Grants program opening soon

APPLICATIONS for the Community Bank Heathcote & District Community Grants program will open on 2 October 2023.

The grants are one way the bank seeks to return up to 80 per cent of the profit it makes to the local community.

In the past, the program has supported a broad range of projects in the district, including more than $17,000 to a local playground, $160,000 to Barrack Reserve Stadium upgrades, and $20,000 for solar heating at Heathcote Pool.

Other regular grants are made to local groups and initiatives such as the CFA, SES, tourism marketing, schools, halls, clubs, and health services.

“We’re excited to be opening the community grants program and we’re hoping for some wonderfully varied and quality projects for our board of directors to consider,” said Community Bank board chair Natalie Sheridan-Smith.

“As always, our directors’ decisions will be around the immediate and long-lasting benefits of the planned projects for the benefit of our local community.

“We really look forward to finding out what our community groups are up to and finding opportunities to link them together where they’re working towards a common goal.

“We are hosting an information session in Heathcote and would like to see all community members join us, to contribute to discussions, and share ideas about what they might like to see happen in their community.

“Even if you don’t have a particular project in mind, it will be the perfect opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals and become involved.”

Branch manager Teri Johnson said the money given away as part of the program came from profits made from the bank’s customers.

“The funds for the community grant program, together with our Scholarship and Sponsorship initiates, come directly from our community,” she said.

“Simply put, the more people who bank with us, the more we can return to the community for the benefit of all.”

As part of the application process Community Bank Heathcote & District staff will be holding an information session on Monday 2 October at 5pm at Palling Bros Brewery and RSVPs for attendance to [email protected].

Community Grant applications will open for four weeks at 9am on Monday 2 October and can be found under Grant Programs at bit.ly/3RlRHA1.