The 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program is now open for Expressions of Interest. 

Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting awareness to increase participation in volunteering. 

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to assist eligible not-for-profit community organisations support the efforts of their volunteers.  

Eligible organisations must be a not-for-profit with a minimum of 40% volunteers in their workforce. Full eligibility criteria are available in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. 

Two streams of grant funding are available.  

Stream 1 funds the purchase of communication or insurance items that will benefit any of a community organisation’s volunteers. Eligible items in Stream 1 include: 

• Insurance premiums incurred by the community organisation 

• Internet service fees, phone bills, and software that facilitates online communications and activity 

• Computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones and communication devices 

• Electronic audio and visual equipment 

Stream 2 funds the purchase of items or services, or running volunteer-led activities, with the main purpose for supporting the development of children under 18, or adults whose volunteering activities supports children’s development and wellbeing. Eligible items in Stream 2 include: 

• Purchasing accessibility, educational, food preparation, or office equipment 

• Travel/fuel costs 

• Training courses and background screening checks for volunteers 

• Promotion of volunteering opportunities and event costs 

Expressions of Interest must be received by 5pm Friday 17th January 2025. 

A committee of representatives from local government and community groups will assess the expressions of interest.  

Successful proponents will then be invited to apply to the Department of Social Services for a grant. The final decision on successful applications will be made by a delegate of the government. 

It is important to carefully read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines before filling out an Expression of Interest.  

To apply for the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program, complete the Expression of Interest Form below. You must use a computer, not a tablet or mobile phone. It is advised to draft your responses to each question in a separate document then copy and paste these into the online form. This will prevent losing any work should the submission be unsuccessful. 

Once you have submitted the form, please check your emails to ensure you have received an email confirming your submission. If you have not received an email, you will need to lodge your submission again.