Guide to Completing the Application Form

In 1999, the IMB Bank established the IMB Bank Community Foundation as a way for IMB to support our local communities. Providing funding to support projects driven by local community and not-for-profit groups is one of the ways IMB Bank is helping build stronger, thriving, connected communities in the places we call home. Applying for funding is easy, see below for your step-by-step guide.

Before you begin

Step 1. Check your organisation is eligible for funding

The IMB Bank Community Foundation offers funding to not-for-profit, charity and community organisations. As a general rule, the IMB Bank Community Foundation will not support projects that are promoted by or have direct links to commercial or profit-making organisations. You can read more about the types of organisations that are eligible for funding here.

Step 2. Review whether your project is eligible for funding

Funding is available to support projects that meet the objectives and criteria of the IMB Bank Community Foundation. Broadly speaking, the Foundation looks to support projects that help build stronger, more connected communities and provide local support where it is needed. Take a look at some past projects on our website and have a read through the objectives, criteria and constraints to determine if your project is eligible. If you are unsure – reach out to us at foundation@imb.com.au.

Please note, your organisation will be required to open an IMB Bank account to receive your funding.

Submitting your application

Step 3. Apply online for funding by the due date

When applications are open you will be able to apply online via the IMB Bank website. To assist you when completing your application, we have provided a sample application. When completing your application remember to be clear and concise, particularly about your organisation, the project, how the funds will be used and how it will help your community.

Troubleshooting:

Don’t leave your unsaved application unattended for too long if you can help it. If left unattended the system may reset and you could lose your work so far.
It is best not to use special characters like these “@#^&*”{>)(-_,or bullet points within the application form. This can cause issues with the system.
Fields are limited to 100 words, so remember to keep answers brief. If we need more information, we will contact you.

Step 4. Review and submit

When you have completed your application, it’s a good idea to review it before you submit. This gives you a chance to make any last-minute changes. Once you submit your application you will receive an onscreen confirmation.

What happens next?

Step 5. Applications Assessment

Once applications have closed, our assessment team will review each application against the IMB Bank Community Foundation objectives, criteria and constraints. As part of this process the team will consider, among other things:

How many people your project will reach and how many it will benefit;
The impact your project will have in your local community
Whether your project will be sustainable beyond initial funding;
Whether your project builds community assets or resources via the transfer of skills or knowledge.

The IMB Bank Community Foundation Committee will look favourably on projects that display a higher degree of collaboration within a community.

Step 6. Shortlist confirmed

Following a thorough assessment of all applications, the assessment team will provide a shortlist for review by the IMB Bank Community Foundation Committee. After this review a shortlist is finalised. If your project has not been shortlisted, you will be notified at this time.

Step 7. Interviews with shortlisted project

All applicants on the short list proceed to interview, the next stage of assessment. Over a number of weeks members of the IMB Bank Community Foundation Committee conduct assessments in person, online and over the phone to determine the most suitable projects. After interviewing, our committee members submit recommendations back to the committee.

Step 8. Final committee review

Once all interviews have taken place, the Committee review the entire shortlist and determine a final list of recommendations for the IMB Bank Board to review and approve at its next board meeting.

Step 9. Successful Applicants Advised

When the IMB Board have approved the final list of projects the IMB Bank Community Foundation will advise successful applicants by way of email.

Step 10. Successful projects administration

If your project has been approved, there is a small amount of administration we will need you to take care of. It might help to start getting this information together in advance. The email you receive from the foundation will ask you to:

Provide high quality images that represent your project or organisation;
Provide quote(s) about your project and what you aim to achieve with your Community Foundation funding. Please also provide the name of a spokesperson who can be quoted in promotional activity;
Provide your social media handles and be sure to follow IMB on Facebook and Instagram to make sure you are always up to date with the latest from us;
Sign your paperwork. This includes an official letter of advice regarding your funding and your IMB Community Foundation Funding agreement;
Open an IMB Account in the name of the organisation;
Advise IMB Community Foundation of the IMB account number;
You will be advised when funds have been deposited into the account;

And after that?

Step 11. Stay in touch

As part of your funding agreement, you will be required to submit two periodical reports to the IMB Community Foundation. This just helps us stay up to date on where you are at with your project, note any issues or concerns you may have and identify opportunities for us to work together to promote your success.

The IMB Bank Community Foundation is always interested to hear what is happening with your project, no matter when it was funded. So, drop us a line every now and again and let us know how it’s going.