Record demand sees 67 community groups share more than $770,000 in IMB Bank Community Foundation grants

At a launch celebration at the IMB Bank Head Office in Wollongong today, the IMB Bank Community Foundation announced the 67 community and not-for-profit organisations that will share more than $770,000 in grant funding. The recipients were chosen from a record number of applications in 2026—the highest in the Foundation’s 27-year history.

Applications exceeded last year’s record by 20 per cent, highlighting the increasing pressure facing communities. Initiatives delivering clothing, food relief, community health, essential transport and disability services were among those most in need of support this year.

IMB Bank Chief Executive Robert Ryan said the unprecedented demand reflected the growing burden on local not-for-profit organisations.

“The record demand for grants this year reflects how much pressure community organisations are under, and how important their work continues to be,” said Mr Ryan. “Across food relief, health, safety, inclusion and essential local services, dedicated teams and volunteers are delivering to respond to immediate needs while helping build stronger, more connected communities for the future. We are proud to support their efforts.”

This year’s grant recipients are supporting communities at the grassroots level through projects addressing bullying and domestic violence, improving swim safety for children with autism, providing school lunches and health checks, and upgrading fire station facilities and community spaces.

IMB Bank Community Foundation Chair Jann Gardner said the 2026 recipients reflect the breadth of need across the community.

"From wellbeing and inclusion to education, emergency support, the environment, and arts and culture, these projects will deliver meaningful and lasting impact. They will bring connection to the lives of individuals, families and their communities," Ms Gardner said.

Some of the organisations receiving funds include Escabags in the Illawarra, Pedal Power in the ACT, Community Activities Lake Macquarie, Autism Swim in Sydney, Batemans Bay Marine Rescue, The Etoile Foundation in Western Sydney and Compass Community Care in Melbourne.

Escabags CEO Stacy Jane said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the IMB Bank Community Foundation for supporting Escabags this year. Our free, discreet bags give people fleeing domestic and family abuse across Australia the essentials they need to leave dangerous situations. This grant will help us help people with 1,500 personal safety alarms, giving recipients an extra layer of protection when they need it most.”

Since its inception, the IMB Bank Community Foundation has funded 1,171 projects, with over $13 million in grants to not-for-profit organisations. The breadth of support provided by the Foundation’s grants extends along the East Coast of Australia from Newcastle to Sydney and from the Illawarra and NSW South Coast to Canberra and Melbourne.

IMB Bank Community Foundation celebrations continue in the ACT on 2 November and Melbourne on 4 November 4. Information on the 2026 IMB Bank Community Foundation grant recipients and their inspiring initiatives can be found at our community pages.

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