New grants to power regional and remote volunteering
Applications are now open for the first dedicated Supporting Regional and Remote Volunteers round (2025–26), with grants of up to $30,000 to volunteer-involving organisations right across country SA.
This inaugural funding round supports the 2021–2027 Volunteering Strategy by investing in volunteering fundamentals and backing local, community-led projects that boost health, wellbeing, and participation in regional and Indigenous communities.
Making a difference in our regions
Regional and remote volunteers keep many services running in country SA, from Op shops to community transport and peer support. Volunteering delivers significant value statewide, with strong economic and wellbeing returns that flow directly into regional towns, but country groups face clear barriers: rising training and compliance needs, travel distances, out-of-pocket costs and volunteer burnout.
Backing regional and remote volunteers protects vital services and ensures the benefits of volunteering continue to reach every community.
Peter Young from the Rotary Club of Onkaparinga is a winner of the 2024 Volunteering SA&NT Awards for his involvement in the APY Lands Shelter Project. "Volunteering for projects that assist remote communities builds strong, lifelong bonds amongst participants," says Peter. "It enables opportunities for new learnings, improved cultural understandings and the forging of links that empower future commitment that benefit both the volunteer and the people of the remote community."
These Grants of up to $30,000 will fund practical fixes such as training, equipment, transport and flexible recruitment to strengthen local programs.
Information session
An information session will be held on Thursday 2 October from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Register via Humanitix to attend the session.
How to apply for a grant
Applications are open now and close 30 October 2025 at 3:00 pm.
For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, visit the DHS grants pages.