Volunteer Grants 2011 overview
There was a very strong response from community organisations around Australia to the Volunteer Grants 2011 call for applications with more than 13,800 applications received. Over 4,600 organisations were successful in receiving funding which will assist more than 200,400 volunteers across Australia.
The standard of applications was high overall, making the selection process very competitive. All applications received were assessed against the selection criteria outlined in the Volunteer Grants 2011 Application Guidelines.
General feedback to assist organisations when applying for future funding is provided below.
Other funding options can be sourced at:
If you have any further queries, please contact the Volunteer Grants 2011 hotline on 1800 183 374 (9am to 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday), TTY: 1800 555 677, or via email to vg2011@fahcsia.gov.au.
General feedback for future Volunteer Grants applications
These tips provide guidance in completing applications for Volunteer Grants funding.
- It is important to read all available information provided about Volunteer Grants when applying for funding, especially the Application Guidelines. The Application Guidelines are specific to each funding round and provide information on the intent and purpose of the program, which will help organisations apply for grant funding.
- The Volunteer Grants Application Guidelines include helpful information on each section of the Application Form, including guidance for answering questions. The Application Guidelines also include information on the selection criteria.
- Organisations are encouraged to check their completed Application Form to ensure that all questions are answered. Answers to questions are often left blank in the application form, which may impact on the rating of the application.
- It is important to note that Volunteer Grants is a very competitive community-based funding opportunity and meeting the selection criteria does not necessarily guarantee success.
- Organisations are required to be a legal entity to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (the Department) if deemed successful under Volunteer Grants. Organisations that are not a legal entity in their own right are required to seek an eligible sponsor organisation that meets the Volunteer Grants eligibility requirements, including the necessary legal status, to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Department.
- Organisations need to clearly establish their legal entity status to ensure that they have the required legal standing to apply for Volunteer Grants. Organisations are encouraged to seek this information on their legal entity status from their financial officer, accountant or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Further information on legal entity type is outlined in the Application Guidelines.
- Applications must be completed correctly. Organisations need to clearly understand the questions and how to fill out the Application Form. Volunteer Grants hotline staff are available to answer queries from organisations during the call for application period.
- Items requested are required to meet the eligibility criteria of Volunteer Grants. The description of each item needs to be stated clearly and accurately. The cost of the requested item/s influences the rating of the application, as noted in the Application Guidelines.
- The minimum and maximum funding limits need to be strictly adhered to when applying for Volunteer Grants funding.
- Please keep written answers accurate, clear and within the specified word limits. Any text provided in excess of the prescribed limit may not be taken into account.
- Organisations are advised to prepare early and allow plenty of time to meet the application closing date. Please note that it is the organisation’s responsibility to ensure their application is received by the Department by the scheduled closing date. If posting your application, make sure the application is sent to the correct address noted on the Application Form.
- Check that your application and answers are complete and accurate before submitting your application.
- Organisations can seek feedback on their application for a period of 90 days after announcement by contacting the Volunteer Grants hotline on 1800 183 374 or by email request to vg2011@fahcsia.gov.au.