Grants no laughing matter

18 February 2008 | Volunteering Australia

Volunteering Australia will again act as Grants Manager for the Comic Relief Australia Grants Program in 2008.

Applications are now being taken for grants from not-for-profit organisations that involve volunteers in their work. Volunteering Australia will receive, process and assess all applications, and liaise with grant applicants in respect of the allocation of these grants.

There are two categories of grants available – small grants with a limit of $5,000, and open grants with a limit of $50,000. Priority areas for grants include projects within Australia that affect young children and teenagers, indigenous Australians, refugees and asylum seekers, people with disabilities and volunteer projects.

Volunteering Australia CEO, Cary Pedicini, said Volunteering Australia is pleased to be involved.

"These grants are welcomed by the sector as they provide an opportunity to fund a range of exciting initiatives that will impact on disadvantaged groups. Comic Relief is to be applauded for this ongoing program. The Volunteering Australia team is excited to be a part of the grants process and look forward to working with Comic Relief and the community based organisations seeking project assistance."

Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector, has commended Australia's comedy profession and the support of ANZ and Channel 7 for their fundraising efforts for this program. "This is a unique program and targets small projects and groups that may not otherwise attract funding. It is a great example of the corporate sector directly supporting the work of volunteers." 

Grant applications are now open and need to be lodged by 4 April 2008. Full details on the assessment criteria and application process are available at www.volunteeringaustralia.org or by calling 03 9820 4100.

Media contact

Peter Cocks
National Communications Manager
T: 03 9868 5519
M: 0417 398 232
E: peter.cocks@volunteeringaustralia.org

Who is Volunteering Australia?

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Our role is to represent the diverse views and needs of the volunteer movement while promoting the activity of volunteering as one of enduring social, cultural and economic value.