In the lead up to World Environment Day (5 June), the IMB Bank Community Foundation is encouraging all environmental groups across Sydney to apply for grant funding to help shape the sustainable future of the country.

Australians are more environmentally engaged than ever before, with 78% young people concerned or extremely concerned about climate change. 67% believe that Australia is not doing enough to reduce carbon emissions.

Environmental projects backed by IMB Bank Community Foundation funding have driven grassroots change since 1999. Applications for 2021 grant funding close on June 30.

IMB Bank Community Foundation grant funding is open for projects with ambitious goals of tackling climate change, through to localised causes that address waste management, land regeneration and sustainable practices.

“This year, we are again calling for those people, not-for-profit groups and communities that are taking action and making a real difference in their neighbourhoods and networks to come forward and apply for IMB Bank Community Foundation funding,” said Robert Ryan, IMB Bank CEO.

Since 1999, the IMB Bank Community Foundation has supported a variety of environmentally focused initiatives. Funding has helped local communities rebuild after natural disasters. Solar energy programs, community gardens and environmentally focussed youth programs have also benefited from funding.

Environmental projects funded by IMB Bank Community Foundation include:

OzGreen’s YOUth LEADing the World – A transformative sustainability leadership program run in the Illawarra and Canberra that enables young people to actively participate in creating fairer, more sustainable futures.

Clean Energy for Eternity – Solar power for communities in South East NSW.

Revesby South Public School – Sustainable vegetable garden with chicken coop, worm farm and beehives for children in south-west Sydney.

Nowra East Public School – Development of a permanent Learning Seating Circle for students and community members in NSW’s Shoalhaven region.

Our Community Project Incorporated – Funding to create 4,000 square metres of an urban farm in Wollongong NSW as a new area for food growing.

SAGE – Providing free vegetable beds to those affected by the bushfires in South East NSW.

Southern Highlands Botanical Garden – Supporting the propagation and protection of endemic and rare plant species to develop the gardens.

Tuggeranong Uniting Church – Supporting garden activities at the Erindale Neighbourhood Garden in the ACT.

Tuross Community Garden Inc. – Education and installation of a new roof-on-the-ground water system for the Tuross Community Garden in South Coast NSW.

Vinnies Bushfire Relief Fund – Rebuilding areas around NSW’s South Coast impacted by bushfires.

The IMB Bank Community Foundation supports people and communities in IMB’s key markets – Sydney, the Illawarra, Hunter, South Coast, Southern Highlands, the ACT and Melbourne.