Grants and Donations
As a bank that cares for the community, we believe in getting behind worthwhile causes.
Every year we provide grants and donations to various education and healthcare organisations.
To ensure that we do not lose sight of what matters most, our team of Relationship Officers meet and engage with our charity partners to build relationships and ensure that our giving back has the greatest effect.
Teaching Initiatives Program
We’ve been supporting innovative teaching ideas and programs at the grassroots of education with our Teaching Initiatives Program since 1993.In 2020, grants were awarded for initiatives including bee keeping, a sensory toolbox roadshow, an AUSLAN LOTE program and a mental health and well-being program.
State Schools’ Relief
State Schools’ Relief supports disadvantaged children by providing them with essential items such as school clothing, footwear and educational resources.
Working alongside Victorian Primary, Secondary, Special Developmental and Language schools, they work to ensure all children have the basic necessities when attending school.
Buddy Bags
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’s Buddy Bags program provides backpacks containing essentials items for thousands of vulnerable children in emergency accommodation. In addition to providing items such as toiletries, underwear, pyjamas and a soft toy, these belongings help provide security and comfort during a time of trauma and uncertainty.
State Schools’ Relief iPad program
iPads were donated to enable non-verbal students to communicate with their families, teachers, carers and friends through our partnership with State Schools’ Relief and Gandel Philanthropy.191 students across 29 specialist schools received an iPad and it was very pleasing to see the positive impact this had on the students’ learning and relationships.
Early Childhood Education Foundation
The Early Childhood Education Foundation provides funds to enable children from families with financial difficulties to attend a kindergarten in their local area. The Foundation has been running for over 20 years and has assisted more than 240 families across Australia.
We live our values
Assisting the community is also important to our people at Bank First. A range of initiatives, fundraisers and awareness programs are held to support the healthcare and education communities along with the general wellbeing of staff.
A 2019 staff trivia night raised funds for Mercy Health Foundation and a ‘Park It Forward’ program provides employees with an office car park for the day for donating to the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
We’re proud to support those who make a difference in our community
Awards
Your belief in helping others is what inspires us. That’s why we fund a range of awards at the grassroots level of healthcare and education.
Partners and Sponsorships
We sponsor initiatives that empower our educators and healthcare workers and partner with organisations that make a positive difference.