“We are really fortunate that we can support the local events, groups, and causes that matter to our communities,” says Community Bank Samford Branch Manager Mandy Bell. “With our latest community grants round currently open, we are looking to support programs that will benefit from funding of up to $10,000.”
For nearly two decades, since its establishment in 2002, Community Bank Samford has been a champion and supporter of local organisations. We have provided over $1.2 million in community grants and sponsorships, demonstrating our commitment as a not-for-profit community bank that returns up to 100% of its profits to the community.
“I am proud of how we can support locals and businesses through our grants program. Everyone on our team is passionate about the places we live and work, so seeing the difference our support can make to the organisations and the causes our community cares about is wonderful. We can help secure a financial future for our customers and support our region at the same time; it is a win-win for everyone who banks with us and lives, works and plays across Samford, Dayboro, Narangba, Dakabin and the whole of the Pine Rivers.”
We caught up with the team to discuss how our community grants have supported the things that matter to our region. Senior Branch Manager Mandy Bell appreciates our impact on archery, which is one of the more niche local hobbies.
“We supported the Samford Valley Target Archers with a grant of $1,800 to provide the club with the opportunity to run a ten-week program for school students at Samford State School. Target archery is a great way for youngsters to use and benefit from several skills and apply physics and maths in a fun setting. As well as the skills they pick up shooting arrows at targets, students also benefit from discipline and order, while being encouraged to develop leadership skills, show initiative and engage in social interaction,” said Mandy.
For Courtney Senior, our support of wildlife and men’s health have been two of the grant programs’ beneficiaries, and she has been pleased to see our organisation support them.
“It was wonderful to support the Northside Beekeepers Association with a grant of $9,692, which was used to secure much-needed equipment to educate and support members. Bees are a very important part of our ecosystem. By assisting the Northside Beekeepers Association with this grant, we have ensured they have the tools to continue extending their knowledge and love for bees throughout our community. This is also a great outcome as before receiving funding support from Community Bank Samford; the Association has been unsuccessful in securing independent funding.”
“I also enjoyed being able to support the Men’s Information and Support Association (MISA), MISA received a grant of $10,000 to support their ‘fee free Fridays’ initiative for Men in our community to get the support and services they need.”
“MISA is helping to remove the stigma that exists around Men’s mental health, and the grant we provided ensures services remain accessible to the Men and families in our local community. A fee free Friday, means that more local men can enter their weekend feeling supported, with heightened awareness and understanding of their situations so that they do not take part in negative behaviours to get by,” said Courtney.
With the current grants round open for applications for grants of up to $10,000 until 5th May 2024, more information on the process and qualifying criteria can be found at: https://www.prcf.com.au/2024-community-grant-round-how-to-apply/
Apply today to be the latest community group to benefit from a bank built by the community for the community and join organisations like those who have been part of our $1.2 million grants program. Other local beneficiaries have included:
Samford Rangers
Samford’s largest community sports club, Samford Rangers FC, and Community Bank Samford continue to kick goals together. From 2023 to 2025, the Bank is sponsoring the Senior Metro Men’s teams and FQPL3 Women’s teams. This community-focused football club caters to every age, gender and skill level.
“Sponsors play a crucial role for any community sports club and Samford Ranges FC are extremely lucky to have Community Bank Samford as a loyal Gold sponsor,” SRFC sponsorship co-ordinator, Bailee Saccu, said.
Defensive Driving
Revving its engines at its annual Defensive Driving course, Community Bank Samford continues to equip local young drivers with skills to hone their reactions to road dangers. The hands-on program provides a unique chance for participants to experience driving in difficult conditions whilst in a secure environment.
As a recent sponsored young driver, Zac Panagiotopoulos has already recommended this driver training to his peers.
“I enjoyed the day at Lakeside Raceway where we were able to practice our car handling abilities on a wide range of obstacles and road conditions to further develop our driving skills,” he said.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation
Community Bank Samford has been thrilled to lend a paw to both shelter animals and a group of veterans, providing a grant to Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation to sponsor five veterans to undertake a 12-week intensive program to work directly with rescue animals.
“Thanks to funding from organisations such as Community Bank Samford, we can make our programs available in more regional areas where we know there are people and animals in need of a helping paw,” Partnerships and Grants Manager, Felicity Hibbins said.
One veteran in this program was Jenny who continues to volunteer with the program to help other participants. “The program has changed my life. It has really changed my outlook on things,” she said.
University of the Sunshine Coast Scholarships
The three worthy recipients of Community Bank Samford’s Scholarship program have each taken the plunge to change careers later in life to help others. The scholarship provides financial assistance to mature-age students at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus.
Scholarship recipient, Zoe Gayton has been the sole carer of her mother for much of her life and is now studying Bachelor of Nursing Science, specialising in Mental Health.
“Looming ahead is my fourth 4-week placement, and a 6-week internship, which even working 7 days a week will leave me without sufficient income. This scholarship will give me some breathing room to just focus on my studies and learning to be the best nurse I can be,” she said.
