Originated in 1965 out of the Older Americans Act.
Started as a pilot project in Staten Island, New York as SERVE - Serve and Enrich Retirement through Volunteer Experience.
SERVE's success led to the creation of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program as a national program in 1971.
In 1973 the Greater St. Cloud Area RSVP began when the City of St. Cloud wrote and received a grant from ACTION, the National Volunteer Agency.
In 1973, RSVP - along with 2 other Older American Volunteer Programs (OAVP), the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program - was transferred to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act.
In 1978, the Greater St. Cloud Area RSVP expanded to serve Sherburne County.
In 1993, RSVP and the other OAVP programs were renamed as the National Senior Service Corps (NSSC) and became part of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
The passage of the Serve America Act in 2009 demonstrates a renewed commitment to service on a national level.
In 2020, the Corporation for National and Community Service rebranded to become AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors.
In 2021, the Greater St Cloud Area RSVP expanded to serve Wright County.