Grants of up to $5,000 are now available for Sunshine Coast community groups to support the valuable work of local volunteers.
The Volunteer Grants program, which was initiated by the former Coalition Government, is designed to support community groups with a focus on the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting participation in volunteering.
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said the grants were a great way for groups to recognise the role that volunteers play in their organisations and our communities.
“We are privileged on the Sunshine Coast to have an enormous workforce of hardworking volunteers that keep our community humming,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I was delighted to secure over $135,000 in Volunteer Grant funding earlier this year to support hundreds of local volunteers in 40 different organisations.
“From local surf lifesaving clubs, meals on wheels and community sporting groups, I urge everyone to jump online and submit an application for this round of funding.”
Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible not-for-profit community organisations to support the efforts of their volunteers with $63,000 available in Fairfax.
Service Coordinator for Coolum Beach Meals on Wheels, Gerard Rollo, a former recipient of the grant, said the program was a great way to support his organisation’s more than 150 volunteers.
“The benefits of Meals on Wheels go beyond the meal itself, helping older Australians remain socially engaged and connected to their community at a time when it is most needed.”
“The Volunteer Grants make a real difference to our service. They enable us to cover the fuel cost of delivering over 400 meals each week to people throughout the Coolum community.
“Without the help of our volunteers, we would not be able to support the health, independence and connection of over 100 people within our community”.
The grants can be used to buy small equipment for volunteers, or for the reimbursement of volunteer fuel, transport, or training costs, or to purchase items that help promote awareness of volunteering opportunities.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations in Fairfax are invited to submit an EOI at www.tedobrien.com.au/2022-fairfax-volunteer-grants/