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Apply for National Volunteer Week Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 23-Feb-2026

The National Volunteer Week Grants 2026 support volunteer-involving organisations across Western Australia to host events and activities that recognise and thank volunteers. Funding is available for single organisations, large multi-branch organisations, and collaborative initiatives, covering event-related costs like promotion, merchandise, catering, and venue hire. Priority is given to regional, remote, or first-time applicants, with a focus on community engagement and visible volunteer recognition during National Volunteer Week.

Overview

The National Volunteer Week Grants 2026 provide funding for volunteer-involving organisations in Western Australia to celebrate and acknowledge volunteers during National Volunteer Week. The initiative, supported by Volunteering WA and Lotterywest, encourages community engagement and partnerships, ensuring volunteers receive visible recognition for their contributions.

Program Objectives

The grants aim to:

  • Celebrate and recognise volunteer contributions

  • Promote volunteering to local communities

  • Encourage regional, remote, or first-time applicant organisations

  • Support collaborative events and partnerships between volunteer organisations

  • Fund event-related costs while excluding routine operational expenses

Grant Categories and Funding Amounts

1. Single Organisations

  • Funding up to $1,500 per organisation

  • Supports one-off National Volunteer Week events

2. Large Multi-Branch Organisations

  • Single application covering up to five locations

  • $500 per branch, maximum $2,500

  • Enables multi-site volunteer recognition events

3. Collaborative Applications

  • Multiple organisations can collaborate through a lead organisation

  • Funding $1,000 per participating organisation, maximum $5,000 for five organisations

  • Encourages community-wide events and partnerships

Eligible Expenses

Grant funding may cover:

  • Promotion and publicity of events

  • National Volunteer Week merchandise

  • Transport for volunteers

  • Equipment or venue hire

  • Entertainment

  • Catering with food or non-alcoholic beverages

  • Small recognition gifts for volunteers

Ineligible expenses:

  • Routine operational costs (uniforms, training materials, IT equipment, project management)

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible organisations must:

  • Be a not-for-profit entity or local government authority

  • Actively involve volunteers

  • Operate within Western Australia

  • Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and a bank account in the organisation’s name

Why It Matters

Recognising volunteers strengthens communities by:

  • Increasing volunteer retention and engagement

  • Raising awareness of the value of volunteering

  • Promoting partnerships and collaboration between community organisations

  • Enhancing community participation and social cohesion

How to Apply / What to Do

  1. Confirm eligibility of your organisation and volunteer involvement

  2. Identify the grant category applicable to your organisation (single, multi-branch, collaborative)

  3. Prepare a proposal detailing:

    • Event/activity description and location

    • Number of volunteers involved

    • Budget breakdown for eligible expenses

    • Partnerships or collaborative initiatives, if any

  4. Submit the application through the Volunteering WA portal before the deadline

  5. Await notification of grant allocation and comply with reporting requirements post-event

Tips for a Successful Application

  • Prioritise visible volunteer recognition activities

  • Demonstrate community engagement and partnerships

  • Include in-kind or matched funding where possible

  • Ensure the budget reflects value for money (approximately $40 per person as a guideline)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the grants?
Not-for-profit organisations and local government authorities actively involving volunteers in Western Australia.

2. What can the grant funds be used for?
Eligible event-related costs, including promotion, merchandise, transport, venue hire, entertainment, catering, and small recognition gifts.

3. What expenses are not covered?
Routine operational costs such as uniforms, training materials, IT equipment, and project management expenses.

4. How much funding is available?

  • Single organisations: up to $1,500

  • Large multi-branch organisations: up to $500 per branch (max $2,500)

  • Collaborative applications: up to $1,000 per participating organisation (max $5,000)

5. Are first-time applicants prioritised?
Yes, priority is given to organisations that have not previously received a National Volunteer Week grant.

6. Can regional or remote organisations apply?
Yes, applications from regional or remote Western Australia are highly encouraged.

7. What criteria are used for grant allocation?
Grant allocation considers timing (during National Volunteer Week), community promotion, partnerships, compliance with funding conditions, in-kind or matched funding, and value for money.

Conclusion

The National Volunteer Week Grants 2026 provide a valuable opportunity for organisations to recognise and celebrate volunteers in Western Australia. By funding targeted events and activities, the program strengthens volunteer engagement, promotes community participation, and highlights the critical role volunteers play in enriching local communities.

For more information, visit Volunteering WA.