Unit Advocacy Grants Program 2026
Up to $2,000 for your unit. The VICSES Volunteer Leadership Group Inc. (VLG) has received $320,000 from the National SES Volunteers Association (NSESVA): funds preserved on behalf of VICSES volunteers. As an early return of those funds to units, the VLG Board has approved a one-off $30,000 Unit Advocacy Grants Program.
Every VICSES unit can apply for up to $2,000 toward anything that helps the unit raise funds, build its profile in the community, recruit and keep members, or build its capability. We call it money that makes more.
Applications are open until 5:00 pm, Sunday 15 November 2026.
Apply now Read the Guidelines and Rules (PDF)
Please read the Guidelines and Rules before applying. The form takes about 15 minutes.
$30,000
Total grant pool
A one-off round, funded from the NSESVA funds.
$2,000
Maximum per unit
One application per unit, covering one or more items.
15 Nov
Applications close
5:00 pm, Sunday 15 November 2026. The form closes automatically.
4 Dec
Grants paid by
Outcomes advised by Thursday 26 November 2026.
What can be funded
Anything within five categories. The items below are a guide, not a closed list; other items that clearly serve a category are considered on merit.
Fundraising
- Tap-and-go donation reader (e.g. Square)
- QR donation signage and tins
- Raffle prizes, tickets and permits
- Stall hire and barbecue supplies
- Online donation page set-up
Advocacy and community awareness
- Social media advertising
- Flyers, brochures and posters
- Banners and marquee branding
- Local paper or radio advertising
- Open days, photography and video
Recruitment
- Recruitment campaign advertising
- Information night costs
- Recruitment flyers, posters and video
- Welcome packs for new members
Retention and recognition
- Unit polo shirts and apparel
- Awards and recognition nights
- Service plaques and certificates
- Unit gatherings and family days
- Kitchen or common room items
Leadership and capability
- Non-operational training: leadership, grant writing, treasurer, social media
- A facilitated unit planning day
- Design or communication software, first year
Out of scope: operational equipment, vehicles, facilities or anything eligible under VESEP; items already purchased or committed; alcohol; general operating costs or ongoing expenses beyond the first year; payments to individual members; political activity or donations to other organisations. Advocacy means non-political community awareness: nothing funded may name, support or oppose a party, candidate, MP or policy position.
Who can apply
-
Any VICSES volunteer unit.
- One application per unit, up to $2,000. It may cover more than one item and more than one category.
- Submitted by the Unit Controller, or by another member with the Unit Controller's written endorsement.
- Holding funds does not rule you out. Tell us why your current funding priorities don't cover the item, your available funds as at 30 September 2026, and what those funds are committed to.
- No bank statements are required. Bank details are requested only from successful units.
How applications are assessed
Applications are checked for eligibility, scored by a panel of VLG directors against three published criteria, and decided by the VLG Board.
- Benefit (40%): how well the item will raise funds, build awareness, recruit or retain members, or build capability, and how lasting the benefit is.
- Funding priorities (40%): why the unit's current funding priorities do not cover the item, its available funds and what those funds are committed to.
- Value and deliverability (20%): whether the cost is reasonable and the item can be delivered as described.
If demand exceeds the pool, priority goes first to units with the least uncommitted funds, then to a fair spread across regions. The Board may offer part funding. Directors who belong to an applicant unit take no part in assessing that application. The Board's decision is final.
How to apply
-
Read the Guidelines and Rules. They set out what can be funded, how applications are scored and the conditions of grant.
- Agree the item and get a price. Settle the item, cost and expected result within your unit. Get a quote or firm estimate for each item and keep it; the panel may ask for a copy.
- Complete the online form. About 15 minutes. You will describe the items, suppliers and prices, what you expect them to achieve, and your unit's funding priorities.
If a unit submits more than once, the latest application received before the closing time is the one assessed. The VLG acknowledges every application by email within two business days.
Key dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Mon 27 Oct 2026 | Applications open |
| Sun 15 Nov 2026, 5:00 pm | Applications close |
| Wed 25 Nov 2026 | VLG Board decides the awards |
| By Thu 26 Nov 2026 | Every applicant advised of the outcome |
| By Fri 4 Dec 2026 | Grants paid to unit bank accounts |
| 30 Jun 2027 | Acquittal due (short statement with receipts) |
| 30 Nov 2027 | Outcome report due |
If your unit is successful
The grant is paid to the unit's bank account. It must be used for the approved purpose and in line with VICSES policy on fundraising, donations, finance, branding and media. A short acquittal with receipts is due by 30 June 2027, and a short outcome report (funds raised, members recruited) by 30 November 2027. The VLG uses what units report to make the case for volunteers across the State. This is a one-off program; any future program would be a separate decision of the VLG Board.
Join the VLG
Membership is free for every VICSES volunteer. One united voice for VICSES volunteers.
