The 2025–26 Volunteer Grants program, delivered by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services, supports community organisations that rely on volunteers by helping remove barriers to participation and promoting volunteering opportunities.
The Volunteer Grants Program aligns with the objectives of the National Strategy for Volunteering, in particular the objectives to focus on the volunteer experience; make volunteering inclusive and accessible; and recognise the inherent value of volunteering.
Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible not-for-profit organisations that depend on volunteers to deliver their work.
Volunteer Grants, funded by the Australian Government, provide practical support to strengthen volunteer-led activity in communities across Australia.
The Volunteer Grants Program supports the work of community organisations that rely on volunteers by removing barriers to volunteering and promoting awareness of volunteering opportunities.
What can the funding be used for?
Grant funds may be used to purchase communication materials, cover insurance-related costs, and acquire items that directly support volunteer cohorts and volunteer-run activities.
All eligible uses are outlined in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines
How to apply
The 2025–26 Volunteer Grants will open for expressions of interest through Federal Members of Parliament (MPs).
Organisations should:
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Read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines carefully
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Contact their local Federal MP to understand how to submit an expression of interest
Organisations nominated by their MP will be invited by the Department of Social Services to complete a formal application in May 2026.
Draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines have been published on GrantConnect with this Forecast Opportunity to facilitate access to the required information for organisations wishing to express interest in the round.
If you have any questions, contact:
Email: support@communitygrants.gov.au
