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As the cost-of-living crisis drives demand for frontline services to record highs, the IMB Bank Community Foundation is inviting charities and not-for-profit organisations to apply for a share of $770,000 in funding. With applications now open, the Foundation is looking for locally led solutions to address the most urgent social challenges facing regions today.
The need for community-driven support has never been more critical. Current data reveals a sobering reality: one in three Australians are skipping meals, over 2.3 million people are experiencing domestic and family violence, and one in four report feeling lonely. In times of financial stress, these pressures only intensify, making the work of local charities vital to the community's fabric. The Foundation is seeking to support locally led solutions that address these urgent social challenges.
IMB Bank CEO Highlights Importance of Community Support
IMB Bank Chief Executive Robert Ryan highlighted the importance of supporting those on the ground during these difficult economic times. "The IMB Bank Community Foundation is here to help organisations that foster culture, education, and community connection, and who are there for people doing it tough," Mr. Ryan said. "While our communities continue to be remarkably resilient in the face of cost-of-living pressures and global uncertainty, we know many are facing challenges like loneliness, food insecurity and family violence, and we are committed to making a contribution to the incredible organisations who are there to help them through tough times. We're proud to support the many local heroes playing a part in delivering vital services in our communities."
Continuing the Life-Changing Work of Local Organisations
Previous IMB Bank Community Foundation funding has already made significant impacts in regions around NSW and Australia. Recipients are drawn from a varied, wide-ranging pool of community groups such as the Southern Women's Group Inc, who have been able to extend their vital work in high schools using the funds. Their Love Bites program teaches young people about healthy relationships, consent and respectful communication, helping prevent violence before it starts. "The IMB Bank Community Foundation funding enabled us to expand the 'Love Bites' program to an additional five high schools, reaching approximately 500 more year 10 students across our region which covers the Shoalhaven down to the Bega Valley," said Samantha Monck, Southern Women's Group.
Another incredible organisation, Revolve Recycling Foundation, helps alleviate disadvantage in the community. "The IMB Bank Community funding has helped our organisation provide bicycles to newly arriving migrants and refugees including families," Revolve Recycling Foundation's Guido Verbist said. "Around 60 bikes with helmets, lights and locks will be delivered to provide much needed transport to work and school. The people we support are incredibly appreciative of the program and the support from the IMB Bank has brought many smiles," he said.
Last year's funding, which supported 58 organisations, has already made a significant impact including for Newcastle's Meals on Wheels. The grant enabled the service to provide ID tags for volunteers that offer local business discounts, directly easing the financial pressure. Susan Kelly, Quality Manager at Newcastle Meals on Wheels, said, "The support has helped improve volunteer capability and retention and enabled us to reach and support people across a broader geographic area, including more isolated communities."
Supertees and Other Recipients Making a Difference
Other fund recipients include The Fair Fight Foundation, which provides hero-themed Supertee medical garments for sick children in hospital, and Emerge and See NSW, which offers trauma-informed resilience programs for emergency responders. Jason Sotiris, the founder of Supertee, said the charity was born from watching his daughter go through cancer treatment and seeing how quickly childhood disappears in hospital. "I wanted to create something that gave kids back a sense of control, imagination and strength when so much is out of their hands," he said. Supertee's Fundraising and Business Development Coordinator, Andrew Watt, highlighted how the grant directly transforms the hospital experience for young patients by replacing standard gowns with Supertees. "The shift for families is immediate. Children feel more like themselves again, which has a positive flow-on effect for parents and hospital staff," Andrew said. "IMB Bank staff also played a hands-on role, coming together to pack the care packs themselves. That connection between funding and action is powerful, allowing the same community that supports the work to also see the impact it creates."
Foundation Chair Emphasises Sustained Support
Jann Gardner, IMB Community Foundation Chair, emphasised the Foundation's reputation in providing support. "Our Foundation is focused on providing much-needed funding to local community organisations and initiatives that deliver tangible, measurable and enduring impacts in the communities they serve. These include organisations that feed families, shelter those fleeing violence, support the isolated and elderly, and connect disadvantaged young people to opportunity. They deserve sustained support," Jann said.
Applications for 2026 are now open and close on 14 June 2026. The application process has been designed to be simple for busy not-for-profits and organisations throughout the region to apply. Visit imb.com.au/community to review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications.
References: Food Bank Hunger Project NSW and ACT 2026, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Relationships Australia 'Relationships Indicator Survey' 2026.
