IMB Bank Community Foundation funds 52 grassroots projects in 2022, supporting locals in challenging times

24 October 2022

Projects tackling food insecurity, health and wellbeing, youth education, and support for Australians living with disability are among the 52 community building initiatives receiving IMB Bank Community Foundation funding in 2022.

Now in its 23rd year, the IMB Bank Community Foundation has donated over $11.5m to more than 850 grassroots projects across NSW, ACT and VIC. This year’s funding addresses the needs of local communities, and provides vital funding support when and where it's needed most.

IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan says that IMB Bank Community Foundation funding in 2022 will help community groups continue their work to deliver essential services for locals.

“There is no doubt that Australians have faced many challenges in recent years,” said Mr Ryan. “Following global unrest and domestic challenges, it is the hard work of community-minded Australians that provides the on-the-ground support. It is a privilege to support people and organisations that donate their time, energy and care to help others in need.

“The community projects funded this year make a significant difference to the lives of Australians. They facilitate access to affordable groceries, opportunities to learn new skills to improve family life or employment, access to services or equipment to improve fullness in life, as well as many other life-changing benefits.”

Over the past 12 months, cost of living and personal debt was the leading cause of distress for 40% of Australians. The strain of rising living expenses has resulted in 1 in 5 Australians admitting they use their savings to live week to week, with food insecurity one of the top concerns.

Day to day  living pressures are also impacting vulnerable members of our community with Australians living with disability experiencing worsening household finances (28%), and the need to draw on savings for basic living expenses (13%).

Disability programs, food and grocery services, and wellbeing support for men and women facing personal struggles, domestic violence, health challenges or homelessness are just some of the diverse and essential projects being funded by the IMB Bank Community Foundation in 2022. Funding will also go towards projects delivering training and education for young people, children’s services, and employment support for Australians.

Mr Ryan said, “We are supporting 52 diverse grassroots projects that aim to build brighter futures for Australian communities. Funding will provide a much-needed boost as they rebuild, recover and plan ahead after several challenging years,” said Mr Ryan.

Find out more about the inspirational projects here.

“Demand for the services of charities and community groups has risen dramatically since the start of the pandemic. While the IMB Bank Community Foundation began in 1999, it is in 2022 that we feel the Foundation’s role is more important than ever,” said Mr Ryan. 

IMB Bank is one of the longest-standing financial organisations in NSW and was recognised with Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers – Bank, and Most Satisfied Customers – Customer Owned Bank awards in 2022 and was recently appointed to the lending panel for the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme. Its Community Foundation program is considered one of the best of its kind in Australia.

For more information about IMB Bank Community Foundation visit www.imb.com.au/community.