Community grants enter new round process

THE latest round of grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are available for applications from eligible not-for-profit community organisations that rely on volunteers.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker announced the opening of the 2024–25 Volunteer Grants Opportunity last week, and urged local community groups to apply to reduce barriers for volunteers and increase participation in volunteering across the region.

“Volunteers are the backbone of so many community organisations, and I’m proud to be part of a government that is backing them in as part of this latest round of grants,” she said.

“We have so many amazing volunteers across the region who play such an important role in bringing our communities together, and these grants will help support them and build the capacity of our not-for-profit community organisations.”

Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House received a volunteer grant of $2,000 to help purchase essential equipment and training in the previous round.

3216 Connect Op Shop in Grovedale secured $1,000 through the Corangamite volunteer grant to train their volunteers, the Geelong Ostomy group received a volunteer grant to purchase first-aid equipment, and Anam Cara House in Waurn Ponds received a volunteer grant of $1,500 for training.

Grants are allocated to purchase communication or insurance items, as well as items or services to assist volunteers or volunteer-run activities that support the wellbeing and development of children under the age of 18.

The grant funding must also be spent on activities or items benefiting the work of the volunteers, not for the benefit of the organisation.

“A volunteer grant represents more than just financial support,” Ms Coker said.

“It is a token of our appreciation, a recognition of the countless hours volunteers have invested, and a symbol of our shared commitment to the causes they champion.

“These grants are a way to say thank you — thank you for your passion, for your dedication and for the positive impact you make every single day.”

Expressions of interest will be reviewed by a local community committee, and selected organisations will be invited to apply for the grant through the Department of Social Services in February.

To download an Expression of interest form, head to libbycoker.com.au

Email Expressions of interest to [email protected] or mail it to 26/500-540 Torquay Road, Armstrong Creek by 5pm on January 17.