Expressions of Interest now open in O'Connor

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the 2025–26 round of Volunteer Grants in the O'Connor electorate. These grants celebrate the vital role volunteers play and aim to strengthen local communities by reducing participation barriers, encouraging volunteering, and supporting the efforts of Australia's volunteers.

The O'Connor electorate has a total allocation of $66,665, with one-off grants between $1,000 and $5,000 available to eligible local not-for-profit community organisations where volunteers constitute at least 40% of the workforce. Applicants must be legal entities holding an Australian Business Number (ABN) and an Australian financial institution account in the organisation's name.

Funding is available under two main categories: Category 1 covers communication and IT items, such as mobile phones, laptops, and software, or insurance premiums. Category 2 supports items and volunteer-run activities specifically designed to support diverse cohorts, including children, First Nations people, newly arrived migrants, people with disability, unemployed individuals, veterans, and women experiencing gender-based violence or isolation.

The application process is multi-staged. Organisations must first return a completed Expression of Interest (EOI) found here by 5 pm on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

After the closure date, all EOIs will be reviewed by a Community Committee. Nominated organisations will then be invited by the Department of Social Services Community Grants Hub in May 2026 to submit a formal application, with final funding outcomes expected in October 2026.

Before applying, please read the full guidelines available here or via Grant Connect at www.grants.gov.au

For further assistance, please email [email protected] or contact the Esperance office at 08 9071 4846.

Volunteers are the heart of our communities, making real differences for the people and places around them!

Expression of Interest form

2025-26 Volunteers Grant Guidelines