Community Investment and Impact Strategy

Community Bank Bright’s Community Investment and Impact Strategy is driven by our overarching commitment to invest in the growth of a resilient, thriving and sustainable community in Bright and surrounds.

To guide investment towards this outcome, the following priority areas of focus have been identified:

1. Health and Wellbeing

Nurturing the physical and mental health of individuals and groups in our community and improving access to health services.

2. Liveability

Enhance local community groups capacity, capabilities and infrastructure. Support the ongoing protection and sustainability of environmental assets.

3. Economic Impact

Grow the economic strength of our region and drive innovative solutions to challenges facing businesses and our community.

4. Culture

Supporting cultural and arts activities that celebrate our region’s identity and heritage and empower people through creativity and connection.

5. Inclusion

Fostering a culture of belonging, improving connectedness for all members of our community and strengthening activity  and participation.  

Community and not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding for projects and activities that are aligned with our impact strategy, at least one of these focus areas and clearly demonstrate positive community outcomes.

Community Investment Funding

Our community investment funding is made possible by the profit generated from banking services provided at our branch.

Growing our customer base allows this unique banking model to thrive and increases our capacity to sponsor more organisations into the future.

Since opening in 2006, we have invested over $1.1 million back into our community.

Funding is available via three channels – Grants, Sponsorships and Scholarships.

Grants

Our grants are paid to a not for profit organisation to address a specific social issue in the community aligning with our Community Investment and Impact Strategy in one or more focus areas.

We will most likely have had preliminary conversations with you before you submit your application. This is for community investment projects with clear goals and co-investments.

Please ensure you review the Community Grants Guidelines document prior to making a submission.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships are provided to community clubs and organisations rather than specific projects.  

We sponsor clubs, organisations and events aligned with our Community Investment and Impact Strategy in return for customer acquisition opportunities and brand awareness.

We value your support as we encourage local people to choose to bank with Bendigo Bank in Bright. That business supports these sponsorships.

The levels of sponsorships and corresponding conditions can be found in this document.

Please ensure you review the Community Sponsorship Guidelines document prior to making a submission.

Scholarships

The Stuart Hargreaves Scholarship supports a local young person beginning their career journey. Applications open in January 2026.

Rounds

Please note that our Community Investment Program accepts applications for grants and sponsorships in quarterly rounds. Application timelines for the current financial year can be found below:

1st Round

Applications open               1 August 2025

Applications close               31 August 2025

Notification of outcome      30 September 2025

2nd Round

Applications open               1 November 2025

Applications close               30 November 2025

Notification of outcome      23 December 2025

3rd Round

Applications open                1 February 2026

Applications close                28 February 2026

Notification of outcome       31 March 2026

4th Round

Applications open                 1 May 2026

Applications close                 31 May 2026

Notification of outcome        30 June 2026

Remember, banking business held at our Community Bank Bright branch gives us the ability to contribute back to the community.

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