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24 February 2026

VOLUNTEER GRANTS PROGRAM OPEN FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling on local not-for-profit organisations to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 2025–26 Volunteer Grants program.

 
Mr Chester said the Volunteer Grants program provides practical support to community organisations that rely on volunteers by reducing barriers to participation and strengthening community connections.
 
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Gippsland communities,” Mr Chester said.
 
“From emergency services and sporting clubs to service organisations, environmental groups and community events, thousands of Gippslanders generously give their time to help others.”
 
Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible not-for-profit organisations to help support their volunteers and volunteer-run activities.
 
Mr Chester said the program aligns with the National Strategy for Volunteering by focusing on improving the volunteer experience, making volunteering more inclusive and accessible, and recognising the inherent value of volunteering.
 
“This funding helps organisations remove practical barriers that might otherwise prevent people from volunteering,” he said.
 
“It also supports volunteer-run initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing and encourage more people to get involved.”
 
Mr Chester said the grants serve as an important recognition of the contribution volunteers make across the region.
 
“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid, it is certainly not unrecognised,” he said.
 
“The value they bring to our communities is immeasurable, and this program provides a helping hand to ensure they can continue their work safely, effectively and sustainably.”
 
Expressions of Interest for the 2025–26 Volunteer Grants Program close at 5pm, Friday, April 3.
 
Local community organisations must submit an EOI through Mr Chester’s website at www.darrenchester.com.au to be considered. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a full application.
 
“I encourage all eligible Gippsland organisations that rely on volunteers to put their hand up and apply,” Mr Chester said.
 
“By supporting our volunteers, we are investing in stronger, safer and more connected communities across Gippsland.”

Please refer to the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for more information on eligibility requirements.

Grant Guidelines 2025-26

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

2025-26 Volunteer Grants Round Expression of Interest (1)

"*" indicates required fields

Organisation Details:

Complete and return this form to your Member of Parliament to express your organisation’s interest in the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants Opportunity administered by the Department of Social Services. Please refer to the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for more information on eligibility requirements.
Organisation Address*
Activity Address
The activity address refers to the address where the volunteering activity occurs. If this is the same as the organisation address, this field can be left blank.

Please provide the details of two contacts at the organisation:

Primary Contact Name*
Secondary Contact Name*

Questions

All funding sought must directly benefit your organisation’s volunteers or volunteer run activities as per Category 1 and 2 below.
2. Do volunteers make up 40% or more of your organisation’s staff?*
4. If applying under Category 1, which communication items are you seeking to purchase? (if applying under category 2 select NA) (note you can apply under more than one category)*
5. If applying under Category 2, are you seeking to support volunteers under the age of 18 or volunteer run activities for the development and well being of children? (you may select more than one) (If only applying under Category 1 please select NA)*
6. If applying under Category 2 what items will are you seeking to purchase? (If applying under 1 category only select NA) (note you can apply under more than one category)*
7. Has anyone from your organisation submitted an expression of interest in another electorate?*
Further Information

All applications will be assessed by a Community Committee. Grants are not ongoing and if your organisation is nominated by your local Federal Member of Parliament you will be invited to apply for a grant which will be assessed by the Department of Social Services after the expression of interest process has been finalised. Please attach any supporting documentation i.e. letters of support. Please be aware that if your organisation is nominated to apply for a Volunteer Grant, some or all of this information will be shared with the Department of Social Services.

Note: Note: If your organisation is an unincorporated association, a person connected to your organisation will be required to assume personal legal liability. The person will be legally liable for the delivery of the funded activity, expenditure of funds and any other associated obligations arising from the grant agreement. For more information see Section 4 of the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

Declaration*
Please check the box below.