Applications open for Volunteer Grants
10th September, 2008
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss is calling on local volunteer and sporting groups to make applications for the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants program.“Volunteers make a significant social and economic contribution to local communities and improve the lives of countless Australians,” Mr Truss said.
“This funding recognises the work of volunteer organisations, allowing them to purchase equipment to make their work easier, safer and more enjoyable.
“Volunteer Grants is an extension of the former Coalition’s Government’s popular and successful Volunteer Small Equipment Grants program which delivered approximately $62 million in equipment and grants to more than 29,000 community organisations since 2001.”
The Volunteer Grants Program provides funding for eligible not-for-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering by:
· purchasing small equipment and sporting items to help their existing volunteers and to encourage more people to become volunteers
· contributing towards volunteers’ fuel costs incurred in their volunteering work, including using their cars to transport others to activities, delivering food and assisting people in need.
Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 can also be used to purchase equipment, including computers, tools, air conditioners and sporting equipment.
Not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to $2,500 to help pay for their volunteers' petrol bills, under the program.
School Parents and Citizens Associations (P&Cs) will also have the opportunity to apply for funding along with other not-for-profit organisations.
Parent organisations applying on behalf of multiple outlets or branches are able to lodge a ‘multi-organisation application’ for a minimum of $10,000 up to $250,000.
Applications close on Friday 17 October.
More information on the program, including application forms and guidelines, is available at www.fahcsia.gov.au or by calling the toll-free hotline on 1800 183 374.
