8th August 2008

GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR VOLUNTEER GROUPS

Local volunteer groups are being urged to look closely at applying for extra financial support through the Victorian Volunteers Small Grants program.

Eastern Victoria MP, Peter Hall, said the program had new guidelines and also had been extended.

“It is a good opportunity for not-for-profit volunteers’ organisations to obtain support to undertake a recruitment drive or a special project,” Mr Hall said. “I encourage groups to have a close look at the program so that Gippsland gets a share of the funds available.”

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for organisations to attract new volunteers from diverse backgrounds, such as
Indigenous people, newly arrived migrants, people with disabilities;  create new volunteering opportunities; and  strengthen existing volunteering programs to  engage new volunteers.

Community not for profit groups can apply if they involve local volunteers. They do need to be an incorporated body or, if not, can apply through another organisation that can manage the grant funds.

The grants are not available to meet existing debts or budget deficits, projects that have already started or have been completed, for things like purchase of prizes for fundraising events or staff salaries and general operating costs.

“The aim of the program is to help groups increase the diversity of volunteers in their sector and involve and encourage new volunteers,” Mr Hall said. “It is important to reinforce interest in volunteering because of the vital role volunteers play in our community and also the opportunities volunteering opens up for individuals.

“Any program that helps volunteers gets my support.”

Grant applications may be submitted in a number of ways including online at www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au, by email to grantapplications@dpcd.vic.gov.au, by fax to 03 9208 3680 or by mail to: Department for Planning and Community Development, Grants Unit, GPO Box 2392 Melbourne Vic 3001.

Applications can be submitted at any time.

For more information, call the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 (cost of a local call) on any weekday between 8.30am and 10.00pm (except Public Holidays).

Media contact:                  Peter Hall      (03) 5174 7066   or 0427 747 066