Volunteer grants of up to $5000 are available for community groups on the Sunshine Coast.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that up to $132,450 was available in the electorate of Fisher.
“Volunteers on the Sunshine Coast do a huge amount to build our community’s resilience, provide social support for isolated and vulnerable people, and deliver pathways to employment for school leavers, and they rarely ask for anything in return,” he said.
“However, this is not the time to be shy, and I would encourage all groups on the Coast to think about what kind of difference this sort of funding would make to them.”
“I am currently working with community leaders and groups in Fisher to identify priority volunteer support for our local area, but I am keen to hear from as many organisations as possible.” Mr Wallace said.
Twenty-two organisations in Fisher received Volunteer Grants in 2020 including Mooloolaba Surf Life Savers, who received $4950 for improved safety and security equipment; 5th Light Horse Regiment Maleny Troop, who received $5000 for new uniforms and riding equipment and Caloundra Committee of Services to the Aging (CCSA), who received $4990 for computer and gardening equipment.
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“We have a terrific track record of receiving funding under this program on the Sunshine Coast, with more than 70 grants in Fisher since 2016 alone. More funding is available this year than ever before, so now is the time to get in an expression of interest,” he said.
Volunteer Grants of $1000 to $5000 will help volunteers and volunteer groups to buy small equipment for volunteers, reimburse volunteer fuel, transport or training costs, or support promotional activities.
To receive a grant, organisations must have been nominated by their Federal Member of Parliament and meet the eligibility criteria.
The Department of Social Services will send an application form to nominated organisations to apply for funding in May. Successful applicants will be announced in November.
More information is available by contacting Mr Wallace’s office on andrew.wallace.mp@aph.gov.au or 07 5493 5556 or by visiting the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au.