Request for Applications: Community Giving Program (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Community Giving Program, administered by Community Bank Geraldton, supports community and not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that provide clear and meaningful benefits across the Geraldton and Midwest region of Australia. The program supports initiatives that contribute to positive social change and regional prosperity across areas including social welfare, health, education, culture and the environment. Funding is available for grants of more than $3,000 to support the implementation of projects that deliver clear community benefits within the eligible geographic area.

About the Community Giving Program

The Community Giving Program is designed to provide targeted support to local initiatives that create tangible benefits for communities in Geraldton and the Midwest. The program aligns with the broader social purpose agenda of Bendigo Bank, with an emphasis on supporting initiatives that empower communities, build capacity and create positive long-term outcomes. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activities and the benefits they will deliver to local residents and communities. What Areas Does the Program Support? The Community Giving Program covers a broad range of community priorities.

Eligible projects may focus on:

- Animal welfare. - Community resilience. - Digital inclusion. - Disaster recovery. - Environmental sustainability. - Financial wellbeing. - Health. - Housing. - Learning and skills development. - Safety. - Social cohesion. - Social and welfare outcomes. - Educational and cultural benefits. This broad scope allows organisations to propose projects addressing important local challenges while building stronger and more capable communities. Community Resilience and Capacity Building The program encourages projects that help communities become stronger and more resilient. Initiatives may focus on empowering people, increasing community capacity, supporting informed choices and developing resources that can create benefits beyond the immediate funding period. Applicants should explain how their proposed project will contribute to meaningful and sustainable community outcomes. Digital Inclusion Digital inclusion is one of the areas supported by the program. Projects addressing barriers to digital participation can be considered where they demonstrate clear community benefits. Applicants should explain the specific community need being addressed and how the proposed initiative will improve access, participation or capacity. Environmental Sustainability Environmental sustainability is another eligible focus area. Organisations can propose initiatives that address environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable local communities, provided the activities meet all program eligibility requirements. The proposed environmental outcomes should be clearly connected to benefits for the Geraldton and Midwest community. Health, Housing and Social Welfare The program can support projects addressing important social and wellbeing needs.

Relevant areas include:

- Health. - Housing. - Social welfare. - Safety. - Financial wellbeing. - Social cohesion. Projects should demonstrate how their activities respond to community needs and generate tangible benefits for people in the region. Learning and Skills Development Learning and skills development are also supported focus areas. Projects can seek funding where they help strengthen skills, knowledge, learning opportunities or community capacity. Applicants should clearly explain who will benefit and what outcomes the project is expected to deliver. Disaster Recovery and Community Resilience The Community Giving Program recognises the importance of community resilience and disaster recovery. Projects addressing recovery needs or strengthening communities’ ability to respond to challenges may align with the program’s focus areas. Applications should demonstrate a clear need and explain the practical community outcomes that will result from the project. How Much Funding Is Available? Community funding is available for grants of: More than $3,000 The funding is intended to support the implementation of projects that provide clear community benefits within the Geraldton and Midwest area. Applicants should ensure that the amount requested is appropriate for the proposed project and supported by a clear explanation of how the funding will be used. Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

- Incorporated community organisations. - Incorporated not-for-profit organisations. Unincorporated organisations can also participate by partnering with an eligible incorporated community or not-for-profit organisation. Applicants must also have a valid Australian bank account. Can Unincorporated Groups Apply? Yes, unincorporated groups may apply when they partner with an eligible incorporated community or not-for-profit organisation. The partnership provides an appropriate organisational structure for the application and administration of the funding. Groups considering this approach should ensure their partner organisation meets the program’s eligibility requirements. Who Is Not Eligible? The following are not eligible to apply: - Individuals. - For-profit organisations. Applicants should ensure that their organisation meets the required community or not-for-profit status before preparing an application. Where Must Projects Take Place?

Projects must take place within the:

- Geraldton area, or - Midwest area of Western Australia. Projects outside the eligible geographic area are not supported. Activities That Are Not Eligible Certain activities and project types are excluded from the Community Giving Program.

The program does not support:

- Retrospective funding. - Gambling-related activities. - Activities involving violence. - Activities that cause harm to animals. - Activities involving environmental hazards. - Activities outside Australia. Applicants should ensure that their proposed pr