The CNO AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program, led by the City of New Orleans Mayor's Office, is a federal grant program that tackles the nation's most pressing challenges by connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering. The program supports City Hall by expanding the ability of departments to fight poverty and provide better services to underserved and disproportionately impacted communities. The AmeriCorps VISTA projects further the City's mission of increasing job opportunities in New Orleans, as well as creating a culture of national service in our community.

CNO VISTA members serve at various departments to address critical city issues by engaging in capacity building work. Capacity building refers to tasks and activities that expand the scale, reach, efficiency, or effectiveness of programs and organizations. Member activities can include building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of departments, program development and delivery, research and data evaluation, community engagement and outreach, and partnership expansion and development. VISTA members do not engage in direct service, like tutoring or building houses.