Social Investment Grant Program Grows By $100K

Not-for-profit banking specialist Community Sector Banking has increased their Social Investment Grant Program by $100,000 this year.

Applications are now open for the annual program, which aims to build resilience and capability for people who are experiencing homelessness or domestic abuse.

This year, not for profits can apply for grants totalling $300,000.

Community Sector Banking CEO Andrew Cairns said the growth was a testament to the strength of the program.

“The impressive growth in our annual Social Investment Grant funding pool speaks to the strength of the grants program – which is financed by contributions from Social Investment Deposit Account holders, along with 50 per cent of our net profits from that product,” Cairns said.

“It’s a fantastic example of the power for good that everyday banking can have in strengthening not for profits, and in turn, communities that benefit from their services.”

Each year Community Sector Banking selects the grants’ theme by assessing need and determining the areas in which they will generate the most impact.

This year organisations can apply for grants of $25,000 or $50,000 to build resilience and capability in people experiencing homelessness or domestic abuse.

It marks a continuation of the theme from the 2017 program, which Cairns said was due to the ongoing need in the community.

“We received an overwhelming number of applications to last year’s program, highlighting the huge need in the community and the sector for addressing these issues,” he said.

“We’re proud to be continuing and increasing our support.

“We recognised that homelessness and domestic abuse remain the greatest crises Australian communities currently face, and that long-term support and solutions are key to properly address them.”

Applications for the grants close on 31 May, 5pm AEST.

For more information see the website.