BENDIGO Bank – Community Bank Beechworth & District has announced the opening of its 2025 Grants and Sponsorship Round.

Community groups of all sizes across the Beechworth and surrounding districts making change and delivering exciting projects are invited to apply for funding to help deliver meaningful local impact.

A community impact information evening being held on Wednesday, 30 April at the Beechworth Town Hall from 6pm to 7.30pm will give group representatives a chance to find out about eligibility, register and apply.

Ensuring organisation eligibility, it is a requirement for at least one group representative to attend the information night.

Attendance ensures all applicants are also given the knowledge needed to navigate a new online application process confidently and successfully.

Eligible projects may contribute to one or more areas – social outcomes and community welfare, environmental initiatives, health and wellbeing, education and lifelong learning and/or cultural enrichment.

The new and improved online application process is designed to streamline submissions, enhance accessibility, and ensure a more transparent review system.

Whether an organisation is applying for a grant or a sponsorship, understanding the process is essential to submitting a strong application.

The important session will explain differences between a sponsorship and a grant, help groups determine which option is best suited for their projects and provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the new online application system.

Helpful tips on how to write a compelling application to align with the Bank’s funding priorities will include a chance for attendees to ask questions and directly connect with the grants and sponsorships team.

Volunteer director and board chair Ben Merrit said the bank was proud to continue its mission of empowering local communities by investing in the people and projects that make a real difference.

“Our grants and sponsorship program is one of the most rewarding ways we give back, and we’re excited to support innovative, grassroots initiatives that help our region thrive,” he said.

Key dates:

• Community Impact Information Evening from 6pm - 7:30pm, Wednesday, 30 April

• Applications open Thursday, 1 May.

• Applications close Thursday, 31 July.

• Notification of outcome is approximately four to six weeks after the closing date.

• Funding is distributed from mid-September.

RSVPs for the information evening close on 25 April. To secure a place visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/Beechworth2025.

For further eligibility criteria and to access the application portal, visit https://communitybankbeechworthdistrict.smartygrants.com.au/.