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Important Information
These guidelines are to assist organisations applying for Volunteer Grants 2010.
Volunteer Grants 2010 closes at 2 pm AEST on Friday 16 April 2010
Message from the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary
Every day across the country, millions of Australians volunteer their time and energy to help others. They help out at local sporting clubs, they deliver meals on wheels and they also reach out to the most vulnerable – people struggling with mental health problems, homelessness or family breakdown.
Recognising the enormous contribution made by the nation’s 5.4 million volunteers, the Australian Government is providing $21 million through Volunteer Grants 2010 to support them. This includes funding volunteer organisations to buy the equipment they need, support the development of their volunteers and assist with volunteers’ out of pocket expenses.
While Volunteer Grants 2010 are available to all community organisations, there is 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.
In the course of their work, volunteers can encounter complex and difficult situations demanding appropriate skills and ongoing training. This is why the Government has this year extended the Volunteer Grants scheme to include helping organisations meet the costs of training as well as obtaining police and working with children checks for their volunteers.
The grants will also continue to support organisations to purchase practical equipment items including computers, barbeques and first aid kits, and will also help with reimbursing volunteers for their out-of-pocket expenses such as fuel.
If your organisation is interested in applying for Volunteer Grants 2010, please read the attached application guidelines and then complete the application form. If you have any questions call the toll-free hotline on 1800 183 374.
Last year, more than 6,700 organisations and their 366,000 volunteers applied and were awarded funding through the Government’s Volunteer Grants initiative – demonstrating the Government’s support and appreciation of the hundreds of thousands of selfless community champions who quietly make a difference for the benefit of others.
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The Hon Jenny Macklin MP
Minister for Families, Housing,
Community Services and Indigenous Affairs |
Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens
Former Parliamentary Secretary
for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector |