Implementing the Volunteer Management Activity (VMA) 2022-2026 in WA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Volunteer Management Activity (VMA)?

The Volunteer Management Activity (VMA) is a current stream of Australian Government (Department of Social Services) funding aimed at strengthening volunteering across Australia.

The VMA program has three key pillars:

  • Building the capacity of Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) – Best Practice
  • Breaking down barriers to volunteering for identified priority groups – Inclusion
  • The ability to achieve change and deliver the above across different geographic regions and sectors – Reach

The six priority groups are:

  • First Nation Peoples
  • People with Disability
  • Newly Arrived Migrants
  • Vulnerable Women
  • Youth (12-18)
  • Unemployed
  • Intersectional projects (focussing on more than one (1) priority group), are also encouraged.

What is the ‘project-based strategy’ funding model in WA?

From 2022 -2026, there is an opportunity for organisations to apply for annual funding on a project basis. The projects will deliver outcomes that aim to break down barriers to volunteering for the six priority groups identified above as well as build sector-wide capacity. Detailed guidelines for the project-based grants can be found in the grant application pack.

Why a project-based strategy for funding applications?

The project-based strategy is designed to engage a range of organisations, enabling greater collaboration and inclusion approaches in dynamic settings.

It is intended that:

  • The volunteering sector proposes suitable projects.
  • There is a transparent process to assess project proposals and review project achievements.
  • Volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) will achieve greater diversity and inclusion in their volunteer management activities and practices.
  • The project-based model will enhance the breadth and depth of the sector across Western Australia.
  • The project-based model will generate proactive engagement with diverse communities.

Who can participate in the WA projects-based strategy?

  • Any volunteer involving organisation able to support the Volunteer Management Activity framework, including engagement with the priority groups in volunteering across regional, rural and remore areas of WA.
  • Organisations that have expertise and experience in working with any of the priority groups and can demonstrate sector-wide capacity building strategies.

Can you provide some examples of capacity building strategies?

Your project may involve building a model of volunteer engagement of a specific priority group. Once you have tested this model as part of your project, you are then ready to share these learnings widely with the sector. This may take many forms for example:

  • Creating videos
  • Creating a toolkit of your model that can be shared.
  • Developing case studies.
  • Actively engaging with networks relevant to the priority group to share your learnings.

Do you have examples of the types of projects that have been funded?

Yes! You can view case studies from previously funded projects here:

How much funding is available?
In 2024/ 25 there will be a total pool of $300,000 available for projects. The level of funding each organisation is eligible to receive is determined by the applications’ project scope and outcomes. This total pool aims reach all six priority groups with a mix of regional, rural, remote and metro projects.

When can I apply?

Applications open on 28th March 2024 and close at midnight on April 28th 2024. Late applications will not be considered.

How long do I have to complete my project?

Proposed projects must not exceed twelve (12) months in length but can be less.

Can my project be staged over multiple years?
Should your proposed project have stages/phases that exceed 12 months, these should be detailed for consideration for funding in later years. Approval of a project does not guarantee that a project will be funded in later years, and it is expected that successful projects will be completed and achieve objectives regardless of additional stages/phases being funded or not.


Can we submit a joint application with another organisation?
Applicants may choose to submit a joint application with one or more organisations for the design and delivery of a project. In this event, one organisation must nominate as the Project Lead for contracting, funding and reporting. It is the responsibility of the Project Lead to ensure any collaborating partner organisation(s) adhere to the delivery and reporting requirements associated with the project. Any shared funding arrangements will be managed by the Project Lead.

Can another organisation auspice my project?
Yes. You will need to have an agreement in place with this organisation, ensuring they understand the implications for them. They will need to sign the funding agreement and will be responsible for ensuring that all reporting and financial reconciliation is completed on time.


We are a nation-wide organisation, can we still apply for this grant?
Yes, as long as you have a base in WA, the project is being delivered here and has relevant outcomes for the volunteer sector in this state.

What are the reporting requirements?

Reporting requirements are as follows:

  1. Interim data capture reports (three-monthly)
  2. Mid-term report (halfway point of the project)
  3. Final report (at the completion of the project)

Reporting templates are provided to ease the process.


Why is there so much reporting required?

We are aiming to streamline our reporting as much as possible, however, we are required to collect data for the Australian Government Department of Social Services and report at the same regular intervals. The data we ask for directly correlates to the information we use in our reporting.

We don’t have a Volunteer Resource Centre in our area, can we apply for funding to provide this sort of service in our region?

No. The VMA funding aims to build the capacity of Volunteer Managers and VIOs through focused project-based grants to effectively engage volunteers from the identified priority groups. Outcomes from funded projects are designed to create a model of engagement which can be replicated by other VIOs.

How do I find out more?

Click here for further information or contact vmagrants@volunteeringwa.org.au.