The federal government is continuing to recognise the efforts of volunteers and community organisations with the opening of Volunteer Grants Round 2025-26, through the Department of Social Services.

Grants will be between $1,000 and $5,000 for eligible community organisations who rely on the work of volunteers, because volunteers are the backbone of our community in Melbourne's west. 

This is an opportunity for organisations to support the efforts of their volunteers. Volunteer grants can be used to buy small equipment for volunteers, for the reimbursement of volunteer transport, training costs, or to purchase items that help promote awareness of volunteering opportunities. 

Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest to my office which will be assessed by a local committee. Successful EOI applicants will then be invited to submit a formal application to the Department of Social Services (DSS).

There are three categories for Volunteer Grants:

• CATEGORY 1: for organisations to purchase communication or insurance items that will benefit any of the community organisation’s volunteers
• CATEGORY 2 (A): for organisations to purchase items for the main purpose of supporting volunteers from community organisations within cohorts including adults whose volunteering activities support children, children, First Nations People, newly arrived migrants, people with a disability, unemployed people, veterans and Australian Defence Force members, or  women experiencing or at risk of experiencing gender-based violence or isolation.
• CATEGORY 2 (B): to fund volunteer-run activities within community organisations supporting activities that support children, First Nations People, newly arrived migrants, people with a disability, unemployed people, veterans and Australian Defence Force members, and women experiencing or at risk of experiencing gender-based violence or isolation, women experiencing gender-based discrimination or advantage, or eliminating racial discrimination and promoting understanding, tolerance and friendship amongst racial or ethnic groups. 

Expressions of interest are now open, and will close on Friday 27 March. Successful organisations will be contacted to apply in May 2026.

Grant activities for recipient organisations must end by 31 October 2027.

To express interest: 2025-26 Volunteer Grants - Expression of Interest - Google Forms

For more information about the grants and eligibility: Forecast Opportunity View - FO2025-4700: GrantConnect