$1.3 million for Western Australian non profits and charities

Senator Stephens, today met with Western Australian recipients of the Australian Government’s Temporary Financial Assistance grants initiative for non profit organisations at Youth Focus in Burswood.

Five Western Australian non profit organisations and charities will receive a total of $1.3 million under the initiative.

“These five organisations represent diverse parts of the sector.

“From assistance to people with low vision and those who have lost children to SIDS, to youth and indigenous organisations – these organisations share a passion for helping people who are going through difficult times in their lives.

“We know that demand for community services has been soaring since last year at a time when non profit organisations have been suffering decreases in revenue.

“This funding will ensure that these important organisations are able to continue their vital work of helping people in their time of need,” said Senator Stephens.

The $11 million Temporary Financial Assistance grants are provided under the Get Communities Working stream of the Jobs Fund. These grants will support charitable and non profit organisations that have experienced a decrease in donations in the current economic downturn.

The Jobs Fund is a $650 million Australian Government initiative to support, create or retain jobs and increase skills through innovative projects that build community infrastructure and increase social capital in local communities across the country.

Senator Stephens also encouraged local community organisations to apply for the Australian Government’s 2009 Volunteer Grants, which provide small grants to organisations to assist their volunteers.

More information can be found at Volunteer Grants 2009