Volunteer Grants 2024-2025

Volunteer Grants 2024-2025: Supporting Community Volunteers

Helping not-for-profit organisations reduce barriers for volunteers, increase participation, and strengthen community engagement.

Program Overview

The Volunteer Grants 2024-2025 is part of the Families and Communities Program, which aims to strengthen community connections, improve child and family wellbeing, and encourage greater participation in volunteering. The grants provide financial support to help not-for-profit organisations enhance their volunteer programs, purchase essential equipment, and fund volunteer-run activities.

This grant is designed to:

• Support volunteers by funding resources and activities that improve their experience and participation.

• Reduce barriers that prevent people from volunteering.

• Strengthen local communities by increasing volunteer involvement.

• Improve children’s wellbeing through volunteer-led initiatives.

Key Grant Details

• Funding Amount: Between $1,000 – $5,000 per organisation.

• Total Funding Available: Each Federal electorate has $66,225 (GST exclusive) to distribute.

• Application Process: Expressions of Interest (EOI) must be submitted through local Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) before the deadline.

• MP Nomination Deadline: 31 January 2025.

• Full Application Submission: Shortlisted organisations will receive an invitation from the Department of Social Services to submit a formal application in February 2025.

Who Can Apply?

This grant is open to not-for-profit community organisations that:

• Have at least 40% of their workforce as volunteers.

• Are legally registered as one of the following:

  • Incorporated association

  • Indigenous corporation

  • Cooperative

  • Company

  • Corporate or non-corporate state/territory entity

  • Statutory entity

  • A not-for-profit community organisation linked to, but not legally part of, a local council

Government agencies (federal, state, or local), for-profit businesses, and individuals are not eligible.

How Can Funding Be Used?

Volunteer Grants can be used for projects that directly benefit volunteers and improve community engagement.

Category 1: Purchasing essential resources, such as:

• Communication tools (e.g., laptops, software, radios)

• Insurance to protect volunteers

• Equipment that enhances volunteer experiences

Category 2: Supporting volunteer-run initiatives focused on children’s wellbeing, including:

• Activities that foster child development

• Programs helping parents/carers build skills to support children

What is NOT funded?

• Capital purchases (e.g., buildings, construction, land)

• Large equipment (e.g., vehicles, expensive machinery)

• Business expenses or tools of trade

• Travel costs (except where directly benefiting the project)

Application Process

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to your local Federal MP before the closing date (check with your MP for the exact deadline).

2. Federal MPs will nominate organisations to apply for funding by 31 January 2025.

3. Shortlisted organisations will receive an official invitation in February 2025 to submit a formal application through the Department of Social Services.

   
   

Act Now! Contact your local Federal MP to express interest and check your electorate’s deadline.

For full funding guidelines, visit the official grant provider’s website.