Coastline Bank Community Foundation: Supporting our local communities for over 20 years

At Coastline Bank, we believe in the power of community. While we offer the same personal and business banking services as the big banks, what sets us apart is that we exist solely to support the people, businesses, and organisations in our local communities. Since 2002, the Coastline Bank Community Foundation has been a key part of our commitment to making a difference, providing over $2.8 million to more than 200 local causes.

A legacy of giving back

Every year, Coastline sets aside up to 5% of our operating profit to fund the Coastline Bank Community Foundation. This ensures we give back to the communities of the Macleay, Hastings, and Manning Valleys, where our customers live, work, and play. Over the years, the Foundation has helped fund a wide variety of projects - from local community events to vital support for social services, education, and environmental initiatives.

The Foundation's goal is simple: to support projects and organisations that provide lasting benefits to local communities. Whether it’s helping a local charity, funding a new community space, or supporting environmental sustainability, we’re here to help our community continue to grow and thrive.

How we support the community

The Coastline Bank Community Foundation focuses on four key areas when considering funding applications:

• Community Development: We support initiatives that build skills, opportunity, and benefits across the Mid North Coast. This pillar invests in projects that help individuals and groups grow, innovate and create positive, long‑term outcomes for our diverse community.
• Community Partnerships: We collaborate with trusted local organisations to strengthen and amplify the impact of community‑led ideas. Through shared purpose and partnership, we support initiatives that respond to real needs and deliver meaningful change across the Mid North Coast.
• Community Wellbeing: We fund programs that support the holistic wellbeing of our community. This pillar focuses on helping people feel connected, supported and empowered to thrive—today and into the future.

We’re particularly interested in projects that create long-term impact, so we’re always looking for initiatives that are sustainable and deliver enduring benefits for our local area.

How to apply for funding

We’re always excited to hear about the amazing work being done in our communities and encourage not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding from the Foundation. Here’s how to get started:

Check the eligibility criteria
Before you begin, read through the eligibility and assessment criteria to ensure your organisation is eligible.

Prepare your application
Gather all the information you’ll need, including supporting documents, and use the application questions document as a guide.

Submit your application
Once your application is ready, submit it via the online form. After submission, you’ll receive an email confirming receipt within 7 days.

We aim to review all applications and notify applicants of the outcome within 30 days of the next Foundation committee meeting date.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for funding, your organisation must meet the following criteria:

• Be endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
• Be endorsed as a Tax Concession Charity (TCC).
• Be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
• Be a not-for-profit organisation that operates for charitable purposes.
• Be a legal entity (e.g., incorporated association or corporation).
• Operate in the Macleay, Hastings or Manning Valleys

If you’re not sure whether your organisation qualifies, get in touch with us at communityfoundation@coastline.com.au, and we’ll be happy to help.

Assessment criteria

Each application is assessed by the Foundation’s committee using the following criteria:

• Does the project align with the Foundation’s funding pillars?
• Will the project provide long-lasting benefits to the community and meet a real, identified need?
• Is the project’s budget realistic, and has the project been well planned?
• Will the project have measurable outcomes and be properly managed and evaluated?
• Is there an opportunity for collaboration with Coastline to raise awareness of the project?
  

Funding ranges

Grants from the Coastline Bank Community Foundation generally range from $1,000 to $15,000. We distribute up to 5% of Coastline’s operating profit each year to support these grants, and we’re always excited to see the positive changes they help bring to the community.

Making a difference together

At Coastline Bank, we’re committed to creating real change in the communities we serve. The Coastline Bank Community Foundation is just one of the many ways we support our region, and we’re proud of the work it’s done over the last 24 years. Every grant we make is a step towards building a stronger, more connected, and more sustainable community for everyone.

If you’re part of a not-for-profit organisation that’s working hard to make a difference in our region, we’d love to hear from you. Apply for funding through the Coastline Bank Community Foundation and help us continue to build a brighter future for the Macleay, Hastings, and Manning Valleys.