Together we're making good things happen
We’re so pleased you’re interested in finding out more about our Community Investment Program.
This information is designed to help community organisations determine the criteria when applying for Community Investment funding and to clearly define the process, requirements and expectations. We hope it answers some of your questions and helps you prepare an application for consideration.
We encourage community groups to get creative and think big and bold. We love receiving applications with innovative ideas and concepts.
So, get busy with your local community group and start thinking about what you can do for the betterment of the Kyabram area.
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What is Community Banking?
Community banking is a profit-for-purpose model, meaning profits go straight back into the community that generates them.
That means real impact and infrastructure, community assets and local programs are all funded by Community Bank Kyabram.
Like any business, we aim to make a profit, but the difference is where it goes. Instead of just lining shareholders' pockets, our profits fuel community growth.
Since 2016, we’ve returned over $400,000 to support meaningful and impactful projects, organisations and causes in our local area.
We’re focused on developing partnerships with local community organisations to leverage our funding sources and ensure we’re a key community asset for all.
Community banking is designed to feed a positive cycle of good business, community and giving back.
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 can 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's time for change, call us on 5852 3099.
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What is the Community Investment Program?
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 Kyabram.
Our Community Investment Program has returned over $400,000 to local community groups and organisations. We’ve funded meaningful and impactful projects across the North Central 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.
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.
And the cycle continues over and over. Reciprocity at its best.
Essentially, the more profit we make, the more impact we make in the community. It’s as simple as that.
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What organisations or projects is the program likely to support?
Our company has a Community Investment Strategy that currently is looking to prioritise support for:
1. Community connection and resilience:
Projects that help the community work more effectively by strengthening local group capacity and creating opportunities for collaboration.
2. Health and wellbeing:
Initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of our community by improving local services and addressing accessibility.
3. Economic and tourism:
Programs that boost our local economy by supporting community projects and events that create jobs, infrastructure and help our area thrive.
4. Education and youth:
Projects that support education and leadership programs that encourage young people to take charge of their future, get involved and lead.
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 Lead Nattalie Joinbee on 0400 071 499 or enagement@kyabramcommunity.au
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. The aim of the Community Investment Program is to achieve impact widely across many industry sectors.
Just in case you’re wondering, we’re 100% focused on enhancing the livability of our local area, by ensuring a successful and thriving community and making a lasting difference to our communities' long-term prosperity.
We want everyone to feel safe, healthy and supported. We're focused on education, economy and the community to help people succeed.
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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 community investment funding. You have nothing to lose.
Imagine what your community organisation can do for the betterment of our local 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.
1. Grants
Grants are paid to an organisation to address a social issue within the community.
2. 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.
3. Student Scholarships
We normally offer first-year tertiary scholarships with applications generally opening in December for a month through to January each year.
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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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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
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:
Nattalie Joinbee
Community Engagement Lead
Before you start
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 & 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.