General News
16 August, 2026
Spring grants coming soon
COMMUNITY and not-for-profit organisations across Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud are invited to apply for funding through the Community Bank Spring Community Grant Program opening September 1. The program supports local projects that make a difference, including improvements to community facilities, new equipment, education and wellbeing projects, and other ideas that respond to local needs.
Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud invested more than $213,000 into local communities during the 2025/26 financial year, taking total community investment to almost $2.9 million.
Executive Officer Julie Driscoll said the Spring Grant Program was a chance for local groups to turn good ideas into projects that benefit their community.
“We know there are groups across our region with ideas to improve their facilities, create new opportunities or meet a need in their community,” Julie said.
“We encourage people to talk to us before they start their application. Tell us what you’re hoping to achieve, and we can talk through whether it fits the program and what you’ll need to
apply.”
Community impact is a major part of how applications are assessed.
Groups should clearly explain who will benefit from their project, how many people it will reach and why it is needed.
Projects that bring organisations together or benefit more than one part of the community are also encouraged.
There is no set maximum grant amount, so groups can apply for projects of different sizes.
For larger projects, applicants are encouraged to break their budget into stages and show which parts are the highest priority.
Julie said groups should start early and allow time to gather quotes, letters of support and other information.
“A strong application doesn’t need complicated language. Just tell us clearly what you want to do, why it’s needed, who will benefit and what difference it will make.”
The Spring Grant Program is funded through the Community Bank model, with income generated through Bendigo Bank in Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud reinvested into the
local community through grants, sponsorships and other community initiatives.
“These grants exist because local people choose to bank with us,” Julie said.
“Almost $2.9 million has now gone back into our region, supporting projects and organisations across Avoca, Maryborough, St Arnaud and surrounding communities. The more people who bank with us, the more we can invest back into the region.”
Applications open 1 September and close 30 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Executive Officer Julie Driscoll before submitting an application.
Full Grant Guidelines and applications are available through the Community Bank’s SmartyGrants portal.
Applications and further details:
communitybankavocamaryborough.smartygrants.com.au.
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