Joint Federal and State workers compensation organisation, Safe Work Australia, has launched a new volunteer assistance package aimed at assisting volunteers and volunteer organisations affected by the new work health and safety (WHS) laws.

The Victorian welfare umbrella organisation, VCOSS, says it is concerned that community sector organisations that provide front-line care and support for Victorians affected in disasters are not included in planning arrangements in the same way that emergency services and local government are.

The growing demand for philanthropic funds sees another major Trust fund reporting a significant increase in the amount of grant dollars sought from Australian Not for Profit organisations.

Applications are now open for the ING Foundation’s latest grant program.

The American Red Cross and researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School are undertaking a major study of 500,000 people in an effort to turn one-time donors into long term supporters.