Volunteer Grants 2010 recognises the valuable work of Australia’s volunteers and is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting volunteers, assisting disadvantaged communities and encouraging social inclusion to assist vulnerable people within our society.  Funding of $21 million is available to eligible non-profit community organisations to assist their volunteers and encourage volunteering.

Volunteer Grants 2010 provides funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to help non-profit organisations to:

• contribute towards the costs of training courses for volunteers and/or undertaking background screening checks for volunteers; and/or
• purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help volunteers; and/or
• contribute towards fuel reimbursement for their volunteers, including those who use their cars to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need.

Applications forms, selection criteria guidelines and other essential information is located on the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website http://fahcsia.gov.au/sa/volunteers/funding/vgp_app_2010/Pages/default.aspx.

Applications close Friday 16 April 2010 at 2pm AEST. Applications submitted or postmarked after this date may not be accepted.