Greater Bank’s Community Funding Program was born in Armidale as a way of supporting locals to make the community even greater. Almost six years later it has grown into a state-wide program that has supported almost 500 community organisations to the tune of $640,000.
The first iteration of Greater Bank’s program was launched in 2016 as #GreaterArmidale before expanding in February 2018 to take in the entire New England region, which today provides $5,000 each month to three local organisations as voted by the community.
Since then, the program has expanded into five additional regions - Illawarra (June 2018), Central Coast (May 2020), Mid North Coast (November 2020), Central West (August 2021) and Northern Rivers (November 2021).
#GreaterNewEngland has now supported 198 community groups across the region that have collectively shared in $330,000. Across all programs that number grows to 480 groups supported and $642,000 given. That’s a lot of community support.
The #GreaterNewEngland program’s latest beneficiary is the Guyra Super Spuds, a Group 19 Rugby League Club located 40kms north of Armidale that is celebrating its centenary season in 2022.
The club took out the January round of the public vote and with it $3,000 that will go a long way to support the Spuds’ finances in 2022.
“As a relatively small community-based inclusive club, we have limited sources of revenue. Battling COVID over the last couple of years has added to these challenges so this cash injection from Greater Bank will help us kick off our season with a spring in our step,” President Britt Youman said.
Greater Bank’s Regional Sales Manager, Will Boyd, said the Guyra Super Spuds’ win is the essence of what the Community Funding Program is about: a grassroots group doing their bit to make their community even greater.
“As a customer-owned bank, Greater Bank is committed to supporting the communities that support us, which is the foundation of our Community Funding Program,” Will said.
“We believe the best way to make communities stronger is by supporting the organisations that bring people together for the common good."
Will Boyd, Greater Bank’s Regional Sales Manager
“For the past six years the #GreaterNewEngland program has generated positive action for community groups across the region with funding to be used to support their operations or even help them innovate the way they deliver their programs.
“We are extremely proud to play a small part in helping these groups achieve their goals and make a difference amongst the local community.”
Get involved in #GreaterNewEngland
Voting in the March round of the #GreaterNewEngland Community Funding Program opens Monday 7 March, with Australian Air League Tamworth Squadron, Lake Keepit Family Fishing Club and Tamworth City Swimming Club Inc. in the running for a share of $5,000. Voting closes at 5:00pm Wednesday, 30 March 2022.
You can also nominate a community group doing great things in the region to be part of the #GreaterNewEngland program. They can include grassroots sporting clubs and teams, school P&C associations, not-for-profit organisations and charities – any group that makes your community a better place.