2026 National Volunteer Week Grant Recipients Announced

Volunteering WA is pleased to announce that 224 volunteer-involving organisations will share in over $335,000 through this year’s National Volunteer Week Grants, thanks to Lotterywest support. The grants will support celebrations and recognition of volunteers across the state.

Recognising volunteers is crucial every year, but especially important in 2026. The United Nations declared 2026 to be International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), highlighting the vital role of volunteers in advancing sustainability.

This year’s grant recipients span from the Kimberley to the Great Southern, ensuring organisations from every region of Western Australia have the opportunity to recognise their volunteers this May.

Funded events will be held during National Volunteer Week (18 – 24 May 2026), including:

• An appreciation dinner for Toodyay Emergency Services volunteers
• Pilates and picnicking for Exmouth Netball Association volunteers
• A sundowner for Town of Victoria Park volunteers
• Mindful self-care sessions for Curate Arts volunteers

Volunteering WA CEO Tina Williams said Lotterywest and the WA Government’s support is vital in ensuring Western Australians can continue volunteering and improving communities across the state.

“With 2026 recognised globally as International Volunteer Year, Volunteer Week (18-24 May) is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible contribution volunteers make across every region of our state.”

“Volunteering WA is proud to help recognise volunteer impact and inspire more Western Australians to volunteer through the National Volunteer Week Grants.” Williams said.

Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith said supporting National Volunteer Week once again is about helping organisations across Western Australia celebrate the people who give their time so generously to our communities.

“Volunteers are at the heart of strong, connected communities and National Volunteer Week is an important time to shine a light on the power of volunteering,” Mr Smith said.

“Lotterywest provides many grants to volunteer organisations across Western Australia, who often provide much needed and important services. This year of celebration is about ensuring volunteers feel valued, celebrated and encouraged to continue the incredible work they do for their communities.”

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest celebration of volunteering, with this year’s theme ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, honouring the contributions of volunteers and encouraging people across Australia to make 2026 the year they make a difference.

Volunteering WA has developed a toolkit to help organisations and individuals join in the celebrations, with key messages, certificates, posters, social media tiles and more available at www.volunteeringwa.org.au. To stay updated, follow Volunteering WA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and tag your posts with @VolunteeringWA and #NVW2026.