What is the Community Investment Program?
Our priorities include supporting:
When customers support the community banking model it fuels our Community Investment Program. Since opening the branch in 2010, we’ve returned profits to our local community. At last count, this was over $2.25 million! By supporting us, you're creating a cycle of funding that builds a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
The program drives community outcomes through the development of partnerships and the corralling of funding partners. Essentially, it enables people with great ideas and passion for making things happen in our local area.
At the core, we’re all about enabling organisations to make significant impact in the local community we all love. The objectives of the Community Investment Program are essentially to enable and facilitate.
Your community group can apply for support under the Community Investment Program as (01) Community Gold cards or (02) cash funding.
Impactful and meaningful community involvement within our local area while strengthening partnerships with the Community Bank.
Projects that provide added value from community and partner efforts.
Activities that promote community and individual resilience.
Innovative community activities that provide a catalyst for changing social behaviour / practices.
What projects or organisations is the program likely to support?
You should consider applying for Community Investment funding if:
The Community Investment Program mirrors our purpose of building connections, facilitating conversations and leveraging the resources of our community partners. The types of organisations we typically support (but are not limited to) include community interest groups or organisations, sporting clubs, schools, and/or community service projects.
You represent a not-for-profit, for-purpose or community focussed organisation.
Have a meaningful project or cause for funding.
Can demonstrate the proposed community benefits and impacts of the proposal.
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.
As a locally based organisation, we are focused on supporting geographic areas we have a close affinity with.
The aim of the Community Investment Program is to achieve impact widely across many industry sectors. There is however a focus on the following:
Capacity Building
Community Events
Community Facilities & Infrastructure
Disability & Disadvantaged Communities
Disaster Mitigation & Relief
Education & Learning
Environment & Sustainability
Indigenous
Research
Sports & Recreationnous
Well-being
Youth
How does the process work?
Before you start, do you have the following?
The first part of the process is to determine your suitability in applying for Community Investment funding (above).
Initially it’s important to broadly discuss your project with potential partners/agencies/industry bodies to ensure you understand what other organisations are doing in the same space to avoid duplication, what legal or regulative requirements you need to meet, and/or or funding models you may be eligible for.
Similarly, talk to us to determine if your project meets the criteria and to ensure you understand what information is required to submit an application.
You need to have a pre-application discussion with a Director or staff member before submitting your application. Applications can be submitted all year round, however will not be assessed during December and January.
Our company is operated by a volunteer Board of Directors with a dedicated Community Investment Team. This group will consider your application and if necessary (based on the level of funding) submit to the Board for consideration. Applications without adequate timing plans may not be considered.
• Your organisation's administration and contact details
• All the project details
• Your project budget
• Project partner details
• Supporting documents for upload
Please note applications are NOT assessed in December or January. It’s recommended to have all the information above before commencing the application form. A draft template is available here. Note: this tool does not replace the online form.
To accept Community Investment funding, you’ll need to sign a Community Investment Agreement and share the successes, challenges, outcomes, and impacts of your project (including content and images). This helps us showcase the program’s impact, build a stronger community story, and inspire others to apply.
1
Develop your Project
Talk to relevant industry organisations and a Community Bank Buninyong Director or staff member for guidance during this stage. Reach out to our Community Partnerships Lead at partnerships@bdfsl.au
2
Complete application
Be prepared before starting your online application. Also, indicate if you're after Community Gold cards or cash funding.
3
Allow time
Allow up to six weeks for review and assessment. Applications are accepted year round, but not assessed in December or January.
4
You will be notified of the outcome
You will be notified by email whether your application was successful, unsuccessful or requires more information or development.
5
Complete agreement
If successful, you'll meet with our Community Partnerships Lead, sign a Community Investment Agreement and supply a Tax Invoice for the project (or milestones as agreed).
6
Acquittal & story
You will be required to supply information to demonstrate the project has been completed and enable us to share the story.