Volunteer Grants for Thousands of Australian Charities

The Federal Government has announced that 4,600 Not for Profit organisations will receive Volunteer Grants of up to $5000.

The Government says the grants are in recognition of the vital contribution volunteers make to Australian communities.

The Government says grants of up to $5,000 will help organisations purchase much-needed equipment, help with volunteers’ fuel costs, and cover the cost of training courses and background checks.

For the first time, the grants will also help cover transport costs of volunteers with disability who are unable to drive and need to use public transport or taxis as part of their volunteering role.

Minister for Social Inclusion Tanya Plibersek and the Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services Julie Collins made the announcement while meeting with Babana Aboriginal Men's Group, a volunteer-run support group in Sydney.

A grant recipient, Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group will receive more than $4,300 for items including a computer, a public address system, video camera and help with fuel costs.

The Government says the 2011 volunteer grants will support more than 200,000 people across Australia who give their time, energy and expertise to volunteering every day.

This year’s volunteer grants are targeted towards organisations that helped disadvantaged individuals, families and communities, particularly those affected by recent natural disasters.

Volunteers make a significant social and economic contribution to the Australian community, contributing approximately $14.6 billion to the Not for Profit sector each year.

To find out more about Volunteer Grants 2011 visit www.fahcsia.gov.au or call 1800 183 374.