Inner East Community Finance - Community Investment Program

About Community Bank Inner East

Community Bank Inner East is operated by Inner East Community Finance Limited (IECF), a locally owned company run by local people and proudly part of the Bendigo Bank Community Bank network.

For more than 23 years, we have been helping build stronger communities across Melbourne's Inner East. Beginning with our branches in Surrey Hills and Canterbury, followed by branch openings in Ashburton and Balwyn. We have expanded into Kew, Hawthorn and surrounding areas with our acquisition of the Kew East and Swinburne Community Bank customers, servicing Melbourne’s Inner East.

Our success directly benefits the local community. Through our Community Investment Program, we reinvest up to 60% of our profits back into local organisations, projects and initiatives that help create a stronger, more connected and vibrant community.

Community Investment Program

The Community Investment Program provides funding to eligible community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations across Melbourne's Inner East.

Our funding supports initiatives that:

• Deliver positive outcomes for the local community
• Encourage community participation and wellbeing
• Strengthen local organisations and their capacity to serve the community
• Provide opportunities to promote Community Bank Inner East and the benefits of community banking.
• Support the growth and sustainability of our Community Bank through increased awareness, engagement and banking relationships.

As a Community Bank, we believe banking can be a force for good. Every new customer helps generate profits that can be reinvested into local community projects. The continued success of our Community Investment Program relies on the ongoing support of community members choosing to bank with Community Bank Inner East.

While we place a strong emphasis on partnerships that provide meaningful marketing, branding and engagement opportunities, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that deliver significant community benefit.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
• Community groups.
• Sporting clubs.
• Schools and educational organisations
• Charitable and community service organisations.

Applicants must be located within, or primarily service, communities surrounding our branch network across Melbourne's Inner East.

Before submitting an application, please review our Community Investment Program Guidelines to ensure your organisation and project meet the eligibility criteria.

Click here to view our Community Impact Report.

Funding Application Dates

Sponsorship and funding applications are assessed quarterly.

2026 Application Rounds

Round                Closing Date                                Status

Round 1             Friday 13 February 2026             Closed

Round 2             Friday 15 May 2026                     Closed

Round 3             Friday 14 August 2026                 Open

Round 4             Friday 13 November 2026           Open

Organisations are eligible to apply once within a 12-month period.

Sporting clubs should apply prior to the commencement of their season. As applications are assessed quarterly:

• Winter sporting clubs should consider applying in the December or February rounds.
• Summer sporting clubs should consider applying in the May or August rounds.

Assessment Process

Applications are reviewed by the Community Investment Committee during the first week of March, June, September and December each year.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their submission within two weeks of the committee meeting.

Stay Connected

To keep up to date with upcoming funding opportunities, community programs and local impact stories, follow Community Bank Inner East on Facebook and Instagram. You can contact our staff here.