The Program provides time-limited grants for new projects which grow participation in volunteering by diverse community groups in NSW.
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $10,000 to $25,000
- Application opened: 6 February 2023
- Application closed: 6 March 2023, 5:00 pm
Program objective
The goal of the Program is to grow participation in volunteering by diverse community groups in NSW.
The Program’s objectives are:
- Improve diverse community groups’ access to and inclusion in volunteering activities
- Partner with diverse community groups to deliver a cohort-led and cohort-driven volunteering project
- Provide diverse volunteers with knowledge and skills to strengthen their ability to volunteer in their local community
- Enhance the capacity of volunteer involving organisations, including managers and coordinators, to support diverse volunteers
- Recognise the contribution diverse volunteers make to their local community.
This program is administered by Department of Communities and Justice.
Eligibility
Who can apply
- 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.
Who can’t apply
- Schools, colleges, TAFE campuses, universities
- State, Territory and Federal government agencies
- For-profit companies.
Types of projects funded under this grant
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.
What can’t you apply for
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.
Most recent recipients
What was approved
Approved for African Australian Football Association
The African and CALD Youth Volunteering and Inclusion Project aims to increase participation, build capacity, and promote recognition of African and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) volunteers in South-Western and Western Sydney. The project will empower young people from these communities to engage in volunteering and community building activities. This grant was awarded to the recipient on 25 May 2023.
$21,369 was approved by
Minister responsible for VolunteeringDate approved
June 2023Location of the recipient
Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, City of Parramatta, Cumberland, Fairfield, LiverpoolAbout the grant
Applications approved
23
Applications received
109
Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants Program
Program term
1 year to 30 June 2024What was approved
Approved for ASSISTANCE DOGS AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Assistance Dogs Australia's Paws for Diversity project empower CALD adults across Greater Sydney to overcome volunteering barriers and increase CALD volunteers who are crucial in supporting the effective breeding, training and socialisation of future assistance dogs. ADA staff receive cultural competency training to enhance inclusion with CALD communities. This grant was awarded to the recipient on 25 May 2023.
$23,000 was approved by
Minister responsible for VolunteeringDate approved
June 2023Location of the recipient
Bayside, Georges River, Kiama, Penrith, Shellharbour, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, WollongongAbout the grant
Applications approved
23
Applications received
109
Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants Program
Program term
1 year to 30 June 2024What was approved
Approved for AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE WELLBEING OF CHILDREN IN HEALTH CARE
The Breaking Barriers: Engaging Diverse Volunteers Project aims to increase diverse community groups' participation in AWCH and healthcare volunteering programs. The project will identify and address barriers to create more effective pathways for volunteers from diverse backgrounds to support children and families from all backgrounds in healthcare settings. This grant was awarded to the recipient on 25 May 2023.
$20,000 was approved by
Minister responsible for VolunteeringDate approved
June 2023Location of the recipient
AllAbout the grant
Applications approved
23
Applications received
109
Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants Program
Program term
1 year to 30 June 2024What was approved
Approved for AUSTRALIAN MACEDONIAN WELFARE & WELLBEING NSW
This is an exciting and highly needed project that empowers Macedonian and other former Yugoslavian communities (new arrivals/migrants) as Multilingual volunteers in the community. The project will grow volunteering participation of Macedonian & other former Yugoslav background and build capacity for sustainable recruitment, training, and support of volunteers. This grant was awarded to the recipient on 25 May 2023.
$24,900 was approved by
Minister responsible for VolunteeringDate approved
June 2023Location of the recipient
Bayside, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Georges River, LiverpoolAbout the grant
Applications approved
23
Applications received
109
Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants Program
Program term
1 year to 30 June 2024What was approved
Approved for BATHURST INFORMATION AND NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE INCORPORATED
This project will develop the confidence and skills of diverse community members who have been unable to successfully participate in volunteering opportunities. A volunteer enabling directory will be developed and supports provided. In addition support will be provided to volunteer involving organisations to increase their capacity for inclusion. This grant was awarded to the recipient on 25 May 2023.
$24,000 was approved by
Minister responsible for VolunteeringDate approved
June 2023Location of the recipient
Bathurst Regional, OberonAbout the grant
Applications approved
23
Applications received
109
Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants Program
Program term
1 year to 30 June 2024What your application needs to include
If an application is seeking funds to purchase minor equipment, applicants are required to provide copies of quotes or cost estimates to substantiate the funding request. These supporting documents must be uploaded and attached to your application in SmartyGrants.
Copies of supporting materials will not be considered if submitted separately to your online application or after the closing date. Refer to the Program Guidelines for further information.
Prepare your application with this checklist
Applicants must have read the Program Guidelines and Program Logic, and completed all required questions in the online application form.
Applicants must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) or have an Incorporation Number (be incorporated under a relevant piece of legislation) in NSW.
The following are mandatory program requirements:
- all applicants must address the NSW National Redress Scheme sanctions
- all funded projects must have appropriate insurance (minimum of $10 million, or as determined by program area),
- all funded projects must adhere to NSW Government public health orders and advice in regard to COVID-19. Up-to-date information is available on the NSW Government COVID-19 website
- funding may not be provided to organisations that have outstanding acquittals with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
Address the eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria specified in the Program Guidelines.
Eligible applications will be assessed and scored against the selection criteria, through a competitive merit based assessment. Eligible applicants will be ranked in descending order. Funds will be allocated to the projects that best address the selection criteria for the Program.
Address the assessment criteria
All eligible applications will be assessed against the selection criteria, competitively based on merit.
Eligible organisations must meet the following selection criteria to be considered for funding:
- The project demonstrates how it will improve diverse community groups’ (that is, the identified cohort) access to and inclusion in volunteering activities.
- The project partners with diverse community groups to deliver a cohort-led and cohort-driven volunteering project. The project demonstrates how the voices of diverse volunteers have been heard and incorporated throughout the project.
- The project provides diverse volunteers with knowledge and skills to strengthen their ability to volunteer in their local community.
- The project enhances the capacity of volunteer involving organisations, including managers and coordinators, to support diverse volunteers.
- The project recognises the contributions diverse volunteers make to the communities they volunteer in.
- The project clearly demonstrates substantial benefits to diverse volunteers compared to the total cost of the project – the project represents good value for money.
After the application is submitted
Following the closing date, all applications will be assessed and successful applicants will be notified in May 2023.
Support and contact
Please contact Annette Donlan, Program Lead, Volunteering and Youth team, via email at volunteering@facs.nsw.gov.au if you have any queries regarding the Grant Program.
If you require technical support or help with managing your SmartyGrants account, please contact SmartyGrants by email at service@smartygrants.com.au or by phone on (03) 9320 6888.