Volunteer grants expressions of interest open in Lyne electorate

newy.com.au – Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has opened expressions of interest for the Australian Government’s 2025–26 Volunteer Grants Program, urging local volunteer-run not-for-profits to apply by 5pm on Wednesday 1 April.

The program offers grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to help community organisations that rely on volunteers remove barriers to participation and better support people giving their time across the electorate.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our region,” Penfold said, pointing to the role they play in keeping “Lyne connected and functioning” through sporting clubs, service groups, emergency response organisations and community associations.

Penfold said the grants, while “small in amount”, could provide practical help to ensure volunteer groups had “the tools they need”.

Funding can be used for items and services that directly support volunteers and volunteering activities, including communication equipment such as laptops, tablets and radios, IT software and technology upgrades, volunteer insurance, training and support materials, and equipment to assist particular cohorts including young people, seniors, First Nations volunteers, veterans and people with disability.

Eligible organisations must be not-for-profit and show they rely on volunteers to deliver services in the community.

Expressions of interest must be submitted to Penfold’s office by the deadline, with the form available through her website under the ‘How I Can Help’ tab.

“Lyne has a proud culture of volunteerism,” Penfold said. “I encourage all eligible organisations to put forward an Expression of Interest so we can ensure our local groups receive their fair share of the funding available to the Lyne electorate.”