Because their is no innate inclination for altruism (which literally doesn't exist-yes, even in people like Tony 
) that requires government intervention. I'm all for programs like Medicare, Social Security, etc, as they are direct to citizen services. They aren't "altruistic" as the American people get various services in return for their tax contributions, while the CNCS programs (and others like the Peace Corps) extend beyond basic public services.
Programs like AmeriCorps, etc can be executed more efficiently on a local level. I don't see what purpose the corporation serves. Why not just appropriate the money to each individual state in block grants via the regular budgetary process?
Sure is great to have President Trump cutting the fat. I'd wish he'd scale back the military budget rather than increase it and instead invest that money in building back up our national infrastructure at last.
AmeriCorps is all about local communities, nonprofits, and public agencies
applying for help with either direct service or capacity building, and in response getting AmeriCorps members assigned to them for a specific job. It's a
grassroots approach to serve those in need.
The largest branch of it IS about helping to fund State programs, that meet grant standards.
It also benefits its service-oriented members. Many, but not all, AmeriCorps Member positions are geared towards those aged 18-24, as a sort of modern CCC from the New Deal era.
AmeriCorps Members may also receive up to 2 Segal Education Awards (of about $5800 each, tied to the Pell Grant), with one full award for completing one full term of service (for VISTAs that's 365 days, for the State/National/NCCC members it's usually at least 1700 hours within 10 months). In addition to a living stipend (which doesn't vary, but if you're working a normal 40-hours week, pays about $4-5/hour for State/National/VISTA and about $1-2/hour for NCCC Corps Members besides Team Leaders).
And yes, they do provide direct services:
This statistic is a little outdated, but definitely helps explain the scope of the difference AmeriCorps makes, with just this one example:
And some more:
Some of their indirect services, such as that VISTAs do, are even more valuable because they're all about building capacity of nonprofit programs, so they can be sustainable.
