Because of the unique and innovative nature of this program, there are some terms that have been developed to accurately represent details of AmeriCorps. Consistent use of these terms helps reinforce the common objectives of AmeriCorps and clarifies AmeriCorps for the public. Some frequently used terms are:
- CNCS: Corporation for National and Community Service. Also referred to as "The Corporation"
- ICVS: The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Services. Also referred to as "The Commission"
- Members: people who participate in AmeriCorps should be referred to as "members" rather than volunteers, staff, workers, participants or employees.
- Education Award: A post-service benefit earned by all AmeriCorps successfully completing a term of service. The award is paid directly to a lending or educational institution and may be used to pay off education loans or to finance college or graduate school.
- Grantee: the direct recipient of an AmeriCorps grant
- Sub-recipient: term used for Sites/Sub-grantees.
- Performance measure: is the design, implementation and use of quantifiable indicators to report on program accomplishments and outcomes.
- Trust: The National Service Trust is an account in the Treasury of the United States from which the Corporation makes payments of education awards, pays interest that accrues on qualified student loans for AmeriCorps participants during terms of service in approved national service positions, and makes other payments authorized by Congress.
- eGrants/Portal: Web-based systems that CNCS uses for grantee oversight and information collection.
- Start date: date which a member begins his/her service
- End date: date a member must complete service hours by as listed on their Member Service agreement
- Completion date: date a member actually completes his/her service hours (if member finishes before end date)
- IowaGrants: The timekeeping system that is used by ICAP to document and track a member's timesheets.
- My.AmeriCorps: The AmeriCorps system that is used by members to access their education award and to search for new AmeriCorps service opportunities.