$21 million to support community volunteers

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

$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.

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

Earlier this year, 7200 organisations received funding to help purchase equipment such as first aid kits, fridges, barbeques, computers and software.
The funding has also helped thousands of volunteers cover fuel costs incurred while helping others in the community.

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.

Volunteers also add to the richness of our community life through their work in the arts, culture, sport and environment sectors.

Volunteer grants support and encourage volunteering, which is important in keeping our communities resilient in these challenging economic times.

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

For more information on the 2009 Volunteer Grants program, including an online application form, please visit Volunteer Grants 2009 – call for applications now open