Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants Program

• Incorporated not-for-profit volunteer involving organisations operating in NSW
• NSW Local Councils (that is, NSW Local Councils operating under the Local Government Act 1993). 

Refer to the Program Guidelines for more information.

• Schools, colleges, TAFE campuses, universities
• State, Territory and Federal government agencies
• For-profit companies.

Applications will need to demonstrate how their proposed project will improve one or more of the following within their community and organisation in order to grow participation in volunteering by diverse community groups in NSW:

• Volunteer recruitment (this can include recruitment practices and promotion of available opportunities)
• Volunteer retention (this can include training and management, as well as volunteer engagement and support)
• Volunteer recognition (this can include the recognition of the contributions made by diverse volunteers and the impact they have in the community).

The Program seeks to fund projects which address the barriers to volunteering experienced by diverse community groups. Projects that are responsive to the place-based needs of communities are encouraged. 

Applicants must clearly identify / demonstrate the barriers the project aims to address, and the target group the project aims to support. 

All applicants will be asked to demonstrate how they will support diverse volunteers to build their skills and experience throughout the project. This can include hands on learning to build skills, or the completion of a relevant short course related to the project’s implementation.

All applicants are encouraged to consider volunteering-related training courses offered by The Centre for Volunteering as part of their project. Relevant training provided by other entities will also be considered.

Projects that have been identified by diverse volunteers to support the recruitment, retention and recognition of diverse volunteers are encouraged and will be considered favourably.

Projects that involve diverse volunteers as active participants in the implementation of projects (leading and driving the implementation of the project), that support the recruitment, retention and recognition of diverse volunteers are encouraged and will be considered favourably.

Organisations must not use the money provided for the project, nor any interest earned on the money, for any other purpose beyond what is specified in the approved project description.

Funding is not available for:

• Volunteer placement / brokerage services, including this type of service provided by Volunteer Resource Centres
• Projects that involve major capital works or require development consent
• Projects that are solely for the purchase of equipment
• Projects that are solely for operating expenses of the volunteer involving organisation
• Projects run in schools as part of the curriculum or other areas of school responsibility
• Projects involving interstate or overseas travel, scholarships and/or conferences
• Projects that case-manage or provide counselling to volunteers
• Any activity of a commercial nature that is for profit
• Existing debt or budget deficits
• Permanent salaries / wages (costs for temporary project coordinators, instructors/trainers for your project can be included)
• Programs, projects or activities that encourage gambling or the consumption of alcohol
• The same project twice. For example, two different organisations cannot apply for funds for the same project or activity. 
• An existing project or program. Funding for ‘business as usual’ or the continuation of an existing project or program will not be funded as this Program is for new projects. A distinct and different stage of a wider initiative will be considered on its merits against the selection criteria.

This Program will not fund a project or project activities where an insurance payment or other government grant/funding has been provided for the same items or activity. Only new activities and items will be considered.

Funds will not be provided as a reimbursement of costs already incurred by your organisation prior to the start date of a funded project. The funding must be for a new project or activity that has not yet commenced.