The IMB Bank Community Foundation has invited charities and not-for-profit organisations across Newcastle and the Hunter region to apply for a share of $770,000 in community grants. The 2026 funding round arrives as local frontline services report record demand driven by sustained cost-of-living pressures and a rise in social isolation.
Established 26 years ago, the foundation has provided financial support to more than 1,100 projects. This year, the programme is targeting initiatives within six core sectors: social, environmental, cultural, educational, community development and community connection.
Chief Executive of IMB Bank, Robert Ryan said the grants are intended to support organisations that maintain community cohesion during economic downturns.
“The IMB Bank Community Foundation is here to help organisations that help foster culture, education and community connection, and who are there for people doing it tough. We’re proud to support the many local heroes playing a part in delivering vital services in our communities,” Robert said.
“While our communities continue to be remarkably resilient in the face of cost-of-living pressures and global uncertainty, we know many are facing challenges like loneliness, food insecurity and family violence, and we are committed to making a contribution to the incredible organisations who are there to help them through tough times.”
In 2025, the foundation funded 58 organisations, including Newcastle Meals on Wheels. Quality Manager at Newcastle Meals on Wheels, Susan Kelly said the previous grant was used to support volunteer retention and expand service reach into isolated areas.
“The IMB Bank Community funding has helped to build a resilient, supported, and connected volunteer workforce at Newcastle Meals on Wheels with new ID tags for our volunteers that provide discounts at local businesses, helping to ease current cost‑of‑living pressures,” Susan said.
“It has also helped improve volunteer capability and retention and enabled us to reach and support people across a broader geographic area, including more isolated communities.”
Chair of the IMB Community Foundation, Jann Gardner said the foundation focuses on initiatives that provide measurable outcomes for vulnerable demographics, including those experiencing food insecurity or domestic violence.
“Our Foundation is focused on providing much-needed funding to local community organisations and initiatives that deliver tangible, measurable and enduring impacts in the communities they serve,” Jann said.
“These include organisations that feed families, shelter those fleeing violence, support the isolated and elderly, and connect disadvantaged young people to opportunity. They deserve sustained support.”
Applications for the 2026 grant round are open until 14 June 2026. Regional organisations can verify eligibility and submit applications via the foundation’s digital portal.
IMAGE | IMB Bank Community Foundation opens $770,000 funding round for Hunter charities
