Government Moves on Volunteer Petrol Money
5 September 2008 at 11:53 am
The Federal Government has moved on its election promise to provide petrol money for volunteers by calling for funding applications.
Not for Profit organisations can receive up to $2,500 to help pay for their volunteers’ petrol bills, as part of the Government’s $21 million Volunteer Grants Program 2008.
Under the Program, grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 can also be used to purchase equipment, including computers, tools, air conditioners and sporting equipment.
School Parents and Citizens Associations (P&Cs) will also have the opportunity to apply for funding along with other Not for Profit organisations.
The Government says that as well as freely giving their time, many volunteers also end up out of pocket. A major expense for volunteers can be the cost of petrol used to undertake voluntary activities.
Over the last five years, volunteers’ petrol costs have risen by 40 per cent.
Rudd Government admits its election commitment is a modest measure to help ease financial pressures on Not for Profit organisations.
However it says it will assist volunteers who use their vehicles to support people in the community for activities like delivering meals, taking disadvantaged children to weekend sport and visiting the elderly.
Voluntary and other charitable organisations can apply for funding to contribute to the reimbursement of fuel costs incurred by their volunteers.
Applications opens on Saturday 6 September and closes on Friday 17 October.
Organisations will receive funding by the end of the year.
More information on the program, including application forms and guidelines, is available at www.fahcsia.gov.au or by calling the toll-free hotline on 1800 183 374
