Helping the Epping area through community funding is an important reason why Community Bank Epping was established, 23 years ago. A local bank, with all the services one would expect, but where the profits go back to the area through grants and sponsorship. But how can you get grant-ready to apply for funding?

We’ve now given out more than $2.9 million since we opened in 2003. In 2025 we supported an outstanding number of local groups – supporting 50 projects from 37 organisations. 26 projects received support during the second half of the year – read about them here. These all help our community grow and thrive. They support the local P&Cs, fund essential equipment for sports clubs, assist family and youth charities in supporting residents and enable a wider range of community facilities and activities.

The Board is committed to supporting as many projects as possible, but cannot guarantee funding or that every application will be successful. They consider every request carefully and applications need to meet eligibility criteria.

Grant or Sponsorship?

Most grants are for one off projects (e.g new equipment or capital works, an event or training course). However sporting clubs can apply for annual sponsorship which is a separate process. Please email eppingcbgrants@gmail.com for more information on this.

Grant rounds

Applications need to be made through a grants round which are run a number of times a year. The first round for 2026 was in February and is now closed. But to find out more about how to apply read here.

Successful applicants from the February round will be notified by the end of March, with funding thereafter.

Here is some advice on how to get ready to lodge the best application and being grant ready.

Eligibility Criteria

Firstly, there are some important eligibility criteria – make sure your organisation fit these:

• Funding can only be given to organisations – not individuals
• It is available for registered non-for-profit organisations and charities with an ABN
• Grants must assist Epping and nearby suburbs (roughly Beecroft to Denistone, Carlingford to Marsfield geographically)
• If the organisation is not based in this area, the project they apply for must be specific to it
• Applications from organisations who choose to bank with Community Bank Epping are preferable, and we seek to partner with organisations who participate in promotions to their members
• Funding cannot be given for retrospective projects – only future activity will be considered
• No funding can be provided for administration or staff costs so these should not be included in applications
• If your organisation has had a previous grant, the acquittal report will need to have been completed before a further application can be considered (or please email us to discuss further)
• If you are seeking sponsorship, this is a separate process – please email eppingcbgrants@gmail.com for advice.

Project Planning

Here are some hints for getting grant ready:

• Think through the elements of your project, especially if you are buying equipment or doing capital works. A short plan will help you make key decisions
• You will need written quotes for any work (or piece of work) over $5,000 in cost. These have to be included with your application – so allow enough time to get them
• You will need to provide receipts at the end of your project demonstrating expenditure
• If you are proposing a building project, you may need to get a Development Application or similar. You can apply whilst waiting for this, but need to show you are in contact with council and have started this process
• Think through the elements of your project – the more detail you can give (with costings), the easier it is for us to assess its merits
• You will need to attach some documentation with your application – recent bank statement, annual return, quotes and council permission (if relevant) so gather those as pdf files
• Clearly demonstrate how the project will benefit local residents, and how big that benefit will be
• Have an outline on what your organisation/group does, who it helps, and how this project fits in
• Specify how you will be able to acknowledge your grant, and promote our community bank to your users. Sketch out a simple promotion plan as that also helps to let the local community know about your project
• Evidence of promotion being fulfilled will need to be included in your final acquittal and failure to promote your grant may impact future applications.

Getting Started

To find out more about the process and eligibility, please read the Community Funding Guidelines.

You can see a sample of the application form here, which will give you an idea of the information required.

If you have questions or need assistance, please email eppingcbgrants@gmail.com