Community giving in 2017 hits half a million dollars!

More than three hundred grassroots groups and charities will share in a $500,000 cash windfall in a unique giving program by one of Australia’s leading customer owned banks.

Beyond Bank Australia will distribute the funds to organisations across the nation as part of its annual commitment to support local communities.

Organisations include Camp Quality which will receive $14,600, RSPCA (SA) $19,000, Riding for the Disabled (Wagga) $11,300, Country Hope $10,500 and the NSW Riverina’s popular Ganmain Grong Grong Matong football club which will collect $15,000.

“Giving is a very important part of our business and now more than ever, it’s important to be innovative in the way you give,” said Beyond Bank’s General Manager, Community, Peter Rutter.

“As a bank, we’ve put together a range of products from home loans to savings accounts that allow our customers to nominate their favourite charity.

“From there, we either make a lump sum payment to that chosen charity or we donate a percentage of the customer’s annual average balance.

“It’s a really innovative way to fundraise that doesn’t cost the customer anything but still gives them that sense of contributing to their local community.

“And in these tough economic times, donations of any amount can make a real difference to the bottom line of not for profit organisations.”

Beyond Bank also distributes a series of annual grants to support new and existing businesses that can demonstrate a real commitment to meeting community needs.

In 2017, the Bank is distributing grants of $2500 to $10,000 to eighteen recipients around the country.

In the past 10 years, Beyond Bank has distributed close to $3 million across its national network.

“Being owned by our customers gives us real flexibility and freedom to respond and deliver great local result,” said Mr. Rutter.

“Seeing the impact even a small amount of money can make is a pretty special feeling.”