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 Community Foundation has been a key part of our commitment to making a difference, providing over $2.5 million to more than 200 local causes.

A legacy of giving back

Every year, Coastline sets aside 5% of our operating profit to fund the Coastline Community Foundation. This is our way of ensuring that we’re giving 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 goal of the Foundation is simple: to support projects and organisations that will 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 make sure our community continues to grow and thrive.

How we support the community

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

• Community: Projects that bring people together, strengthen social ties, and promote inclusion.
• Financial Wellbeing: Initiatives that support financial literacy and help individuals and families improve their financial security.
• Arts & Culture: Supporting the creative and cultural vibrancy of our region.
• Environment: Funding initiatives that protect and preserve the natural beauty of our communities for future generations.

We’re particularly interested in projects that will create a long-term impact, so we’re always looking for initiatives that are sustainable and have 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, take a moment to 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 to guide you.

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

We aim to review all applications and notify applicants of the outcome within 30 days of the closing 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-Profit 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, simply 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 vision and values?
• 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 Community Foundation generally range from $10,000 to $20,000, though larger projects may be eligible for up to $80,000. We distribute 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, we’re committed to creating real change in the communities we serve. The Coastline 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 20 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 Community Foundation and help us continue to build a brighter future for the Macleay, Hastings, and Manning Valleys.