Sponsorship & Grants

You must:

• Be an organisation with an ABN/can or an incorporated association (unincorporated bodies need to be auspiced by an incorporated body) located in the areas surrounding our branch network within Melbourne’s Inner East.
• Have a project partner if you are not an incorporated organisation. A project partner is an incorporated community or not-for profit organisation that is willing to enter into the funding agreement on your behalf and help you to deliver the project.
• Bank with Community Bank Inner East (unless exempt under state government legislation), or be prepared to move your banking to one of our branches (unless exempt under State Government legislation).

Organisations, clubs and community groups are eligible to apply once in each 12-month period. Sporting clubs should apply for funding prior to the commencement of the season. As we assess applications on a quarterly basis, winter sports should apply in the November or February rounds summer sports should apply in May or August.

Community Investment Program- Applicant Guidelines

Funding will not be provided to:

• Individuals or unincorporated organisations without an eligible project partner.
• For-profit organisations.
• Organisations who have already received funding in the past 12 months.

We will not provide funding for projects that are illegal, commercial or offer private benefits. We will also not fund projects:

• That take place outside of Melbourne’s Inner East.
• For political purposes or to political organisations or political advocacy groups.
• Religious organisations seeking direct support for religious programs or events.
• Events or programs that denigrate, exclude or offend sections of the community.
• Activities associated with gambling.
• Events or programs that are deemed not safe.
• Programs that do not reflect community standards.
• Projects where there is a more appropriate funding source.

Community Investment Program- Applicant Guidelines

Our Community Investment Program is limited by the availability of funds and we cannot approve all applications. However, we assess each application on its merit, so your organisation is welcome to submit another application in the future. We notify all unsuccessful applicants by email.

Community Investment Program- Applicant Guidelines

When we provide funding to an organisation, we aim to build a genuine, mutually beneficial partnership. Our goal is to work alongside groups that not only share our commitment to strengthening the community but also recognise the value of collaborating with us to achieve greater impact. In return for our support, we ask recipients to agree to simple partnership commitments, such as promoting our involvement, keeping us informed of outcomes, and engaging with us in ways that showcase the positive difference being made. By working together in this way, we can grow our business, strengthen community connections, and ultimately increase the level of sponsorship and funding we’re able to provide back into the community over the longer term.

General obligations include:

• Attend our Funding Presentation evening.
• Invite IECF Directors, Managers and staff to attend functions and events as appropriate.
• Promote the partnership to your members/supporters/staff.
• Use our logos on your website to promote our support.
• Use our logo in your promotional materials and signage (where appropriate)
• Use our logo on uniforms and equipment (where appropriate).
• Not accept sponsorship from a competitor for the duration of our agreement.
• Complete our Annual Community Impact survey, describing the impact of the funding provided to your organisation and beneficiaries.

Depending on the level of funding provided, larger investments may be subject to a formal funding agreement. Smaller investments generally only require recipients to meet a few simple partnership commitments, ensuring the process remains straightforward while still fostering a strong community connection.

Reporting requirements

Community Impact Survey

You will be required to complete our Community Impact survey which is done annually to provide a summary of the impact of the funding you received. This can be done via the online survey form that will be sent to you and available on our website.

Acquittal

You will be required to complete an Acquittal at the competition of your project or funding period. This will be submitted via the online form available on our website. The acquittal will provide us with information about how the funding was spent, the outcomes, achievements of the project, and any lessons learned.

Community Investment Program- Applicant Guidelines

We approve funding ranging from small amounts (such as $100) to significantly larger amounts. We consider several factors when deciding the amount of funding to be provided, including the total project cost, the number of participants or people who will benefit from the investment and the banking business the organisation has with us. The availability of funds for sponsorship and grants varies from year to year and is dependent on the continued growth of our banking business. You can contact your local branch for guidance on how much to apply for.

Community Investment Program- Applicant Guidelines

Applications will be approved/declined by the end of the month following the application due date (ie; applications submitted for Round 1 will be considered and approved/declined by the end of March) If your application is successful, you will be required to provide us with a Tax Invoice for payment of the approved funding.

Community Investment Program- Applicant Guidelines