The Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply for
Volunteer Grants through an open process under the Strengthening
Communities – Volunteering sub-activity. Funding is expected to be
offered to around 5,700 organisations as a result of this process, with
grants to be paid by 30 June 2016.
Volunteer Grants enable community organisations to apply for grants
of up to $5,000 to purchase small equipment items to assist their
volunteers, assist with the reimbursement of fuel costs incurred by
volunteers (and transport costs for volunteers with disability who are
unable to drive), and contribute towards the cost of training courses
and background screening checks for volunteers.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) funds organisations to develop and maintain a cohesive Australian community and improved independence and self-sufficiency recognising that government contributions are only one source of funding for the operation of community services.
The Families and Communities Programme aims to support families, improve children’s wellbeing and increase participation of vulnerable people in community life to enhance family and community functioning.
The following seven Activities make up the Programme and support the Commonwealth Government’s priorities and responsibilities:
The Families and Communities Programme aims to support families, improve children’s wellbeing and increase participation of vulnerable people in community life to enhance family and community functioning.
The following seven Activities make up the Programme and support the Commonwealth Government’s priorities and responsibilities:
- Financial Wellbeing and Capability
- Families and Children
- Strengthening Communities
- Settlement Services
- Civil Society
- Families and Communities Service Improvement
- National Initiatives
Programme objectives
The Programme aims to strengthen relationships, support families, improve children’s wellbeing and increase the participation in community life to strengthen family and community functioning, and reduce the costs of family breakdown. The Programme will provide a range of services, focussed strengthening relationships, and building parenting and financial management skills, providing support for better community connections, as well as services to help newly arrived migrants to in their transition to life in Australia.
The Programme aims to strengthen relationships, support families, improve children’s wellbeing and increase the participation in community life to strengthen family and community functioning, and reduce the costs of family breakdown. The Programme will provide a range of services, focussed strengthening relationships, and building parenting and financial management skills, providing support for better community connections, as well as services to help newly arrived migrants to in their transition to life in Australia.
The Programme also aims to provide a foundation for integrated, community led programme delivery that understands and meets local needs and promotes innovation and collaboration. This will include the establishment of a platform for continued improvement in the way DSS does its business, clarifying and strengthening Commonwealth and State/Territory government responsibilities and fostering stronger relationships with civil society and partnering with service providers.
The Programme will provide a range of services, predominantly focussed on early intervention, prevention, and support, including assistance for relationship breakdown.
These services will be provided to families, children, young people, volunteers, multicultural communities, humanitarian entrants, migrants and individuals with particular circumstances.
Moreinfo: https://www.dss.gov.au/grants/grants/funding-open-for-application/volunteer-grants-2015
