Local community groups and sporting clubs are being encouraged by Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, to apply for funding through the $10 million Volunteer Grants program.
Expressions of Interest for the Federal Government’s 2025-26 Volunteer Grants Round are now open and close on Tuesday, April 7.
Through the grants program, eligible not-for-profit groups can apply for one-off individual grants worth between $1,000 and $5,000 are available.
“Total funding of up to $66,000 is available for the Blair electorate,” Mr Neumann said.
“Volunteer grants support the work of community organisations that rely on volunteers by removing barriers to volunteering and promoting awareness of volunteering opportunities.”
Under the grant guidelines, grants can be used for things like IT and other equipment or training for volunteers, background screening checks, insurance premiums and sporting equipment to train junior sports teams.
Mr Neumann said the grants were a great opportunity for eligible organization to boost their capacity.
“Funding is limited, so I encourage groups to get in early.”
“If you are interested, go to my website to read the grant guidelines and check your organisation’s eligibility, and then submit a short online Expression of Interest form.”
Groups which are chosen to take the next step in the process, will be invited by the Department of Social Services to submit a full application in May
“In the last funding round, 26 local organisations in Blair received more than $62,000 in grants,” Mr Neumann said.
“Previously, the Volunteer Grant program focused on supporting young volunteers, however this has now been expanded.”
The focus has now includes:
– First Nations people
– Newly arrived migrants
– People with disability
– Unemployed people who are volunteering to improve their skills
– Veterans and Australian Defence Force members
– Women experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, gender-based violence or isolation
– Women experiencing gender-based discrimination or disadvantage
– Eliminating racial discrimination and promoting understanding, tolerance and friendships among racial or ethnic groups.
