There are so many fantastic community organisations across the Mighty Eden-Monaro that do good work to support our community. Which is why I would like to invite your organisation to apply for this year’s round Volunteer Grants by 03 January 2025.

Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations with a focus on the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting participation in volunteering.

There is $66,225(GST exclusive) available for Eden-Monaro not-for-profit organisations whose workforce consists of at least 40% volunteers.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 will be available to eligible not-for-profit community organisations to support the efforts of their volunteers. The grants can be used to buy small equipment for volunteers, or for the reimbursement of volunteer transport, or training costs, or to purchase items that help promote awareness of volunteering opportunities.

This grant will require applicants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to my office which will be assessed by a local committee. Successful EOI applicants will then be invited to submit a formal application to the Department of Social Services.

There are now two categories for Volunteer Grants which reflect areas of high demand for volunteer organisations:

• CATEGORY 1: for all volunteer organisations. communications and IT items (such as laptops, phones, payment devices and software), and paying for insurance premiums.
• CATEGORY 2: for items and services that support the development and well-being of children and young people under 18.

These changes mean Volunteer Grant funding will be more targeted to where it is needed most.

Purpose: Volunteer Grants are about strengthening communities by increasing participation in volunteering. The key changes of Volunteer Grants are to:

• better align the program
• with the National Strategy for Volunteering 2023-33 and
• its vision for children and young people;
• support some key costs facing all volunteering organisations

Eligibility: To be eligible to apply you must be an organisation that has been nominated by my office, receive an invitation to apply through GrantConnect and:

• be a not-for-profit organisation
• have a minimum of 40% of volunteers working for the organisation
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be willing to provide a Statement by Supplier Form (reason for not quoting an ABN)
• have an account with an Australian financial institution in the name of the organisation applying, unless applying as an unincorporated association

If applying as an unincorporated association, an individual connected to the organisation applying must be willing to enter into the agreement and assume personal legal liability.

If your EOI is approved, you will be invited to complete a detailed formal application through an online portal which will be processed by the Department of Social Services.

The Volunteer Grants will fund volunteer organisations for costs associated with any activity helping and supporting people under 18, to help with the costs of modernising their operations and to cover key costs, including insurance premiums and internet bills.

Please read the grant guidelines to ensure that your organisation and proposed application is eligible, then complete the expression of interest form.

Important Documents

2024-25 Volunteer Grants outline

2024-25 Volunteer Grants Guidelines download – must read!

2024-25 Volunteers Grants – Expression of Interest by 03 January 2025

If you require assistance, please call my office on (02) 6284 2442 or email me at [email protected]