2009 VOLUNTEER GRANTS – LOCALS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP called on eligible locals to apply for the 2009 Volunteer Grants.
“Volunteers play a vital role in our local communities, and volunteering is even more important in these challenging economic times,” Mr Ruddock said.
“Volunteers donate their time, skills and understanding to our most vulnerable and disadvantaged people, including the homeless, children at risk, and older residents. In times of disaster, volunteers are out helping people in need and assisting communities to recover. Organisations can also apply for funding to assist with reimbursing fuel costs for volunteers.
“To recognise this invaluable contribution from our volunteers, the Federal Government is providing $21 million of funding through the Volunteer Grants initiative in 2009.
“This funding will allow non-profit organisations to purchase small equipment items to help their existing volunteers and encourage new ones. Organisations may wish to apply for funding for a new barbeque, computer or other item that will enhance the volunteering experience,” Philip Ruddock said.
Last year, more than 7,000 organisations received volunteer grants from the Australian Government.
“Interested community organisations can read the Application Guidelines when applying, and visit the
FaHCSIA website or call the toll-free Hotline on
1800 183 374 for more information.
Volunteer Grants 2009 provides funding for eligible non-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering by:
- purchasing practical and tangible small equipment items to help volunteers;
- contributing towards the reimbursement of volunteers’ fuel costs incurred when carrying out their volunteering work, including those who use their cars to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need;
- Purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help volunteers; and/or
- Contribute towards fuel reimbursement for their volunteers.
The Volunteer Grants 2009 funding round opens on Friday 14 August 2009 and closes on Friday 25 September 2009 at 5pm AEST. Only the 'online' electronic forms or the approved paper Volunteer Grants 2009 Application Form will be considered.