Support for us = Support for you

A grant is right if...Grants are a philanthropic activity, where VCFS decides, as part of it's social responsibility program, to fund specific community projects that will enhance the community, and provide tangible benefits to the entire community. These could include fairs, festivals, or community/group projects.A sponsorship is right if...Sponsorship is a mutually beneficial commercial arrangement or partnership between VCFS and another organization. VCFS will contribute funds and/or services to a specified project, event or origination - in return for recognition, acknowledgement and/or other promotional activities.Not sure? Get in touch with your local branch. We'll happily talk it through with you.

Who can applyYou'll need to be an incorporated community, have DGR status, or be a not-for-profit organization with an Australian bank account. Not incorporated? You can still apply alongside a project partner - an incorporated not-for-profit who'll sign the agreement and help deliver your project.What we fundProjects that make a genuine difference locally. That covers a lot of ground: sporting, environment and animals, health, safety, learning and development, community resilience, disaster recovery, and more. We're looking for projects that involve good communication, planning, and have benefits for both the recipient and the sponsor.We can't fund projects:Outside of our catchment area;That are political or religious in nature;For the sole benefit of an individual;That are commercial in nature;That involves prize money for professional sport or payment of wages;That promotes/involves discrimination, racial hatred, or illegal activity;That are already sponsored by another bank or financial institution;That have been completed prior to the submission of the application Read the full list here

Applications are submitted online through the SmartyGrants application hub. Ensure you scroll to the bottom and click submit. You'll get a confirmation email once it's in. Depending on your project, you might need to prepare:A current bank statement for your organizationA project budget and quotesAny permits, licenses or insurances your project needsWorking With Children Checks, if children are involvedLetters of community support (if applicable)Council consultation (if applicable)Note: Please allow plenty of time before your project commencement date - we will respond within 60 days of your application.

Priority will be given to organizations that bank with us, and are based in the community serviced by the VCFS groupWe are conscious of the need to spread our funds across many community groups and a wide area. We need customers who understand that their banking can build a better community. We are a community based organization which is willing to help but need you as an advocate to promote our business.Some of our considerations are:Community benefit - what difference will this make locally, and are your goals clear and realistic?Community support - would our community support this initiative?Capacity to deliver - is the plan achievable, and have you done something like this before?Value - is the budget sensible, and does the outcome justify the investment?We look favorably on applications with confirmed co-funding or self-contributions

We usually let applicants know by email within 60 days.We might get in touch during that time if we need a little more information or clarification - so keep an eye on your inbox.Occasionally, we'll work with you in referring your application to the Community Enterprise Foundation to administer.

You'll be notified by phone which will then be followed up with an agreement and request for invoice through the SmartyGrants portal.Reporting backIf your funding is over $1,500 - you will be required to submit an acquittal at the end of the season or the project - which you will receive through the SmartyGrants portal.We love hearing these stories - it's how we share the impact with the community.If your plans changeThings don't always go to plan, and that's okay! Let us know as early as you can, and we will work together to navigate a resolution.

The funding is just the start. The partnerships that work best are the ones where we're genuinely developing a relationship with each other.Alongside your funding, we'll discuss a few ways to reach your community and spread awareness of the Community Bank model. That might look like:Committee meeting attendanceInvitation to appropriate social events / speaking opportunitiesSharing our story with your members, and advocating for your local Community BankSocial media content collaborationsSignage or branding at venue, events, or website.Helping us capture and tell the stories of your project / groupA strong partnership with mutual benefit is a real consideration in future funding opportunities.

Once your application has been approved, you'll find a link to your full logo suite in your grant agreement form to utilize on promotional materials.