Community projects such as a surf school for children living with Autism, mental health support for youth, and a trailer to deliver food and support to Canberra’s homeless will benefit from over $450,000 in grant funding donated by IMB Bank Community Foundation. 

IMB Bank Community Foundation is proud to have supported nearly 800 community groups and projects across NSW and ACT, with over $10 million donated since 1999.  

According to IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan, IMB Bank’s Community Foundation “really embodies the power of communities.” 

“In announcing our 2020 funding recipients, we’re celebrating the people and organisations who are making a profound difference within their own neighbourhoods and networks. These people are at the front line – they’re taking action, rolling their sleeves up, and getting the job done. And in doing so, they’re making a real difference, and building better futures for others,” he said.  

IMB Bank Community Foundation’s projects have ranged from the establishment of recycling programs and Men’s Sheds, to public walkways, school gardens, youth driver training, mental health first aid training, equipment for volunteer rescue services and increased security for victims of domestic violence. 

Despite COVID-19 related disruptions, it was important to IMB Bank that its Community Foundation funding went ahead in 2020.  

Ryan also stressed that the challenges the world faced in 2020 highlighted the role that IMB Bank’s Community Foundation plays at a grassroots level.  

“Since 1880, IMB’s core philosophy has been to help build strong, resilient communities. As we all begin to navigate our way forward, IMB Bank’s commitment to supporting Australian communities as they rebuild and recover remains as strong as ever. We are proud to provide funding for these valuable community projects, and truly humbled to play a small part in their continued growth and success,” he said.  

Community Groups

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), one of the community groups that will receive grant funding from IMB is Painting with Parkinsons. They focus on increasing the quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s Disease through the benefits of art therapy. 

Marymead Child and Family Centre, an organisation that provides event support materials to small community groups will also receive support.

Meanwhile, in New South Wales (NSW), Autism Swim, a surf school for people living with autism and EducAID, a group that will provide Mental Health First Aid training to 500 students and teachers will receive grant funding as well.

These four organisations, along with 25 others will be receiving the grant funding from IMB Bank Community Foundation as part of its commitment to support projects which strengthen local communities through the transfer of skills and knowledge, encouraging and supporting volunteer input and building lasting community assets.