The Community Banks Calliope and Community Bank Gladstone are operated by a community owned company, Calliope & District Enterprises Ltd (CDE).

We are committed to developing partnerships that assist in achieving positive community outcomes, and recognise that without successful communities, there cannot be successful businesses.

We invest in local organisations that facilitate activities to build and strengthen our community.

Where do funds come from

Community banking is a ‘profit-for-purpose’ model, designed to feed a positive cycle of good business while returning profits directly to the community that has generated them.

To run a successful Community Investment Program and return as much as possible, we first need to run a successful business. That’s why it’s important that customers bank with Bendigo Community Bank Calliope and Gladstone in the first instance.

We help build community

Our Community Investment Program has already returned over $4.2 million to local community groups and organisations. We have funded meaningful and impactful projects across the Gladstone region and strengthened community connections in the process.

We are focused on continuing to invest in our community over the coming years.

CDE offers two types of funding:          

• Community Donations and Sponsorships: for delivery of community, sporting, cultural and environmental initiatives that will contribute positively to the Gladstone Region

We sponsor events, projects or organisations through the provision of money, goods or services in return for customer acquisition opportunities and brand recognition. We provide services and financial support to help achieve social outcomes in our communities.

• Strategic Projects Grants (over $50,000): Larger projects that strengthen Not for Profit Organisations through the provision of financial support to upgrade existing or build new facilities.

Funding Conditions

Applicants will be expected to have a banking relationship with the Calliope and Gladstone Community Banks.

Applications for donations, sponsorship & grants may be submitted throughout the year, please ensure submissions are received at least 12 weeks prior to funding requirement to allow sufficient time for processing and Board review.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome within 6 weeks, if possible, by the Foundation or the Board depending on outcomes.

Applications may be denied, partially or fully funded but in all cases, decisions made by the Committee/Board will be final.

Applications deemed not suitable for funding by the Foundation’s guidelines may be re-assessed by the Board and funded directly from the company.

An entity applying for amounts over $10,000 will be required to provide the last year’s audited financial report.

Requests for donations up to a value of $500 can be requested by letter to the Community Bank Calliope and Gladstone Branch Managers. No formal application is required.

Generally, applications are unlikely to be approved if:

• Funding is for an individual person or a commercial enterprise
• Funding is for recurrent costs or for items already purchased
• You do not have a Community Bank Calliope or Gladstone account 
• You have failed to acquit previous funding received
• You have failed to comply with conditions set out for previous funding received
• Funding is for wages or ongoing operational costs

Community Investment Funding

Grants

Our grants are paid to an organisation to address a social issue within the community.

Projects/ programs that support the broader community for example: mental health programs, educational programs, playgrounds, community engagement, arts and culture (example of projects)

Sponsorships

We sponsor events, projects or organisations through the provision of money, goods or services in return for customer acquisition opportunities and brand recognition. (sporting events, sporting equipment & fundraising)

Please read the guidelines prior to commencing your submission:

Sponsorship Guidelines

Grants Guidelines

**Please note applications will not be assessed until the end of each round, notifications will be emailed to applicants following board decisions**

Scholarships

Our scholarships support students to further their studies with less financial burden.

Program opens 1st November annually.

Keep up to date with our community investment programs, by visiting our Facebook page.