14 August 2009

Non-profit organisations, which are supported by volunteers, can apply for Federal Government grants of up to $5,000 to purchase equipment and cover the cost of petrol. 

Peter Garrett, Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, welcomed the announcement of the grants round by the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens.

“These grants are a great way for the government to recognise and directly support volunteers who selflessly give up their time to help people in need,” Mr Garrett said.

$21 million will be distributed across Australia in the 2009 round of volunteer grants, supporting more than 7000 organisations and 900,000 volunteers.

“The Australian Government values the enormous contribution volunteers make in our community and this funding will ease the financial pressure on non-profit organisations and volunteers,” Mr Garrett said.

Organisations will receive grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to purchase equipment, including computers, tools, air conditioners and sporting equipment, and also help with fuel costs.

“Grants can be used to purchase equipment or to help cover volunteers’ fuel costs incurred when carrying out their volunteering activities,” Mr Garrett said.

In NSW, 2271 organisations received funding under last year’s Volunteer Grants program.

• Randwick Community Organic Garden received $4,224 for  a generator, pump and wiring for a solar panel; and
• the Little Bay Coast Centre for Seniors received $2900 for audio-visual equipment

Ms Macklin said volunteers play a crucial role in our communities.

“They are out in their local communities every day, helping the vulnerable, disadvantaged, and those who have hit hard times,” Ms Macklin said.

Applications are open for six weeks from Friday 14 August to 25 September 2009.