Customer-owned banks are deeply rooted in their communities – not only do they create financial opportunities for their members, but they also enrich the lives of those who live and work in the regions they serve.
To amplify their impact, many customer-owned banks have established programs or partnerships that extend their community support far and wide. Not only do they create meaningful change, but they also invite members to be part of the journey and give back to the communities they know and love.
Here we explore how three customer-owned banks are actively making a difference by collaborating with local charities, projects and organisations through dedicated grant programs.
Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Community Grants
Queensland Country Bank has a long-standing history of supporting community initiatives as one of the many ways the customer-owned bank nurtures community connections across the state. The Good for Good program has been running since 2005 and following the rollout of its latest round of grants, it will have injected $3 million back into Queensland.
“Our Good for Good Community Grants are all about using profits made from our banking business to invest back into community groups across Queensland. In turn, those groups can complete projects that benefit the lives of people in Queensland.” Queensland Country Bank CEO, Aaron Newman explained.
“As a customer-owned bank, we are committed to reinvesting our profits back into our communities and take great pride in giving back to the communities that continue to support us,” he added.
Many smaller regional and remote communities heavily rely on not-for-profit groups to help improve the liveability of their local communities. With cost of living being a significant hurdle for so many communities, there is increasing pressure on these important community initiatives – this is where Good for Good Grants provide welcome relief.
Grants are open to eligible Queensland not-for-profit organisations with funding of up to $30,000 available. Grant projects must fall into either sport and recreation, health, education, environment and, arts, culture and heritage.
“Community groups from Cairns to Brisbane, Weipa, Mount Isa and down to Stanthorpe will receive Good for Good Grants, and we could not be more excited to make such a difference with them. In 2024-25 we will provide a shared total funding of $150,000.”
An example of Good for Good’s impact is the Townsville-based grant recipient ‘Fuel for Schools’ program running across North and North-West Queensland, providing children with nutritious breakfasts. The program used the grant funding to purchase a much-needed vehicle to deliver food supplies to schools.
Paddy Pool, Operations Manager for Fuel for Schools said over the last 12 months the demand for Fuel for Schools had exceeded their initial program expectations.
“Schools that were running breakfast clubs one to two days per week quickly realised that on these days, school attendance was up along with behaviour and attention to learn. This grant will give us the ability to continue to provide our Fuelling the Future Program without the uncertainty of not having the van,” said Paddy.
Applications for 2025 grant candidates open from July to August, with successful recipients to be announced following an assessment period. Learn more about this incredible initiative Queensland Country Bank’s website.
Bank Australia’s Impact Fund
Bank Australia responsible banking can create a world where people and the planet thrive. Each year, the customer-owned bank commits a portion of its profits to the Impact Fund, supporting initiatives that generate clear and measurable social and environmental benefits.
“As a customer-owned bank, we ask our customers to tell us which issues they want to see us take action on. Some of our impact areas are climate action, affordable and accessible housing, nature and biodiversity, and First Nations Recognition and Respect. Hearing from our customers helps us determine which projects to support through the impact fund,” Jane Kern, Bank Australia’s Head of Impact Management explained.
“In 2024, we supported 12 incredible organisations with $195,560 in grants, and we’re proud to have provided over $2 million in funding to 149 projects since the program started in 2016,” Jane added.
When reviewing grant applications, Bank Australia makes sure to have a diverse range of perspectives and expertise involved. To do this, it involves several employees, a member of the Board, and two customers on the selection committee. This approach provides them an opportunity to learn more about the customer-owned bank’s customers and their community enhancing work.
“An example of last year’s recipients is Fitted for Work, an organisation based in Melbourne that helps women and gender-diverse jobseekers become work-ready and find meaningful employment. They build confidence and provide the necessary skills, information, and a work capsule wardrobe designed to help people step with confidence into new opportunities,” Jane says.
Bank Australia’s Impact Fund also plays a key role in maintaining its conservation reserve on Wotjobaluk Country (western Victoria).
The next round of grant applications opens April 2025. Learn more about the program on Bank Australia’s website.
Regional Australia Bank’s Community Partnership Program
Regional Australia Bank’s Community Partnership Program is more than a financial initiative – it’s a statement of purpose and a celebration of regional resilience, helping local organisations and people tackle challenges and seize new opportunities for growth.
“Over the last 15 years, the program has grown from humble beginnings to distributing $2.76 million last year alone, helping over 2,200 organisations across 38 communities. From healthcare and education to sports and elderly care, these funds go towards projects that make a lasting impact and strengthen local connections,” Regional Australia Bank’s CEO, David Heine explained.
One of the unique elements of the program is its democratic approach, with customers nominating the groups and causes they value most to ensure the program remains a direct reflection of regional Australia’s collective priorities.
The customer-owned bank’s staff are also integral to the success of the program, as they also represent dedicated community members who live and work locally. Many have personal connections to the recipient groups and bring valuable insights to help Regional Australia Bank better understand local needs.
In the past year, the Community Partnership Program has inspired real numbers through real impact, with achievements:
- $954,000 allocated to healthcare initiatives, improving access to vital patient care, hospital upgrades, and mental health services.
- $813,000 dedicated to elderly care, supporting dignity and essential services for our regional seniors.
- $387,000 invested in sports organisations, boosting community spirit and keeping young people active and engaged.
- $247,000 channelled into education projects, helping schools and students secure better resources for success.
“What makes the Community Partnership Program truly special is how it brings people together. Our customers play an active role by nominating the causes they care about, ensuring the program reflects the real priorities of regional Australia,” David explained.
“Our staff, who live and work in these communities, are also key to its success, helping to drive the program locally and celebrate the positive changes it brings,” he adds.
“As we look to the future, we’re excited to expand the reach of the program even further and continue supporting the people and causes that make regional Australia such a great place to live and work. Together, we’re building stronger, more connected communities,” David finishes.
Learn more about how Regional Australia Bank are committed to making a difference through the Community Partnerships Program on its website.