Helping the Epping area through community funding is an important reason why Community Bank Epping was established, 21 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 since we opened in 2001. And in 2024 gave a record number of grants – supporting 58 projects from 42 organisations. 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.

You can read more about the organisations that were supported here.

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.

Grant or Sponsorship?

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

Get ready now to apply

A new grants round will open on Wednesday 15th January and close on Friday 28th February 2025. You can now set up a log in for the online application system. The actual form will go live on 15 January.

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)
• Whilst not compulsory, applications from organisations who choose to bank with Community Bank Epping are looked on favourably
• 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.

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. 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
• 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. Evidence of this will need to be included in your final acquittal and may impact any future applications.

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