We are committed to supporting our local communities

Community Bank Woombye has been a part of the Woombye community for 16 years. 

We are committed to doing our part to ensure Woombye and the surrounding districts continue to thrive and remain as sustainable communities:  we achieve our objective by investing in our community.

We operate for the community and aim to provide funding and sponsorships for community-based groups, activities, and initiatives. We also provide scholarships for eligible students.

The Community Bank Woombye & Districts offers the following funding opportunities:

Community Impact Grants (3 rounds per year)

Supporting meaningful initiatives that enhance the community and offer clear public benefit

Sponsorships (3 rounds per year)

Supporting organisations or activities, with the recipient required to provide some service back to the sponsor

Student scholarships (once per year)

For students studying in year 10 to assist with their educational expenses for years 11 and 12, or TAFE equivalent.

We welcome groups to apply for funding which satisfy the following:

• The group applying for funding must intend to expend the funds in the next 12 months
• You are required to be a current customer, or advise your intention to become a customer of the Community Bank Woombye and Districts
• Any funding approved can only be deposited into a Community Bank Woombye and Districts bank account
• You must have provided acquittal details or complied with conditions arising from previous funding from us.
• A commercial enterprise will not be considered for funding.
• It is expected that community organisations will contribute to the initiative/project outlined on the application with funding or “in-kind” support.
• You may not apply for funding as an individual person, or on behalf of an individual person. This does not apply to scholarship applications.

If you successfully answered “yes” to all these criteria, please continue to read the information that follows. You can then determine which funding is most appropriate for your application.

If you have experienced exceptional circumstances (e.g. theft or property damage) and wish to apply for an exemption from the criteria listed above, please email wdcel@outlook.com to start this process).

Community Bank Woombye & Districts offers personal banking to Woombye and the surrounding districts.  It is managed by Woombye & Districts Community Enterprises Limited (WDCEL).

WDCEL is a limited company whose shareholders have a spirit to serve their community, and operating a Bendigo Bank Ltd franchise enables us to do just that by offering the only personal bank in our town, and provides opportunities for scholarships and community grants.

Funding

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact grants are available to support meaningful initiatives and projects that enhance the local community.  Most applicants will be able to seek funding for their initiative as a Community Impact Grant.

Community and not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding for projects and activities which offer direct public benefit and which support our Community Investment Strategy which is captured by the following five points:

1. Have a tangible positive benefit for our community
2. Be applicable to the broader community
3. Align with Community Bank and Bendigo Bank values
4. Be non-politically motivated
5. Activities must be legal and considered acceptable by normal community standards

Eligibility: Applicants must be a not-for-profit organisation with a registered ABN.  (If this is not the case with your group, please refer to the funding criteria under sponsorships or student scholarships.

As a part of the funding process, you will be asked to adhere to conditions outlined in the community grant agreement. You will also be asked to provide details of how the grant monies were used and demonstrate how you have adhered to these conditions. (refer to funding acquittal form).

Payment of approved funding will only be made when Community Impact Grant Agreement has been signed and returned.

Community Impact Grants timing

You may apply for funding at any time, however, applications will only be assessed three times per years, these being:

Round 1 – 28^th February for notification and payment within 6 weeks
Round 2 - 30^th June for notification and payment within 6 weeks

Round 3 - 30^th September for notification and payment within 6 weeks

Sponsorships

Sponsorships are provided to community organisations rather than specific projects and when the criteria for Community Impact Grants cannot be met. A local club or organization that accepts sponsorship, enters into the agreement with the understanding they have a reciprocal responsibility to support the community bank with their business, and by acknowledging and publicising the bank’s sponsorship. 

WDCEL will ask you to adhere to specific conditions as a part of the Sponsorship agreement, these conditions may differ depending on the level of sponsorship agreed to.  You will also be asked to acquit the sponsorship and demonstrate how the conditions of sponsorship have been met. 

Sponsorship rounds are as follows:

You may apply for funding at any time, however, applications will only be assessed three times per years, these being:

Round 1 – 28^th February for notification and payment within 6 weeks (closed)
Round 2 - 30^th June for notification and payment within 6 weeks (closed)

Round 3 - 30^th September for notification and payment within 6 weeks  

Scholarships 

Scholarships are available for eligible students to support them in furthering their studies with less financial burden.

Scholarship Purpose

The Student Scholarship program aims to assist students attending High School in the greater-Woombye area, with the aim of encouraging commitment to education, extended learning, development of expertise, and community citizenship.

The scholarship is awarded annually, and students will be considered favourably for funding in two-consecutive years of study.

Who may Apply?

The Scholarship supports students in, or progressing to, Years 11 and 12 (or TAFE equivalent).  Students may be attending any High School in Woombye and the surrounding districts of the Sunshine Coast.

Applications may be completed by a student or parent or guardian in the name of the student.

Aims of the Scholarship Program

• To assist students who may not be able to progress in high school studies for financial reasons.
• To encourage the importance of community citizenship as shown through leadership initiatives.
• To encourage strong academic participation

Scholarship value & acceptable use of scholarship funds

Open to fund education for Years 11 and 12, or TAFE equivalent.  The scholarship award value for study is $1,000 per year for 2 years or for the duration of the successful recipient’s course up to a maximum of 2 years (whichever is the lesser) for each successful recipient, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

The funds must be used for authorised school or personal development activities, such as textbooks, technology resources, school camps and excursions, school-initiated activities.

Evaluation of Applications

Scholarships will be awarded on the recommendation of a selection committee and the decision will be based on how an applicant addresses the questions in the application.

The Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right, at its discretion, not to award this scholarship in any given year.

Scholarship rounds are as follows:

One Round: Open in early August and close 31 August.

Any difficulties in accessing application form, please email: wdcel@outlook.com.

Keep up to date with our upcoming community investment programs, by visiting our Facebook page.