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Community Bank Clovelly’s Community Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Community Grants Program administered by Community Bank Clovelly provides funding to incorporated community and not-for-profit organisations delivering measurable social impact projects.

The program aligns with the social purpose of Bendigo Bank, focusing on prosperity, community resilience, environmental sustainability, and wellbeing.

Eligible applicants must be incorporated organisations with a valid Australian bank account, and grant amounts require specific documentation depending on the funding size.

Overview

The Community Grants Program supports projects that create clear, measurable community benefit across diverse social impact areas.

The objective is to:

Projects must demonstrate tangible outcomes rather than general community support.

Social Impact Focus Areas

Funded projects should align with Bendigo Bank’s social purpose of “feeding into prosperity” and may address:

  • Animal welfare

  • Choice and empowerment

  • Community resilience

  • Digital inclusion

  • Disaster recovery

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Financial wellbeing

  • Health and wellbeing

  • Housing access

  • Learning and education

  • Skills and workforce development

  • Community safety

  • Social cohesion

Applications must clearly explain how the project delivers measurable outcomes in one or more of these areas.

Types of Projects Supported

The program supports initiatives that contribute to:

Projects should respond to real community needs and demonstrate long-term benefits.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must:

  • Be an incorporated community organisation

  • Be a not-for-profit organisation

  • Hold a valid Australian bank account

Unincorporated organisations may apply if:

  • They partner with an eligible incorporated organisation

  • The partner agrees to enter the funding agreement

  • The partner supports project delivery

Not Eligible

The following are not eligible:

  • Individuals

  • Unincorporated organisations without a qualified incorporated partner

  • For-profit entities

  • Organisations receiving an unsatisfactory Anti Money Laundering (AML) or Know Your Customer (KYC) result

Grant Categories and Required Documentation

Small Grants (Under $10,000)

Applicants must provide:

  • Current bank statement

  • Detailed project budget

  • Quotes for any items exceeding $5,000

  • Proof of other approved funding or in-kind contributions

  • Letters of support (if relevant)

  • Documentation from project partners (including financial statements)

  • Evidence of required licences, permits, and insurances

  • Public liability insurance (if applicable)

  • Council approvals (if required)

  • Valid Working With Children Checks (for projects involving children)

Large Grants (Greater Than $10,000)

Applicants must provide all documentation required for small grants, plus additional supporting documentation.

This may include:

  • Expanded financial statements

  • Detailed risk management plan

  • Governance documentation

  • Strategic impact framework

  • Evidence of organisational capacity to deliver larger-scale projects

Large grants require stronger evidence of financial accountability and operational capability.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are evaluated based on:

  • Clear community need

  • Measurable and realistic outcomes

  • Financial transparency

  • Organisational capacity

  • Alignment with social impact priorities

  • Sustainability and long-term benefits

Projects must show both immediate impact and potential for lasting change.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation is incorporated and holds a valid Australian bank account.

Step 2: Define the Project

Clearly describe:

  • The community issue being addressed

  • Target beneficiaries

  • Expected measurable outcomes

  • Timeline and deliverables

Step 3: Prepare Budget and Documentation

Compile:

  • Detailed budget breakdown

  • Quotes for major expenses

  • Financial statements

  • Required compliance documentation

Step 4: Secure Partnerships (If Needed)

If unincorporated, secure an incorporated partner willing to manage the funding agreement.

Step 5: Submit Complete Application

Ensure all required documentation is attached before submission.

Incomplete applications may be deemed ineligible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying as an unincorporated group without a qualified partner

  • Failing AML/KYC compliance checks

  • Submitting incomplete budgets

  • Not providing required insurance or permits

  • Failing to show measurable outcomes

  • Underestimating documentation requirements for large grants

Careful preparation improves approval likelihood.

Key Definitions

Incorporated Organisation

A legally registered entity recognised under Australian law (e.g., incorporated association or company limited by guarantee).

AML/KYC

Anti Money Laundering and Know Your Customer compliance checks that verify organisational legitimacy.

In-Kind Contribution

Non-cash support such as volunteer hours, donated materials, or services.

Working With Children Check

A legal certification required for individuals working with children in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Community Grants Program?

Incorporated community and not-for-profit organisations with a valid Australian bank account. Unincorporated groups may apply with an eligible incorporated partner.

2. Can individuals apply?

No. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible.

3. What documents are required for small grants?

Bank statement, detailed budget, quotes over $5,000, proof of co-funding, and relevant compliance documentation.

4. What additional documents are needed for large grants?

Additional financial records, governance documentation, risk management plans, and evidence of organisational capacity.

5. Are projects involving children allowed?

Yes, but valid Working With Children Checks must be provided.

6. What happens if an organisation fails AML/KYC checks?

The application will be deemed ineligible.

7. What types of outcomes are prioritised?

Projects that deliver measurable social, environmental, educational, health, or community development outcomes.

Conclusion

The Community Grants Program administered by Community Bank Clovelly offers incorporated not-for-profit organisations an opportunity to secure funding for high-impact community initiatives.

With a strong focus on measurable social outcomes, financial transparency, and long-term sustainability, the program supports projects that contribute to inclusive and prosperous communities.

Organisations should prepare comprehensive documentation, demonstrate clear community benefit, and ensure compliance requirements are fully met before applying.

For more information, visit Community Bank Clovelly.