For further clarification of any of the following questions, please refer to the Volunteer Grants 2010 Application Guidelines.
Q1. What is the Volunteer Grants 2010 application process?
A1. Organisations can apply for Volunteer Grants 2010 funding from 12 March 2010 and closes at 2 pm AEST on 16 April 2010. It is preferred that applications are made online through the FaHCSIA website. Paper-based applications can also be requested by phoning the Volunteer Grants toll-free hotline on 1800 183 374 or emailing vg2010@fahcsia.gov.au. Information about how to complete an Application Form can be found at Section 2 in the Application Guidelines.
Q2. Can I submit more than one application?
A2. No. An organisation can only make one application for funding. If more than one application is submitted only one will be accepted. Note: Sponsoring organisations can also apply in their own right.
Q3. Which organisations are eligible?
A3. Eligible organisations will generally be non-profit, incorporated or other legal entities with volunteers whose work is aimed at supporting Australian families and communities. Volunteer Grants 2010 are available to all community organisations with a particular focus on supporting disadvantaged communities, and organisations that help people who are at risk of social isolation, poverty, homelessness or other forms of hardship. Further information can be found in the Volunteer Grants 2010 Application Guidelines.
Q4. Can my organisation apply if it is not a legal entity?
A4. An organisation that is not a legal entity is not eligible to apply in its own right. However, organisations may seek an eligible sponsor organisation to apply on their behalf. Further information can be found in the Volunteer Grants 2010 Application Guidelines.
Q5. Can Local Governments apply for funding?
A5. Local Governments are not eligible to apply for funding in their own right.
However, Local Government entities may sponsor a non-profit organisation with volunteers where an organisation is not a legal entity in its own right and the Local Government entity is the only or most reasonable option to sponsor the organisation in the community.
Q6. Can Australian and State/Territory Government Departments apply for funding?
A6. No. Australian State and Territory Government Departments are not eligible to apply for funding in their own right.
Exception: A State Government educational institution may sponsor the local parent & friends association where a parent association/committee is not a legal entity in its own right; or on behalf of a school council/board whose legal status is linked to the school’s governing body, such as a state government school.
Q7. How many Volunteer Grants 2010 applications can an organisation sponsor?
A7. Organisations may sponsor a maximum of 50 Volunteer Grant 2010 applications. Should a sponsoring body sponsor in excess of 50 applications only the first 50 applications will be assessed as eligible by the Department and this decision will be final.
Q8. Who can complete an application?
A8. The application should be completed by a representative of the organisation with authority to commit the organisation to the Terms and Conditions of Volunteer Grants 2010. The representative is normally the President, Secretary, Treasurer, CEO, Manager or Coordinator. Applications submitted online, or via email, should be submitted by a person with the authority act on behalf of the organisation. Paper–based applications must be signed by two representatives of the organisation.
Q9. How much can organisations apply for?
A9. Volunteer Grants 2010 funding can range from a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $5,000 is available per organisation.
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Q10. Can I apply for more than $5,000?
A11. No. Total funding cannot exceed $5,000 (GST incl.) per organisation.
Q12. Can I apply for less than $1,000?
A12. No. Minimum amount of funding is $1,000 (GST incl.) per organisation.
Q13. What can my organisation use the grant funding for?
A13. Volunteer Grants 2010 funding will allow eligible organisations to apply for a contribution towards the cost of training courses and background checks for volunteers and to purchase practical and tangible small equipment items to assist their volunteers and encourage new people to volunteer. In addition, organisations may seek funding to contribute towards reimbursement of fuel costs incurred by volunteers in their volunteering work. This funding aims to assist volunteers who use their cars to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need.
Q14. What type of training can the volunteers undertake?
A14. A contribution towards the cost of training courses is available to assist volunteers to obtain skills and qualifications in their volunteering role. Training courses may include, but are not limited to, general and mental health first aid, leadership, communication skills, governance and/or working with vulnerable people courses. Recognised courses leading to a Statement of Attainment, Certificate or Diploma are preferred.
Q15. Can individual volunteers apply directly for funding for their fuel costs?
A15. No. Only an eligible organisation can apply for funding to contribute towards reimbursement of fuel costs incurred by volunteers in their volunteering work.
Q16. Can organisations apply for funding to contribute to fuel reimbursement only?
A16. Yes. Organisations can apply for up to $5,000 towards fuel cost reimbursement.
Q17. When do applications close?
A17. Online/electronic applications must be lodged by 2 pm AEST Friday 16 April 2010. It will not be possible to lodge an electronic application after this time. Emailed/posted applications must be emailed/postmarked no later than Friday 16 April 2010.
Q18. How will we find out whether our application has been successful?
A18. All organisations will receive written notification of the outcome of their application to the contact person nominated in the application. Successful organisations will be listed on the FaHCSIA website.
Q19. What happens if we are successful, and when can we expect the money?
A19. Successful organisations will be sent a Letter of Funding that will need to be signed by an authorised representative of the organisation and returned to the Department. The Department, on receipt of the returned agreement, will check all information. When the information has been verified, the Department will process payment promptly.
Q20. How long will the Assessment process take?
A20. The assessment process will take around three months, and an announcement of successful organisations is expected early in the new financial year. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in writing. Successful organisations will receive funding when the Funding Agreement is accepted by the Department.
Q21. Can fuel costs apply to the organisation’s equipment and machinery?
A21. No. Funding is limited to motor vehicle fuel/petrol/gas/diesel costs for volunteers who incur these costs directly in undertaking their volunteering activities.
Q22. How do I acquit the grant funding?
A22. The Department may require you to provide proof of purchase and to allow the Australian Government’s auditors to look at your records. Original receipts are required as proof of purchase for all items, including receipts for all contributions for the reimbursement of fuel. Receipts must be retained for five years. It is not necessary to send receipts to the Department, unless requested to do so. Further acquittal information is included in the Application Guidelines.