Helping the Epping area through community funding is an important reason why Community Bank Epping was established, 20 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.

We’ve now given out more than $2.5 million and gave a record number of grants over the last year. 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.

During 2024, we received 62 applications. In the first half of the year, 25 projects from 23 organisations received a grant. These projects are now well underway. A second round of applications closed on 15 August 2024 and these applicants are now being notified of the outcomes.

Get ready now to apply

A new round will open early in 2025. Here is some advice on how to get ready to lodge the best application.

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 non-for-profit organisations and charities
• Grants must assist Epping and nearby suburbs (roughly Beecroft to Eastwood, Carlingford to Marsfield geographically)
• No funding can be provided for administration or staff costs
• If your organisation has had a previous grant, the acquittal report will need to have been completed before a further application can be considered

Here are some hints for your project:

• 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
• 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 applying
• 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
• 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

Getting Started

To find out more about the process and eligibility, please read the Community Funding Guidelines. Gather any paperwork you will need (bank statements, quotes, background information) before you start your application.

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