Volunteer Grants are part of the Australian Government's commitment to assist volunteers and encourage volunteering. Volunteer Grants aid the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and providing supports to increase participation in volunteering.
The 2022-23 Volunteer Grants round is a closed, non-competitive, electorate based process. It will draw on the knowledge of Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) in regard to the needs of eligible organisations in local communities.
The MP Expression of Interest (EOI) process is currently open and community organisations are required to submit an expression of interest to their local MP who, through a community committee, will assess the EOIs and nominate organisations to apply for the grant.
Organisations can apply for grants between the value of $1,000 and $5,000 to support the efforts of their volunteers. The grants can be used to buy small equipment for volunteers, or for the reimbursement of volunteer fuel, transport or training costs, or to purchase items that help promote awareness of volunteering opportunities.
Organisations nominated by their local MP will be invited by the Department of Social Services Community Grants Hub on 15 November 2022 to submit an application by the closing date of 5 December 2022. All assessments and funding decisions are undertaken by the Department of Social Services who will notify applicants of the outcome in June 2023.
