The 2024-25 Volunteer Grants Opportunity is now open for expressions of interest through Federal Members of Parliament (MPs). Grants are available as part of the Department of Social Services’ Families and Communities Program, which aims to strengthen relationships, support families, improve the wellbeing of children and young people, reduce the cost of family breakdown and strengthen family and community functioning.  

According to the Department of Social Services, the objectives of Volunteer Grants are to: 

  • Help not-for-profit community organisations to support the efforts of Australia’s volunteers;  
  • Encourage, support and increase participation in volunteering; and  
  • Support children’s wellbeing through volunteering.  

Up to $10 million (GST exclusive) is available through grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to eligible, not-for-profit community organisations.  

To apply, your organisation must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to your Federal MP and be nominated by the Federal MP. EOIs open in November 2024, with the EOI process varying across electorates. Make sure to contact your local MP for more details about how they will conduct their EOI process.  

If nominated, your Federal MP will indicate the level of funding your organisation has been endorsed for. Once you have been notified of your nomination, you must complete the application process in February 2025 as stipulated by the Department of Social Services. 

To be eligible to apply for this grant, you must be an organisation that has been nominated by your Federal MP, received an invitation to apply through GrantConnect and: 

  • Be a legal and eligible entity 

Or 

  • Be an unincorporated association that agrees to the primary contract on your application entering into an agreement on behalf of the unincorporated association. 

And  

  • Have a minimum of 40% of volunteers working for your organisation 
  • Be a not-for-profit organisation 
  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be willing to provide a Statement by Supplier Form (reason for not quoting an ABN) 
  • Have a bank account with an Australian financial institution in the name of the organisation unless you are applying as an unincorporated association.  
  • Be willing and legally able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth.  

What the grant money can be used for: 

  • Category 1: to purchase communication or insurance items that will benefit any of a community organisation’s volunteers.  
  • Category 2:  
  • (A) Purchase items or services for the main purpose of supporting a community organisation’s volunteers from the following cohorts: 
  • Children (under 18) as a means of supporting their development, or 
  • Adults whose volunteering activities support children’s development and wellbeing 
  • (B) Fund volunteer-run activities within the community organisation for the main purpose of supporting: 
  • Children’s (under 18) development and wellbeing, or 
  • Parents/carers to develop the skills necessary to ensure a child’s development.  

The 2024-25 Volunteer Grants provide volunteer-involving organisations with a wonderful funding opportunity and the ability to expand their services to assist volunteers or volunteer-run activities.

Find out more about the application process and whether your organisation is eligible here.  

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