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Foster Grandparent Program (FGP)

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) was established in August 1965 to provide older adults a way to serve their communities in their retirement years, and give them the satisfaction that comes from being needed and serving others. Curry County has been an active participant in the Foster Grandparent program since 1986, affecting the lives of hundreds of Foster Grandparents and thousands of students. We are growing every day, and welcome all of our volunteers to join in to support our local educational organizations.

What is FGP?

The Foster Grandparent Program is a dual purpose local, state, and federally funded program for qualified agencies and organizations. It engages individuals 55 years of age and older with a volunteer service to meet critical community needs, and provides a high-quality experience that enriches the lives of the volunteers and those they come into contact with. Program funds provide supportive services to children with exceptional academic, social, or emotional needs.  The volunteer service is done in the classroom under the supervision of the school district they are serving.

FGP Eligibility/Benefits

  • Qualifications: Applicants must be 55 years of age or older and able to pass a criminal background check. Volunteers work a minimum of 5 hours per week up to 40 hours in a classroom setting. It is important that Foster Grandparents have sensitivity and empathy for children with special needs.
  • Stipends: Foster Grandparents are eligible to receive a stipend of $4.00 per hour. This stipend is non-taxable and is not considered income. These stipends are based on income qualifications, and an income certification will be done annually to determine eligibility.  If income is determined to be above the standard for stipend eligibility, a Foster Grandparent may serve as a non-stipend volunteer. They will receive the same benefits a stipend volunteer receives except the stipend. 
  • Travel: Foster Grandparents using their own vehicle will be reimbursed at a rate of $0.70 per mile. The volunteer is required to provide proof of current auto insurance, and must maintain a valid driver’s license. Travel is paid to and from the assigned school and to other FGP events, and is verified to determine the distance between destinations. If the volunteer does not drive and utilizes CATS, bus passes will be issued as needed.

2026 Income Eligibility Levels for Foster Grandparents, by Household Size  
(Based on 200 percent of DHHS poverty guidelines)

Family of 1  - $31,920
Family of 2 -  $43,280
Family of 3 -  $54,640
Family of 4 -  $66,000

Income qualifications are based on income from all members of a household.
For family units with more than four members, add $11,360 for each additional member.

The Foster Grandparent Program strives to maintain flexibility in scheduling station assignments. The Grandparent's schedule is not set by the Program Director. The Grandparent works with the school staff to establish their volunteer schedule. We realize that you may have planned to do things during retirement that might conflict with your assignment. If you ever need to alter your work schedule due to conflicting commitments, please notify your station and the FGP office in advance.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

2.3.4 Non-Discrimination (45 CFR 2553.91(f)) A sponsor or sponsor employee shall not discriminate against a RSVP volunteer on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or political affiliation, or on the basis of disability if the volunteer with a disability is qualified to serve.