Federal Independent Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines is reminding local community groups of the deadline for Expressions of Interest for the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program. 

Local community groups have until 5pm on Friday 17 January to lodge an Expression of Interest for the next round, with between $1,000 and $5,000 available to support organisations to increase participation in volunteering and support children’s wellbeing through volunteering.  

“This year, the grant focuses on funding important but often expensive costs involved with volunteering – like insurance premiums, phone bills and technology purchases, which are becoming increasingly more expensive.” said Dr Haines. 

“I encourage not-for-profit community organisations across Indi to consider putting in an expression of interest.   

“Volunteer groups that I meet with across Indi tell me that grants like this go a long way in supporting volunteers to continue their important work.” 

There are two streams of grant funding in the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program. 

• Stream 1 funds the purchase of communication or insurance items that will benefit a community organisation’s volunteers.  

• 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. 

Applications will be assessed by a panel of community members, with successful applicants then invited to apply to the Department of Social Services for a grant. 

Details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found here.