The Federal Government will launch its Volunteers Small Equipment grants at
Risdon Vale Community House today, giving volunteer organisations around
Tasmania the chance to purchase and upgrade vital equipment such as
computers and first aid kits.
Under the grants scheme, organisations can also apply for contributions
towards fuel and travel cost for volunteers, relieving some of the stress and
financial strain often placed on the volunteering sector.
Volunteering Tasmania CEO Adrienne Picone said the grants were an
acknowledgement from the Federal Government of the important and selfless
contribution made by volunteers.
“Many of our community organisations are under-resourced and this
additional funding can make a significant difference to volunteering in
Tasmania,” Ms Picone said.
“The grants will be used by organisations to purchase much needed
equipment and resources to help support their already fantastic work.”
Ms Picone said the grants would go a long way to remedying some of the
issues identified in Volunteering Tasmania’s inaugural State of Volunteering
report compiled in 2010.
“Our research showed only 28 per cent of volunteers who incurred expenses
through the course of their volunteering were actually reimbursed for these
costs,” Ms Picone said.
“Not reimbursing volunteers can have a significant effect on volunteer
recruitment and retention.
“The potential to be left out of pocket for freely donating one’s time can be a
huge disincentive to potential volunteers, and these grants will assist in
ensuring that volunteers are not disadvantaged for contributing their time to a
worthy cause.”
For more information on how to apply for the grants, please visit
www.volunteeringtas.org.au.
Volunteering Tasmania
