GRANTS NOW OPEN FOR PETRIE VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS

The Australian Government has recognised the importance of the many thousands of volunteers in our society and launched a $10 million national grant program to financially assist volunteer organisations and to increase volunteer participation.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, said grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to help community organisations support the efforts of their volunteers.

“Volunteering and helping out others is what we do in this great country and the 2019-20 Volunteer Grants is the Australian Government’s way of easing the associated costs when donating time and expertise,” said Mr Howarth.

“Each of the 151 electorates in Australia has been allocated $66,000 for purchasing small equipment or for the reimbursement of fuel, transport or training costs.

“There are many worthy organisations in Petrie who could greatly benefit so I’m looking to support a diverse range of priorities such as drought, environmental conservation, youth services including scouting groups or local sports clubs, community organisations supporting older Australians, arts groups and rural service providers.”

Volunteer organisations in Petrie wishing to apply must be invited by Mr Howarth as part of phase one. A Volunteer Grants Expression of Interest form can be downloaded at lukehowarth.com.au, filled out and returned to Luke.Howarth.MP@aph.gov.au by Friday 14 February where organisations will be selected to be put forward to the Department of Social Services based on the information provided.

In phase two, invited applicants will receive an application form from the department’s Community Grants Hub in March. Submitted applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis until the allocation has exhausted.

Visit www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/volunteer-grants-activity-%E2%80%93-2019-20-volunteer-grants to subscribe for alerts or for more information.