Federal member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou is pleased to advise that the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens, have announced the opening of this year’s Volunteer Grant applications.
Ms Vamvakinou said part of the $21 million funding allocated for Volunteer Grants would help the volunteers in Calwell carry out their work and encourage more people to get involved in the community.
“Non‑profit organisations can apply for between $1,000 and $5,000 to support their volunteers” Ms Vamvakinou said.
Volunteer Grants 2010 has been extended to include training and background checks, in recognition of the needs of today’s volunteers. Organisations will now be able to apply for a contribution towards the cost of training volunteers in courses such as leadership, governance and first aid. Funding is also available to assist with the costs of background checks for volunteers, where they are required.
As in previous rounds, funding can also be used to purchase practical small equipment items, such as computers, barbeques and first aid kits. Organisations will be able to apply for funding for a contribution towards the reimbursement of their volunteers’ fuel costs to assist them in undertaking their volunteering activities.
Information about Volunteer Grants 2010, including the Application Form and Application Guidelines, is available from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) website at www.fahcsia.gov.au, or by calling the toll-free Hotline on 1800 183 374.
Applications can be made online through the Department’s website, alternatively a paper application form can be requested. Applications close 2 pm AEST Friday 16 April 2010.
The Application Guidelines provide important information about Volunteer Grants 2010 and instructions to help organisations complete an application. It is recommended that you read the Volunteer Grants 2010 Application Guidelines before applying to ensure your organisation and the requested items are eligible for funding.
Media Contact: Maya Kypuros (03) 9309 3655
