Major bank offers $10k grants for flood-affected communities

As part of its $2 million flood relief fund, the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) will provide grants of up to $10,000 to organisations providing relief, recovery and clean-up in areas affected by recent flooding, or directly impacted by the floods.

To be eligible for the funding, the recipient must be a not-for-profit or community organisation directly impacted by the floods or supporting flood-affected regions, including rescue services, schools, or sporting clubs and hold a current Australian bank account (not limited to CBA) in the organisation’s name.

Up to $10,000 can be used to provide various support for the community in its recovery phase, such as administering supplies and services, helping rebuild equipment and facilities and reducing future risk through improving education and raising awareness of disaster events.

Chief executive Matt Comyn said the CBA was committed to supporting communities as they deal with the immediate impacts of the “catastrophic” flood event along Australia’s east coast.

“Through these grants we hope to assist hundreds of community organisations in their clean-up, rebuild and recovery efforts,” Mr Comyn said.

“Australians have shown over the past several years that when we come together, we’re strong and resilient in the face of challenges.

“We will be with them for the long haul, through recovery and rebuild.”

It comes after the major bank’s previous pledge of $500,000 to support impacted customers and businesses while also dollar matching up to $500,000 of the donations made through its CanGive Flood Appeal.

The CanGive Flood Appeal had already distributed funds to Australian Red Cross, Queensland SES, NSW SES and Thread Together, to provide immediate assistance on the ground.

Applications for the community grants are now open and will be reviewed weekly to expedite funding into the community.

Funding for those impacted continues to flow in 

While major and non-major banks rally together to offer assistance to those in need, six customer-owned entities have also come together to provide a banking hub for residents in northern NSW.

The six customer-owned banks have, in tandem with Southern Cross University, combined forces to deliver a new banking hub in the regional city of Lismore in response to the region’s flooding and its subsequent devastation.

Meanwhile, state and federal governments begin to roll out temporary housing assistance as thousands of people remain without a place of residence.