VOLUNTEER GROUPS URGED TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is urging volunteer groups to apply for a share in funding under the $10 million 2023-24 Volunteer Grants Round, which is now open.

A total of $66,225 is available for organisations in the Riverina electorate, with eligible community groups able to apply for grants between $1,000 and $5,000.

Mr McCormack encouraged those eligible to submit an expression of interest (EOI).

“Grants can be used to reimburse volunteers for fuel, transport or training costs, buy small equipment for volunteers or fund promotional activities to increase awareness and participation in volunteering opportunities,” Mr McCormack said.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the Riverina and Central West and I thank each and every one of them who spend their valuable time to further improve the liveability of our regional communities.

“Many organisations throughout the electorate have benefited from previous rounds to support them delivering the vital services they provide in our communities and I urge all volunteer groups to contact my office to obtain an expression of interest form as soon as possible.

“The ability for volunteer groups to raise money to support the invaluable work they do is limited, especially in these times of rising costs of living, so every cent they can get is so important to them.”

Mr McCormack said further information about the Volunteer Grants program can be obtained by telephoning his Wagga Wagga Electorate Office on (02) 6921 4600 or by emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au

The EOI form can be downloaded here.

More information is also available by visiting the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au

The EOI period closes on Friday 25 August 2023. Mr McCormack will then consult with a local advisory committee on which EOIs progress to the application stage. Successful EOIs will be invited to apply for a grant. Assessment of applications is expected to happen from December 2023 to March 2024.