)

The text of Section 9.2.4 on insurance requirements for 

volunteers has been edited to more clearly identify minimum 

insurance requirements. It also now incorporates relevant 

information that was previously in a stand-alone memo titled 

“Senior Corps Insurance Requirements.” Specific coverage 

requirements are now in a new appendix, Appendix A.13. 

16 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management (pg. 74)

The original version of this handbook contained an incorrect 

statement of the matching requirements for the Senior 

Companion Program. This was first corrected in a second 

edition of the handbook published shortly after its original 

2017 publication date with a short note after the Table of 

Contents. This version includes the corrected text. It is noted 

here for clarity and completeness.

17 Chapter 11: Reports and 

Record Keeping (pg. 91)

Information has been added to clarify the application of record 

retention requirements to volunteer files. 

18 Chapter 13: SCP Handbook 

Cross Reference Index (pg. 

105)

A link to information on Indirect Cost Rates has been updated.

19 Appendix A.5: Closing Out 

Your Grant (Formerly 

Appendix 4)

A reference to a grant ending on April 30 has been changed to 

March 31.

20 Appendix A.12: NSCHC 

Supplement (Formerly 

Chapter 14)

Chapter 14, a supplement on the National Service Criminal 

History Checks, has been converted to an appendix, A.12, and 

its contents updated to apply to all programs. Information 

clarifying the applicability of the NSCHC requirements to non-
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federally funded Senior Demonstration Grants has also been 

added. Several links have also been updated. 

21 Appendix A.12: NSCHC 

Supplement (Formerly 

Chapter 14)

The original version of this handbook contained an incorrect 

statement regarding the applicability of the National Service 

Criminal History Checks to Senior Companion volunteers. This 

was first corrected in a second edition of the handbook 

published shortly after its original 2017 publication date with a 

short note after the Table of Contents. This version includes 

the corrected text. It is noted here for clarity and 

completeness. 

22 Appendix B.3 (formerly 

Appendix 3): Guidance on 

Recognition Costs

This document has been edited to clarify the fact that costs 

associated with special guests at recognition events are 

generally allowable, whereas costs associated with guests of 

volunteers are not.

23 Appendix 12: Sample Office 

Space Cost Allocation 

Worksheet

This appendix has been removed.

Edits made in Version 2017.2 (April 2017)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page Number Change 

1 Change Log, Appendix E.3 

and Chapter 14:Description 

and List of Appendices (pg. 

109)

The Change Log from the previous version of this Handbook 

(2017.1) has been moved to a new Appendix, Appendix E.3. 

This Appendix will collect all Change Logs going forward for 

historical reference. The Change Log at the front of this 

publication contains only the updates made in this revision of 

the Handbook. We have updated Chapter 14: Description and 

List of Appendices to reflect this change.

2 Chapter 2: Project Operations 

(pg. 16) and FGP Handbook 

Cross Reference Index 

Links to CNCS’s Frequently Asked Questions on Lobbying and 

Partisan Political Activity have been added to this chapter and 

the Cross Reference Index.

3 Chapter 3: Performance 

Measurement and EvidenceBased Programming (pg. 25), 

Appendix A.14 and Chapter 

14: Description and List of 

Appendices (pg. 108)

We have added a new appendix, Appendix A.14, which lists 

evidence-based programs and registries known to Senior 

Corps at the time of publication. We have also added a 

reference to this appendix in Chapter 3: Performance 

Measurement and Evidence-Based Programming. We have 

updated Chapter 14: Description and List of Appendices to 

reflect this change.
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4 Chapter 6: Volunteer Stations 

(pg. 37)

Information on Letters of Agreement for In-Home 

Assignments has been edited to refer readers to the more 

complete information provided in Chapter 7. (See next edit for 

more information.)

5 Chapter 7: SCP Volunteer 

Assignments (pg. 45) and 

Appendix C.10: Letters of 

Agreement for In-Home 

Assignments 

Information on Letters of Agreement for In-Home 

Assignments located in Chapter 7: SCP Volunteer Assignments, 

Chapter 6: Volunteer Stations, and Appendix C.10 has been 

consolidated into this Chapter. We have also added 

information indicating that assignment plans and letters of 

agreement may be combined in appropriate situations. 

Appendix C.10 has been simplified so that it only contains an 

editable sample letter of agreement.

6 Chapter 7: SCP Volunteer 

Assignments (pg. 46)

Guidance on an appropriate teleservice policy has been 

added.

7 Chapter 9: SCP Volunteer 

Cost Reimbursements (pg. 

64)

Text has been added to clarify that the income disregard 

memo need not be updated every year and that the memo 

dating from 2010 is the effective version of this memo.

8 Chapter 9: FGP Volunteer 

Cost Reimbursements (pg. 

70)

Information on recognition has been updated to clarify that 

recognition may include informal recognition methods 

throughout the year, in addition to formal, public recognition. 

9 Chapter 11: Reports and 

Record Keeping (pg. 96)

The beginning of Section 11.3 on Project Compliance 

Monitoring Site Visits has been edited to clarify that a 

compliance monitoring visit to a project must occur at least 

once every six years and may occur in the interim years as well 

for a variety of reasons. 

10 Appendix A.7: Quick 

Reference Guide for Senior 

Corps Reports

Information on the PRS (formerly known as the PPVA) has 

been updated. 

Edits made in Version 2017.3 (July 2017)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page Number Change 

1 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

The spelling of “recordkeeping” has been standardized 

throughout this handbook.

2 Chapter 1: Introduction and 

Overview (pg. 1)

Minor changes were made to the “CNCS Overview” section for 

clarity.
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3 Chapter 3: Performance 

Measurement and EvidenceBased Programming (pg. 23), 

Chapter 6: Volunteer Stations 

(pg. 40) Chapter 14: 

Description and List of 

Appendices (pg. 110), 

Appendix A.16

Appendix A.16, a sample data sharing agreement has been 

added. A reference to this document has been added to 

Chapter 3 and Chapter 6. The appendix also been added to the 

cross-reference index and list of appendices in Chapter 14.

4 Chapter 4: Community 

Participation (pg. 27)

Text has been added to clarify the allowability of costs related 

to advisory councils. 

5 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pg. 56 and 59), Chapter 9: 

SCP Volunteer Cost 

Reimbursements (pg. 69), 

Chapter 11: Reports and 

Recordkeeping (pg. 91-4)

In each of these locations, we have revised language to 

emphasize:

• A certification of physical fitness and income eligibility 

review are annual, not one time requirements.

• These documents are critical grant records and must 

be maintained in accordance with federal 

recordkeeping requirements.

• These requirements specify that grant records such as 

these must be maintained until at least three years 

from the date a sponsor submits the final FFR for the 

project period when the volunteer exits service or 

three years past the last audit, whichever is later.

• An in-depth explanation of this requirement has been 

added to Chapter 11, with an example and chart. 

6 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pg. 61)

An erroneous reference to a guidance document not relevant 

to this chapter has been removed.

7 Chapter 11: Reports and 

Recordkeeping (pg. 93)

Additional information on the confidentiality of volunteer 

records has been added, including information on grantees’ 

responsibility to safeguard confidential volunteer information 

and how to respond to potential breaches, with links to 

additional resources and information.

8 Appendix A.3: Guidance on 

Recognition Costs

References to the Code of Regulations have been added. In 

addition, text on the use of leave as a form of recognition has 

been added, with a link to pre-existing guidance on using leave 

as a form of recognition. Finally, guidance on “Special 

Volunteer Recognition” has been clarified to indicate that 

special volunteer recognition may include milestones in 

service or other special achievements.
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9 Appendix A.15: Guidance on 

Prohibition of Fee-for-Service 

Activities 

Pre-existing guidance on the prohibition on fee-for-service 

activities has been incorporated into this handbook as 

Appendix A.15. The content of the document has not been 

edited. Internal references have also been edited to refer to 

this appendix.

Edits made in Version 2017.4 (October 2017)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page Number Change 

1 This change is not related to 

a specific chapter.

A link to a list of all appendices, including editable versions of 

samples and templates, has been added to the bottom of each 

appendix and Chapter 14.

2 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pg. 52)

A sentence that previously indicated that MOUs had to be 

signed before volunteer recruitment has been corrected to 

indicate that MOUs must be in place prior to volunteer 

placement at a given station. 

3 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pg. 56)

Per capita payments from certain tribal trust settlements have 

been added to the list of money receipts that should not be 

included in income for eligibility purposes.

4 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pg. 56-57)

More explicit instructions on how to calculate income 

eligibility for volunteers have been added to clarify the 

recommended process. An example has also been added. 

5 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pg. 60-66)

Section 8.6 on Training and Orientation has been substantially 

revised. It now includes in-depth information on the minimum 

requirements for orientation and training, including specific 

examples of how to apply those requirements in practice. It 

also contains an expanded description of potential content for 

orientations and trainings and an overview of basic adult 

learning principles. 

6 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pg. 67)

Section 8.7, previously named “Terms of Service” has been 

renamed “Service Requirements.”

7 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pgs. 68)

Text has been added to clarify that time spent in physical 

examinations to determine eligibility to serve count toward 

the minimum and maximum service requirements and 

volunteers should receive stipends for them, consistent with 

sponsor policies and procedures. 
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8 Chapter 9: SCP Volunteer 

Cost Reimbursements (pg. 

71)

Repetitive text recommending that in-services and 

orientations may be used to advise volunteers of cost 

reimbursement policies has been removed.

9 Chapter 9: SCP Volunteer 

Cost Reimbursements (pg. 

70)

Text clarifying that the meaning of the terms “Direct Benefit 

Ratio” and “80/20 rule” have been added.

10 Chapter 9: SCP Volunteer 

Cost Reimbursements (pg. 

70)

Text has been added to explain the situations when a waiver 

may be required from the Direct Benefit Ratio, as established 

in 45 CFR 2552.91(e)(2).

11 Chapter 9: FGP Volunteer 

Cost Reimbursements (pg. 

73)

Text has been added to clarify that transportation costs for 

physical examinations to determine eligibility may be 

reimbursed by sponsors, consistent with sponsor policies and 

procedures. 

12 Appendix C.6 An erroneous, duplicative reference to the Senior Companion 

Program has been edited to correctly refer to the Foster 

Grandparent Program.

13 Appendix A.17 A sample in-kind contribution form has been added as 

Appendix A.17.

Edits made in Version 2018.1 (January 2018)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page Number Change 

1 Chapter 6: Volunteer Stations 

(pg. 37)

Additional information has been added about how to 

document volunteer station cash or in-kind support, 

particularly with regards to how to distinguish such support 

from a fee-for-service relationship.

2 Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers 

(pg. 60)

A reference to “reserve” Senior Companion volunteers has 

been amended to instead refer to a waiting or contact list that 

can be used to fill new opportunities. 

3 Chapter 11: Reports and 

Recordkeeping (pg. 98)

Further guidance on electronic records, including electronic 

“signatures,” has been added.

4 Appendix A.18, Appendix E.3, 

and Appendix E.4

Guidance on Senior Corps and the Senior Companion Program 

in times of disaster has been updated and expanded. This 

information, formerly in Appendix A.18, has been moved to 

Appendix E.3. The Previous Change Log, which was formerly 
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Appendix E.3, is now Appendix. D.4. References within this 

document to any of these appendices have also been updated.

Edits made in Version 2018.2 (April 2018)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change 

1 Chapter 1: Introduction 

and Overview (pg. 5) 

and SCP Handbook 

Cross Reference Index

Information on CNCS’ Office of External Affairs has been updated, 

including a link to its new Communications Resource page.

2 Chapter 1: Introduction 

and Overview (pg. 10) 

and SCP Handbook 

Cross Reference Index

A link to the Federal Register has been added.

3 Chapter 2: Project 

Operations (pg. 16)

Language has been updated to clarify that policies regarding 

prohibited activities are required, not encouraged.

4 Chapter 2: Project 

Operations (pg. 18)

A typo has been corrected to remove duplicative references to the 

SCP program.

5 Chapter 5: Project Staff 

(29)

A reference to staffing appropriately to implement “evidence-based 

programming” has been broadened to reflect other ways programs 

can strengthen how they build and use evidence.

6 Chapter 5: Project Staff 

(pg. 30)

Information on engaging volunteers in staff activities has been 

edited to focus on non-SCP volunteers. Further information on SCP 

Leaders is available in Chapter 7. 

7 Chapter 9: SCP Cost 

Reimbursements (pg. 

73)

CNCS’ Office of General Counsel has issued a new income disregard 

memo. This is now reflected in the handbook.

8 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management (pg. 83 & 

85)

Information on the required non-federal share for Senior Companion 

Programs that occurred in two places has now been condensed to 

appear in only one place. In addition, more information on how to 

calculate the required non-federal share, including a formula, has 

been added. 
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Number

Change 

9 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management (pgs. 88, 

90-92)

Information on managing VSYs has been updated to:

• Emphasize that the goal of any program is full expenditure 

of VSYs

• Take into account the requirement that all SCP grantees 

program at least one VSY in work plans that result in either 

National Performance Measure outcomes or outputs related 

to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities for every 

$6,000 in federal funding they receive

• Update the minimum thresholds of VSY performance that 

prompt specific actions on the part of CNCS State Offices.

10 Appendix A.4 and A.11 Minor typos in these two appendices have been corrected.

Edits made in Version 2018.3 (July 2018)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change 

1 Chapter 1: Introduction 

and Overview (pg. 9)

More detailed instructions have been added for signing up to Litmos, 

including information on how to sign up for courses relevant to more 

than one Senior Corps programs. Information about the Senior Corps 

New Project Curricula have also been added.

2 Chapter 8: SCP 

Volunteers (pg. 52)

The phrase “and be willing to abide by the SCP program 

requirements” has been added to paragraph 8.1.1 to match 

guidance in the FGP Handbook and the cited statute and regulation.

3 Chapter 9: SCP 

Volunteer Cost 

Reimbursements (pg. 

76)

Language addressing the specific allowability of congregate meals as 

non-federal share has been edited to redirect grantees to guidance 

in Chapter 10 of this handbook, which addresses when federal funds 

granted by an agency other than CNCS can be used as non-federal 

share generally.

4 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management (pg. 86)

A link has been added to the portion of the Uniform Guidance that 

identifies when funds from another federal agency may be included 

as non-federal share (2 CFR 200.306). In addition, more detail has 

been added to the discussion of using funds from another federal 

program as non-federal share.
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Edits made in Version 2018.4 (October 2018)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change 

1 Appendix A.12 NSCHC 

Supplement

This appendix has been removed. All references to this appendix 

now route users to the CNCS Knowledge Network page on Criminal 

History Checks 

(https://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/criminal-history-check).

2 Appendix A.12 Senior 

Corps Minimum 

Insurance Coverage 

Requirement

(Formerly Appendix 

A.13)

Senior Corps Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirement, previously 

named “Appendix A.13” has been renamed “Appendix A.12.”

3 Appendix A.13 

Evidence-Based 

Programs and 

Registries

(Formerly Appendix 

A.16)

Evidence-Based Programs and Registries, previously named 

“Appendix A.14” has been renamed “Appendix A.13.”

4 Appendix A.14 

Guidance on Fee-forService Prohibition

(Formerly Appendix 

A.15)

Guidance on Fee-for-Service Prohibition, previously named 

“Appendix A.15” has been renamed “Appendix A.14.”

5 Appendix A.15 Sample 

Data Sharing 

Agreement

(Formerly Appendix 

A.16)

The Sample Data Sharing Agreement, previously named “Appendix 

A.16” has been renamed “Appendix A.15.”

6 Appendix A.16 Sample 

In-Kind Contribution 

Form

(Formerly Appendix 

A.17)

The Sample In-Kind Contribution Form, previously named “Appendix 

A.17” has been renamed “Appendix A.16.”

7 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter

Broken hyperlinks were updated throughout the document.
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Edits made in Version 2019.1 (January 2019)

A Note on Changes Resulting from the Final Rule:

On December 17, 2018, the Final Rule for the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), Senior Companion 

Program (SCP), and RSVP was posted to the Federal Register. After a 45-day public review period, 

updated regulations for all three programs became effective on January 31, 2019.

These regulations affect many aspects of program operations described in this handbook. Due to the 

scope of the changes, it is not practical to identify each change by page number. Instead, the major 

changes in each chapter are listed below. In addition, the changes in this Handbook focus on compliant, 

effective practice going forward, so that this document remains relevant in the future. In general, they 

do not make explicit before-and-after comparisons of regulation prior to and following the effective 

date of the Final Rule. Additional resources that do focus on this transition are available at Senior Corps’ 

Final Rule Headquarters. 

You may suggest additional changes or guidance by emailing SeniorCorpsHandbooks@cns.gov. 

This update also contains some changes that are not directly related to the Final Rule. As a result, the 

changes below are presented in two sections. The first outlines the changes directly related to the Final 

Rule. The second contains all other changes. Changes that are not directly related to the Final Rule are 

identified by page number, as in prior change logs.

A. Changes Relating to the Final Rule

Chapter Changes

Chapter 1: Introduction and 

Overview

Annual volunteer physical examination requirement was removed.

Excess Automobile Liability Insurance was added to program 

definitions.

Minimum requirement of volunteer service hours was reduced.

Chapter 2: Project Operations Annual service plan and annual assessment requirements were 

removed.

Minimum requirement of ongoing in-service training was reduced.

Guidance surrounding project staff compensation was updated.

A new definition of “Proprietary Health Care Organization” was 

added.

Chapter 5: Project Staff Guidance surrounding project staff compensation was updated.

Chapter 6: Volunteer Stations A new definition of “Proprietary Health Care Organization” was 

added.

Minimum requirement of ongoing in-service training was reduced.

Regulation references were updated.
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Chapter Changes

Chapter 7: SCP Volunteer 

Assignments

Guidance surrounding project staff compensation was updated.

Minimum requirement of volunteer service hours was reduced.

SCP Leader assignment plans were updated.

Regulation references were updated.

Chapter 8: SCP Volunteers References to the physical examination requirement were removed.

Minimum requirement of volunteer service hours was reduced.

Minimum requirement of in-service training was reduced.

Additional guidance was added on sponsor service policies.

Non-stipend volunteer service requirements were revised to mirror 

stipended volunteer service requirements. 

Regulation references were updated.

Chapter 9: SCP Volunteer Cost 

Reimbursements

References to the Direct Benefit Ratio or “80/20 rule” were 

removed.

Removed requirement of using physical examinations to determine 

eligibility.

Physical examinations were added to the list of detailed volunteer 

cost reimbursements.

Regulation references were updated.

Chapter 10: Grant Management References to the Direct Benefit Ratio or “80/20 rule” were 

removed.

Requirement to separate any administrative cost related to nonstipend volunteers was removed.

Minimum requirement of volunteer service hours was reduced.

Text was added to clarify that sponsors may still provide the annual 

physical, though it is no longer required by CNCS.

Chapter 11: Records and 

Recordkeeping

References to the physical exam requirement were removed. 

Clarification surrounding physical examination documentation 

retention was added. 

Appendix A References to the Direct Benefit Ratio or “80/20 rule” were removed 

(A.3 and A.7).

Annual Project Assessment was removed (A.5).
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Chapter Changes

Appendix C Physical exam requirement was removed (C.1, C.5, C.7, C.9 and 

C.12).

Criteria for determining income eligibility was updated (C.6).

Minimum requirement of volunteer service hours was reduced (C.8).

Annual Project Assessment was removed (C.9).

Appendix E Minimum requirement of volunteer service hours was reduced (E.2).

B. All Other Changes

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change 

1 Chapter 2: Project 

Operations (pg. 18)

Text has been added to provide clarification on religious activities 

and transportation assignments. 

2 Chapter 2.2.1 (pg. 14), 

Chapter 6.3.3 (pg. 41), 

and Chapter 8.1.2 (pg. 

53)

Non-discrimination text has been updated to align with CNCS ‘ nondiscrimination policy

3 Chapter 7: SCP 

Volunteer Assignments 

(pg. 49)

More detailed instructions about adding the Senior Companion 

Leader Monetary Incentive to a grantee’s budget have been added.

Updated assignment objectives with revised performance measure 

outcomes. 

4 Chapter 7: SCP 

Volunteer Assignments 

(pg. 50).

Updated termination of assignments to better parallel FGP and 

removed language assessing physical condition of volunteer. 

5 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management (pg. 85)

The “SCP Leader Monetary Incentive” line item was added to the 

“Other Volunteer Costs” list. 

6 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management (pg. 94)

Text has been added to specify the current Simplified Acquisition 

Threshold amount and its role in budget amendments that require 

prior approval from CNCS. 

7 Chapter 11: Reports 

and Recordkeeping (pg. 

104)

Volunteer Timesheet and Salary and Wage documentation guidance 

has been updated to reflect new Uniform Guidance. 

8 Appendix A Appendix A.1- Assurances and Appendix A.2- Certifications have 

been removed. All references to these appendices now route users 

to the CNCS Terms & Conditions and Certifications & Assurances for 

CNCS Grants page. As a result of removing A.1 and A.2, the 

remaining Appendix A appendices have been renumbered. 
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References within this document to any of these appendices have 

also been updated.

9 Appendix A.5- Quick 

Reference Guide for 

Senior Corps Reports 

and Due Dates

References to Q1 and Q2 grants and their report due dates have 

been removed.

10 Appendix A.11: 

Evidence- Based 

Programs and 

Registries

Examples have been updated to reflect new Performance Measures.

11 Appendix A.13: Sample 

Data Sharing 

Agreement

Examples have been updated to reflect new Performance Measures.

Edits made in Version 2019.2 (April 2019)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter

Broken hyperlinks were updated throughout the document. 

2 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter

All references to an “annual” physical exam were removed. 

3 Chapter 1- Introduction 

and Overview (pg. 10)

Litmos Technical Support contact information was added.

Removed reference to FGP.

4 Chapter 8- SCP 

Volunteers (pg. 58)

The income eligibility examples, were updated with 2019 poverty 

guidelines. 

5 Chapter 8- SCP 

Volunteers (pg. 61)

References to the Foster Grandparent Program were removed. 

6 Chapter 9- SCP 

Volunteer Cost 

Reimbursements (pg. 73 

& 85)

Certain sections on physical exams were removed to eliminate 

redundancy

7 Chapter 10- Grants 

Management (pg. 86) 

Text has been added to clarify non-federal share. 
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8 Chapter 10- Grants 

Management (pg. 87)

Text that required physical exams to be budgeted annually, was 

removed.

9 Chapter 10- Grants 

Management (pg. 92)

Text has been added to specify the current Simplified Acquisition 

Threshold amount. 

10 Chapter 11-

Recordkeeping (pg.102)

Text has been added to clarify record retention of physical exam 

documentation. 

11 Appendix C.6 In line with the final rule, SSDI was removed from the list of income 

sources. 

12 Appendix C.12 Sample Physical Exam was updated to reflect a cost reimbursement 

rather than an eligibility form.

Edits made in Version 2019.3 (July 2019)

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1 Chapter 1: Introduction 

and Overview (pg. 4)

Information on the Final Rule was added to the ‘History of SCP’ 

section. 

2 Chapter 2: Project 

Operations (pg. 14)

The definitions of vulnerable populations and proprietary healthcare 

organizations were added to section 2.2 Sponsor Responsibilities. 

3 Chapter 2: Project 

Operations (pg. 15)

Specificity on required cost reimbursements was added. 

4 Chapter 6: Volunteer 

Stations (pg. 38)

The definition of proprietary health care organizations including tips 

on where to find a state’s regulatory agencies and licensing 

requirements was added.

5 Chapter 7: SCP 

Volunteer Assignments 

(50-51)

Guidance on SCP Leaders was updated to include additional 

information on stipends, assignment plans, and the overall role of 

SCP Leaders.

6 Chapter 8: SCP 

Volunteers (pg. 56)

Additional guidance on Non-Stipended Senior Companions was 

added, including information on conditions, eligibility, and 

reimbursements. 

7 Chapter 8: SCP 

Volunteers (pg. 72)

Text clarifying that sponsors may choose to abide by either hourly or 

annual service hour minimums was added. 

8 Chapter 9: SCP Cost 

Reimbursements (pg. 

77)

Text was added to clarify cost reimbursements for Non-Stipended 

volunteers. 

9 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management (pg. 86) 

Text was added to clarify cost allowability with respect to 

association and other board membership. 
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10 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management (pg. 87)

Guidance on establishing an Indirect Cost Rate and definitions of 

Direct and Indirect Costs were updated. 

11 Appendix C.13: 

Guidance on Social 

Security Disability 

With Final Rule changes, an appendix on Social Security Disability 

has been added

12 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

Broken hyperlinks were fixed throughout.

13 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

References to the Social Innovation Fund were removed.

14 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

References to ‘CNCS State Office’ were changed to ‘CNCS Program 

Officer’.

15 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

Hyperlinks to and citations for regulations were added throughout 

the handbook. 

Edits made in Version 2019.4 (October 2019)

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1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

During the week of October 7, 2019, grantees located in states 

within CNCS’s new Mountain, North Central, and Northeast regions, 

will have their grants transitioned from existing Program and Grants 

Officers to their newly assigned Portfolio Managers. A map of the 

regions is located here. 

References to CNCS Program and Grants Officers were updated to 

also include these new CNCS Portfolio Managers throughout the 

handbook.

2 Chapter 7: SCP 

Volunteer Assignments 

(46)

Guidance for and steps grantees should consider when placing 

Senior Companions with family members was added. 

3 Chapter 8 : SCP 

Volunteers (pg. 57)

The Senior Corps Pathfinder- the new national recruitment tool was 

introduced along with a link with instructions for how to update 

contact information.

4 Chapter 10: Grants 

Management ( pg. 82)

The OMB definition of grant was added. 
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5 Appendix A.15- Final 

Rule Overview

The Final Rule overview on the National Service website has been 

converted to Appendix A.15, and its contents have been updated to 

apply to all programs. 

6 Appendix A.16- Final 

Rule FAQs

The Final Rule FAQs on the National Service website has been 

converted to Appendix A.16, and its contents have been updated to 

apply to all programs. 

7 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

Broken hyperlinks were fixed throughout. 

Edits made in Version 2020.1 (January 2020)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

During the week of October 7, 2019, grantees located in states 

within CNCS’s new Mountain, North Central, and Northeast regions, 

will have their grants transitioned from existing Program and Grants 

Officers to their newly assigned Portfolio Managers. A map of the 

regions is located here. 

References to CNCS Program and Grants Officers were updated to 

also include these new CNCS Portfolio Managers throughout the 

handbook.

2 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

Broken hyperlinks were fixed throughout. 

Edits made in Version 2020.2 (April 2020)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

In May 2020, grantees located in states within CNCS’s new Midwest, 

Southeast, and West regions, will have their grants transitioned 

from existing Program and Grants Officers to their newly assigned 

Portfolio Managers. A map of the regions is located here. 

References to CNCS Program and Grants Officers were updated to 

also include these new CNCS Portfolio Managers throughout the 

handbook.
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2 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

Broken hyperlinks were fixed throughout. 

3 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

On April 1, 2020 the stipend increase went in to effect, making the 

stipend for Senior Companion volunteers $3.00/hour. References to 

the former stipend amount were updated to reflect this increase. 

4 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

The cost per VSY threshold in National Performance Measure 

Outcomes increased from $6,000/VSY to $6,500/VSY. References to 

the former stipend were updated to reflect this increase. 

Edits made in Version 2020.3 (August 2020)

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

In May 2020, grantees located in states within CNCS’s new Mid 

Atlantic and South Central regions, will have their grants 

transitioned from existing Program and Grants Officers to their 

newly assigned Portfolio Managers. A map of the regions is 

located here.

References to CNCS Program and Grants Officers were updated 

to also include these new CNCS Portfolio Managers throughout 

the handbook.

2 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

Broken hyperlinks were fixed throughout.

3 Chapter 7: SCP

Volunteers (pg. 47)

Information and links on COVID-19 Programming was added to 

the “Criteria for Volunteer Assignments” section.

4 Appendix A.17: COVID19 Resource Toolkit

This appendix was added to provide general information regarding 

safe volunteering, preparing your volunteers to serve during 

COVID- 19 and other resources which may help guide grantees 

during the unprecedented times.

Edits made in Version 2020.4 (November 2020)

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Number

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Number

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1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

As of September 29, 2020, The Corporation of National 

Community Services and Senior Corps will shift to AmeriCorps and 
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AmeriCorps Seniors. The handbook has the following updates to 

reflect this rebranding: 

• Updated Senior Corps to AmeriCorps Seniors.

• Updated CNCS to AmeriCorps. 

• Senior Companion Program to AmeriCorps Seniors Senior 

Companion Program (AmeriCorps Seniors SCP) 

• Updated Senior Companion and SCP Volunteer to 

AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers.

• Updated Twitter handles for both AmeriCorps and 

AmeriCorps Seniors (pg.58)

2 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

As of October 2020, all Program Officer and Grant Officer roles and 

responsibilities have transitioned to Portfolio Managers

3 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

Removed SeniorCorpsHandbooks@cns.gov email address. All 

questions or suggestions for handbook should be submitted to 

portfolio managers.

4 Chapter 1: Introduction 

and Overview (pg. 7)

Provided information on AmeriCorps’ Transition and Sustainability 

Plan.

5 Chapter: 1: Introduction 

and Overview (pg. 11)

Updated name of Office of External Affairs to Office of Strategic 

Engagement and Governmental Affairs 

6 Chapter 1: Introduction 

and Overview (pg. 17)

Add comment about rebranding and regulations. As of September 

29, 2020, CNCS and Senior Corps are doing business as AmeriCorps 

and AmeriCorps Seniors, respectfully. The eCFR will continue to 

use the legal names CNCS and Senior Corps

7 Chapter 2: Project 

Operations (pg. 18)

Removed Invitation to Apply as only NOFOs will be created and 

used moving forward for Continuations, Renewals and 

Competitions. 

8 Chapter 6: Volunteer 

Station Roster (pg. 44)

Added newly award grantee requirement to have Station Roster 

completed with PPR Lite. 

9 Chapter 8: Volunteers in 

AmeriCorps Seniors SCP 

(pg. 63)

Added information on Facebook as a resource for recruitment. 

10 Chapter 10: Role of the 

AmeriCorps Office of 

Grant Administration 

(pg. 91)

Updated transition of FFMC to OGA and Grant Officer duties to 

Portfolio Manager. 

11 Chapter 14 Description 

and List of Appendices 

(pg. 127) 

Added to Section A: All Programs. Appendix A.18 Technology 

Support Training- A list of technology focused training companies 

that are contractable for services to support training needs for 

volunteers. This information is provided for the convenience of 

grantees, and AmeriCorps Seniors does not endorse these or any 

other vendors.
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Edits made in Version 2021.1 (January 2021)

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1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

• Update links throughout document

2 Chapter 7: 

AmeriCorps Seniors 

SCP Volunteer 

Assessments (PG 54)

• Update language in teleservice and link to AmeriCorps 

Seniors resources

Edits made in (April 2021) Version 2021.2

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Number

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Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

• Update links throughout document. AmeriCorps and 

AmeriCorps Seniors resources are in the process of being 

transferred from NationalService.gov to AmeriCorps.gov. 

As documents and pages are transitioned, this document 

is updated. 

2 Chapter 1: 

AmeriCorps 

Overview (PG 13)

• AmeriCorps Seniors Week will not be held in 2021, 

AmeriCorps Seniors will highlight AmeriCorps Seniors 

Program during the month of May, Older Americans 

Month.

3 Chapter 5: Project 

Staff (PG 38)

• AmeriCorps has published a new National Service

Criminal History Check (NSCHC) regulation that will be 

effective May 1, 2021. Updates and additional resources 

provided

4 Chapter 7: 

AmeriCorps Seniors 

SCP Volunteer 

Assessments (51)

• Provided link to updated AmeriCorps Seniors Pandemic 

Recovery a Pathway to Service (updated March 2021)

5 Chapter 7: 

AmeriCorps Seniors 

SCP Volunteer 

Assessments (PG 52)

• Update language in teleservice to state approval from 

your portfolio manager

6 Chapter 8: 

Volunteers in 

AmeriCorps Seniors 

SCP (PG 67)

• AmeriCorps has published a new National Service 

Criminal History Check (NSCHC) regulation that will be 

effective May 1, 2021. Updates and additional resources 

provided

• Effective May 1, all three checks must be conducted, 

reviewed, and an eligibility determination made by the 

grant recipient or subrecipient before a person begins to 

work or serve on an NSCHC-required grant.
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7 Chapter 11.3 Project 

Compliance 

Monitoring (PG 115)

• Office of Monitoring provides additional information on 

Monitoring Activities Types and Monitoring Results and 

Corrective Actions plans

Edits made in (July 2021) Version 2021.3

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Number

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Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

• Update links throughout document. AmeriCorps and 

AmeriCorps Seniors resources have been transferred 

from NationalService.gov to AmeriCorps.gov. As 

documents and pages are updated, this document is also 

updated. 

2 Appendix A.1: 

Guidance on 

Recognition Costs 

• Removed link to AmeriCorps Seniors Guidance on Leave 

as a Form of Volunteer Recognition.

• Added AmeriCorps Seniors Guidance on Leave as a Form 

of Volunteer Recognition as Appendix C.14. 

3 Appendix A • Added Appendix A. 19 Respite Survey

• Added Appendix A. 20 Independent Living Survey

4 Appendix C.14 • Added AmeriCorps Seniors Guidance on Leave as a Form 

of Volunteer Recognition as Appendix C.14.

Edits made in (October 2021) Version 2021.4

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

• Update links throughout document. AmeriCorps and 

AmeriCorps Seniors resources have been transferred 

from NationalService.gov to AmeriCorps.gov. As 

documents and pages are updated, this document is also 

updated. 

2 Chapter 10: Budget 

Management (PG 89)

• Limitation on Indirect Cost has been removed, it is no 

longer applicable. 

3 Chapter 10: Budget 

Management (PG 92-

93)

• Updated match waiver guidance to include 

documentation requirements and method for 

processing. 

4 Chapter 11: Project 

Compliance 

Monitoring (PG 116-

118)

• Added image of the AmeriCorps monitoring activity 

lifecycle

• Added new section with monitoring resources. 

5 Appendix A. 21 

Disaster and 

Emergency Response

• Transitioned and updated Appendix E. 3 AmeriCorps 

Seniors and the AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program 

in Times of Disaster to Appendix A. 21 Disaster and 

Emergency Response. 
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Edits made in (January 2022) Version 2022.1 

Change Number Chapter and Page 

Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

• Update links throughout document. AmeriCorps and 

AmeriCorps Seniors resources are in the process of being 

transferred from NationalService.gov to 

AmeriCorps.gov. 

2 Appendix A. 22 • Added Review and Update Contact Information in 

eGrants 

3 Appendix D.3 • Shifted changes report from 2017 to 2021into FGP 

Change Logs 2017-2022. All current changes for 2022 will 

be logged in Appendix D. 5 Change Log. 

4 Chapter 2: Project 

Operations (PG 20)

• Updated prohibited activities to include abortion 

services.

Edits made in (May 2022) Version 2022.2

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

• Update links throughout document. AmeriCorps and 

AmeriCorps Seniors resources have been transferred from 

NationalService.gov to AmeriCorps.gov. As documents 

and pages are updated, this document is also updated. 

2 Chapter 4 Community 

Participation (PG 34)

• Add link to Appendix A. 23 Understanding the Roles and 

Responsibilities of Advisory Councils

3 Appendix A. 23 • Added Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of 

Advisory Councils 

Edits made in (July 2022) Version 2022.3 

Change 

Number

Chapter and Page 

Number

Change

1 This change is not 

related to a specific 

chapter.

• Update links throughout document. AmeriCorps and 

AmeriCorps Seniors resources have been transferred from 

NationalService.gov to AmeriCorps.gov. As documents and 

pages are updated, this document is also updated. 

2 Chapter 1 (PG 11) • Added Mange your grant as resource to section Where can 

I find training and technical assistance information. 

• Added question and answer: Where can I find my Notice of 

Grant Award (NGA)?

3 Chapter 1 (PG 13-14) • Updated description of the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster 

Grandparent Program grantee page 

• Added Evaluations Resources section with description 

• Updated Code field for Litmos. ACS-FGP replaces SC-FGP. 

ACS- RSVP from SC-RSVP, and ACS-SCP from SC-SCP.
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4 Chapter 3 (PG 27) • Added link to six-model National Performance 

Measurement Core Curriculum series.

5 Chapter 4 (PG 34) • Updated link to Building an Effective Advisory Council

6 Chapter 10 (PG 87- 88) • Updated link to 45 CFR 2552.93(b) and 45 CFR 2552.46(f)

7 Chapter 10 (PG 100-

101)

• Updated Steps in Setting up a PMS account

• Removed statement about Portfolio Managers can log on 

to the PMS directly. Added guidance for receiving PMS 

support and guidance.

8 Chapter 14 (PG 127) • Updated editable Word and Excel formats are posted on 

the Foster Grandparent webpage.

9 Appendix • Added Senior Demonstrations Program (SDP) to 

Appendixes. 

 

Edits made in (October 2022) Version 2022.4 

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1 Chapter 2 (pg. 21) • Added a link to Appendix A.8 Fundraising FAQs to section 

2.2.2

2 Chapter 3 (pg. 29–

30) 

• Added descriptions of anticipated unduplicated/VSYs and 

anticipated volunteers to the list of elements of a work plan

• Clarified how to count unduplicated volunteers/VSYs and 

total volunteers for work plans in the box titled “Targets”

3 Appendix • Changed the name of Appendix A.8 in the list of Appendices 

to Appendix A.8 Fund Raising and AmeriCorps Seniors 

Grants 

• Added the full text for Appendix A.8