Deadline: 12-Oct-2025
The Community Grants Program administered by Community Bank Hillston & District and Hay offers valuable funding opportunities for community and not-for-profit organisations.
The program is designed to support projects that deliver clear community benefits and contribute to social outcomes, welfare, education, culture, health, and environmental improvements. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the guidelines before beginning their applications to ensure eligibility and alignment with the program’s objectives.
The grants reflect Bendigo Bank’s broader social purpose, which is built around the principle of “feeding into prosperity.” This vision highlights the bank’s commitment to creating positive social change through its products, services, and direct investment in communities. Funded projects may include initiatives that promote animal welfare, community resilience, digital innovation, disaster recovery, environmental sustainability, financial wellbeing, housing, safety, learning and skills development, social cohesion, and greater choice and empowerment for individuals.
To be eligible, applicants must be incorporated community or not-for-profit organisations. Those that are not incorporated can still apply by partnering with an incorporated organisation willing to act as the project partner, enter into the funding agreement, and help deliver the project. All applicants must also hold a valid Australian bank account. Ineligible applicants include individuals, unincorporated organisations without a project partner, for-profit entities, or organisations that fail to meet compliance requirements.
The grants may be used for projects that align with the outcomes of the program, but funding will not be provided for activities that are illegal, commercial in nature, or deliver private benefits. Projects located outside Hillston, Hay, or surrounding districts, as well as those linked to political donations, gambling, harm to animals, environmental hazards, violence, or any form of community exclusion, are not eligible for support. Funding is also not available for retrospective costs or projects that take place solely outside Australia.
Applicants are required to provide documentation to demonstrate accountability and community benefit. For small grants under $10,000, this includes a current bank statement, a detailed project budget, quotes for major costs, and, if relevant, letters of support or proof of partnership arrangements. Evidence of permits, insurances, and compliance requirements must also be included, particularly for projects involving children, where Working With Children Checks are required.
For larger grants over $10,000, further documentation is necessary, such as audited financial statements or, where audits are not mandatory, profit and loss statements and balance sheets. Applicants are also expected to provide multiple quotes for major expenses, project plans or designs for refurbishment projects, and position descriptions where wage funding is sought. Evidence from previous events and strong letters of community support are particularly important for large-scale initiatives, especially those involving sport or recreation that need to demonstrate widespread benefit.
Through this program, Community Bank Hillston & District and Hay is fostering stronger, more resilient communities by supporting projects that create meaningful, long-term impact. By ensuring initiatives are inclusive, accountable, and aligned with social purpose priorities, the grants empower local organisations to deliver positive change where it is needed most.
For more information, visit Community Bank Hillston & District and Hay.
