The Albanese Labor Government is bolstering its support for the nation's volunteering sector with $9.5 million awarded through the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants round (Volunteer Grants) to help not-for-profit community organisations.
Each year the Volunteer Grants program provides up to $10 million in funding to community organisations which they can then use to support their volunteers through such things including the purchasing of small equipment items, training, and background screening checks.
For the first time this year, eligible community organisations were able to allocate their funding towards insurance premiums. This change helps successful organisations to better navigate rising operating costs and reduces out of pocket costs for volunteers.
A total of 3,892 successful community organisations will receive one-off funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to use for things like:
- audio visual equipment for Returned Service League members to hold commemorative events
- radio communication devices for State Emergency Service volunteers, and
- sporting equipment to train local junior sports teams.
Examples of volunteer organisations include:
- Community organisations that support new parents
- Mental health support groups
- Local sporting clubs
- Multicultural community organisations.
These grants support the objectives of the National Strategy for Volunteering, a blueprint for the next 10 years that will enable volunteering in Australia to thrive.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 15 per cent of Australians report feelings of loneliness. Engaging in volunteer work and maintaining active memberships of sporting or community organisations are associated with reduced social isolation. That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is bolstering supports.
More information on the 2024–25 Volunteer Grants round is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Ged Kearney:
“I cannot emphasise enough how important Australia’s volunteers are to our community by providing vital support and services to those in need.
"Volunteering is one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness. When we give our time to others, we build connections and strengthen our communities. I want to see more people find that sense of purpose and belonging through volunteering.
“It is our hope that this additional funding will provide the support that our volunteers need to keep doing their incredible work.”