Applications open for Volunteer Grants
18th August, 2009
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 grants program 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 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 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.
Information on the 2009 Volunteer Grants program and an online application form can be found at
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/volunteers/funding/Pages/volunteer_grant09.aspx
Paper‐based application forms are also available by calling 1800 183 374 or by emailing vg2009@fahcsia.gov.au.
Applications close on Friday 25 September 2009 at 5pm AEST
