Story by Newcastle Permanent
Ahead of National Volunteer Week (18-26 May), Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF) has announced its first-ever Grassroots Volunteer Grant, with much-loved charity Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) set to receive $25,000.
NPCF’s support will help MHF develop and implement a dedicated volunteer management system to strengthen how they recruit, train and coordinate their growing volunteer network of more than 500.
Currently relying on a spreadsheet to manage volunteers shifts, the new centralised system will help coordinate volunteers efficiently, deliver online and in-person training and develop a structured onboarding process for new volunteers.
This new system is set to help MHF continue to deliver high-impact programs with a well-supported volunteer network by providing the structure, tools and training needed to improve efficiency and safety across their volunteer activities.
Founded locally in Newcastle in 2014, Mark Hughes Foundation supports Australians affected by brain cancer through fundraising and awareness activities such as the Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign, community fundraisers, treks and patient support programs.
Mark Hughes Foundation Co-Founder Mark Hughes said the funding will have a lasting impact on the not-for-profit’s ability to support volunteers and the communities they serve.
“This funding will allow us to put the right systems and support in place, so our volunteers feel confident, prepared and valued. As our organisation has grown, the need for better tools to recruit, train and coordinate our volunteers has become critical,” Mr Hughes said.
“By strengthening how we support our volunteers, we can focus more of our energy on what really matters – supporting people and families affected by brain cancer and continuing to grow our impact across the Hunter and Australia.”
NPCF spokesperson Kirrah McClelland said the Grassroots Volunteer grant is designed to build long term capability and resilience within community organisations.
“We are really proud to support the team at Mark Hughes Foundation for the first time with our Grassroots Volunteer grant, which is all about honouring the contribution that volunteers make to support the important work of charities across regional NSW,” Ms McClelland said.
“Volunteers make extraordinary things happen in our communities, and so we hope that our grant empowers the volunteers at Mark Hughes Foundation to keep doing what they do best, which is making a real difference in our community.”
