01
What is community banking?
Community banking is a ‘profit-for-purpose’ model, meaning profits are returned directly to the community that has generated them. In our case, the beautiful South Coast region. That means real impact and infrastructure, community assets and local programs are all funded by Community Bank South Coast.
How you can help
For the community banking model to work, we need you, your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to support us. It’s as simple as that. We want to be your choice for a number of reasons.
Customers who support community banking feel good knowing they are supporting a model where everyone benefits, not just shareholders. It’s a win-win.
So essentially, when you support us, you are investing in your community. Ask yourself whether your choices support our local community? If not, and it is time for change, call us on 4454 2659.
02
What is the Community Investment Program?
Our Community Investment Program has returned over $1,600,000 to local community groups and organisations. We’ve funded meaningful and impactful projects across the Shoalhaven area and strengthened community connections in the process.
Simply, we invest in local community groups and organisations that undertake projects to build and strengthen our community.
When we invest, we’re also enabling community groups to leverage our funding and implement sustainable practices for future proofing their organisation’s success. That’s sustainability at its core.
03
Where do our funds come from?
To run a successful Community Investment Program and return as much as possible, we first need to run a successful business. That’s why it’s important customers support our branch in the first instance.
Community investment funding is made possible by the profit generated from banking services provided at our branch in Milton.
Customers support us and…
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We generate profit which is distributed back to community
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Community groups apply to our Community Investment Program for funding and support
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We tell the impact story of the project which
encourages more customers to bank with us and more community groups to embark on meaningful work.
04
What organisations or projects is the program likely to support?
We’ve got a clear Community Investment Strategy that focuses our attention on key areas within the community we’re striving to support.
1. Fuel Local Growth & Prosperity
We empower the business network to create employment pathways, boost tourism and strengthen our local economy. Let’s grow together!
2. Empower Our Youth
We back youth leadership, employment and advocacy to nurture the next generation of local community leaders. Let’s invest in their future.
3. Building Resilience and Connection
We harness our community’s unique “village” spirit to support wellbeing, strengthen connections and improve support services. Let’s thrive together.
4. Support Our Environment and Recreation
We support sustainable initiatives that boost all-inclusive tourism and drive environmental care. Let’s protect our beautiful region.
If your project falls outside one of these areas, that doesn’t mean it won’t be supported. For more information or to discuss your proposed application, speak to our Community Engagement Manager Caroline Boland on 0401 524 912 or email caroline.boland@bendigoadelaide.com.au
05
What can my group apply for?
If you’re part of a community group doing great things, making change and delivering exciting projects, please apply for support. You have nothing to lose.
Imagine what your community organisation can do for the betterment of the South Coast area. We’re looking for bold ideas, clever ideas, creative ideas and projects your local community group can bring to life with our support.
You should consider applying for community investment funding if:
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You represent a not-for-profit, for-purpose or community focussed organisation
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Have a meaningful project or cause for funding
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Can demonstrate the proposed community benefits and impacts of the proposal.
01 Grants
Grants are paid to an organisation to address a social issue within the community.
02 Sponsorships
We sponsor events, projects or organisations through the provision of money, goods or services in return for customer acquisition opportunities and brand recognition.
As you can imagine, the only way the community banking model is possible, is when the community first support us. So, sponsorship arrangements provide a win-win opportunity when your organisation helps us spread the word that we’re here for good!
Please note: applications cannot be made by an individual or on behalf of an individual for personal reasons. Applications can only be accepted on behalf of an approved club, group or organisation. Applications are formally assessed based on our Community Investment Strategy and funding is not guaranteed.
06
How does the process work?
The actual process itself is quite simple:
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Determine if your community group is eligible to apply.
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Develop your project proposal including detailing scope, objectives, outcomes, partners, budget and timing plan.
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Complete and submit your online application.
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You will be notified by email whether your application was successful, unsuccessful or requires more information or development.
Please allow up to 6-8 weeks for this process to take place.
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Successful applicants will be required to sign a formal agreement.
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Funds will be paid on submission of a tax invoice.
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You’ll deliver the project as proposed.
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You’ll submit the project acquittal and impact story.
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And, our community will benefit from the wonderful work you do!
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Application assessment
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Before you start
Our company is run by a volunteer Board of Directors with a dedicated Community Investment Team (also voluntary). This group will consider your application and if necessary submit to the Board for consideration.
You should allow up to 6-8 weeks for assessments to take place. Applications without adequate timing plans may not be considered.
Your primary contact throughout this process is:
Caroline Boland
Community Engagement Manager
caroline.boland@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Before you begin make sure you have:
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A bold, innovative or impactful project or idea
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Your organisation, administration and contact details
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All the project details
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Your project budget
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Project partner details
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Supporting documents for upload.
It will take time to complete your application with the required information. We recommend you have the information handy and ready to commence your application. You can also save your application and return to complete it at a later time.
To complete the online application, you will be taken to our online portal through Smartygrants.