FUNDS totalling $66,225 are available for community groups in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area as part of the 2022-23 Blair Volunteer Grants round.
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, said grants of between $1000 and $5000 were available to eligible not-for-profit community organisations to support the efforts of their volunteers.
“Volunteers have an extraordinary impact in our local communities,” Mr Neumann said.
“These grants provide small grants for equipment, services and training to support those volunteers.
“The Volunteer Grants program is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to assist volunteers and encourage volunteering.
“Local community organisations need to contact my office to get an invitation to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the grant.”
Eligible projects could include small equipment for use by volunteers, contributions to volunteers’ fuel costs, transport for volunteers with disability or unable to drive, training costs, background checks, adapting practices to support volunteer safety in the current pandemic, or promotional activities.
“This is about helping groups to look after their volunteers, who make a big difference in the community.
“Sadly, I know this will be over-subscribed as we have so many eligible organisations but limited amounts of funding.”
Mr Neumann works with a local community consultative committee to determine which groups will be nominated to make a full application.
“It is important that groups get an EOI in as soon as they can. The sooner they get them in, the sooner we can determine their suitability.
“While there is a short time frame to submit the EOI, it is not an onerous task and groups can work with my office to make the best submissions possible.”
EOIs need to be submitted to Mr Neumann’s office by close of business, Friday, September 9.
You can contact his office on 3201 5300 or email Shayne.Neumann.MP@aph.gov.au
