The IMB Bank Community Foundation has announced the 58 not-for-profit organisations sharing in over $700,000 in funding to support community initiatives creating positive impacts in the community, including Hunter based organisations.
This year’s recipients meet diverse community needs, from expanding CPR training and planting native trees to improving hospital stays for ill children with hero-themed garments and providing food for the disadvantaged.
IMB Bank Chief Executive, Robert Ryan said receiving a record number of applications in 2025 is evidence that direct, localised funding, such as the IMB Bank Community Foundation grants, are as important as ever to help our community heroes continue their important work.
“Each year we witness firsthand how this funding supports not-for-profit organisations and the wonderful people giving their time and energy to create lasting, positive change in our communities,” Robert said.
“Recipients of the 2025 IMB Bank Community Foundation grants are delivering diverse initiatives that are saving and improving lives, revitalising our environment and helping those in need. We are proud to play our part in supporting this vital work to improve our communities.”
In the Newcastle region Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s Seconds Count project was one of the successful recipients and will use the funds to buy a new jet ski to save lives.
“We’re thrilled to receive these funds which will be used to purchase a brand-new jet ski watercraft for our fleet, capable of saving multiple lives at our busiest time of year,” said Jim Wright, Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.
“The jet ski is fast and agile and with a sled on the back so it can save many people at once, when they are in life threatening situations on the water. Our unit is the busiest jet-ski unit in NSW.”
Talk2mebro was another local Newcastle recipient, they bring the community together in a safe, inclusive space to promote mental wellbeing through connection, education and practical self-care tools. Featuring mindfulness, breathwork and open conversation, it empowers participants to build resilience and support each other in suicide prevention.
For over 25 years, the IMB Bank Community Foundation has funded 1,100 projects, with almost $13 million in grants to local 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.
IMAGE | Jim Wright Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie and the team.
