Applications Open For $21 Million Volunteer Grants Program

Applications are now open for the Federal Government’s $21 million Volunteer Grants 2010.

Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to help eligible Not for Profit organisations purchase much-needed equipment, cover fuel costs, and for the first time, provide training courses and background checks.

In 2009 more than 6,700 organisations received funding as part of the Volunteer Grants program, supporting more than 366,000 volunteers.

Volunteer Grants 2010 provides funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to help Not for Profit organisations to:

• contribute towards the costs of training courses for volunteers and/or undertaking background screening checks for volunteers; and/or
• purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help volunteers; and/or
• contribute towards fuel reimbursement for their volunteers, including those who use their cars to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need.

Last year volunteer organisations across Australia used their funding to purchase equipment such as computers, cameras, barbeques, refrigerators and first aid kits, as well as helping to cover the fuel costs incurred by their volunteers.

Announcing the program, Minister Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector Senator Ursula Stephens said that the Australian Government recognises and values the hard work of volunteers, who make a real and lasting difference in our local communities.

Volunteer Grants 2010 will provide practical and tangible support to community organisations across Australia to support volunteers and encourage more people to take up volunteering.

Applications close at 2pm on Friday 16 April 2010.

To apply, or for more information, please visit www.fahcsia.gov.au or call 1800 183 374.