By Parker McKenzie
Non-for profit community groups in the Dandenong Ranges, within the Casey electorate, can now express interest for the 2022-2023 Casey Volunteer Grants Program.
The long running grants program can provide between $1000 and $5000 for community groups, which can be used for equipment purchases, contributions towards costs associated with training volunteers, reimbursing fuel costs and undertaking background checks.
Casey MP Aaron Violi said the grants program is a great opportunity for volunteer groups to achieve an important project or fund the day-to-day running of their not-for-profit organisations.
“I know personally through my time as a volunteer and by talking to a lot of community groups that they don’t join their organisation to fundraise,” he said.
“They spend a lot of time doing that, whether its sausage sizzles and things like that, and this is a great way for them to not have to fundraise for an initiative that they need so they can focus on the core passion of their community group and serving the communities.”
Previous rounds of grants have been used to fund other items like new air conditioners and defibrillators for facilities throughout Casey.
Expression of Interest forms must be returned to Mr Violi’s office by Friday 16 September, where a consultative committee will decide which projects will be submitted to share in the $66,225 available in grants.
Mr Violi said is he proud to be able to offer the round of grants to the community.
“I’ve seen as the new MP and as a candidate talking to groups that have received previous rounds how important this funding is for these organisations,” he said.
Once submitted by Mr Violi and the consultative committee to the federal government and ticked off by the Department of Social Services, nominated projects will be asked to complete an online application between 15 November and 5 December.
Successful projects will be announced in June 2023, with funds released to the community groups in June 2023 who will have one year to spend the grant money.
Some of the successful applicants from the previous rounds of grants include Tribe-Monbulk Youth Inc., Upwey Urban Fire Brigade, Olinda Ferny Creek Football Club, Friends of Sassafras Creek Inc, Foothills Community Care and the Dandenong Ranges Music Council.
Expressions of Interest for the grants program can be found at aaronvioli.com.au/local-news/2022-23-volunteer-grants-program and must be returned by 5pm Friday 16 September.
