The IMB Bank Community Foundation will pledge the money to support local projects in the areas in which it operates in 2017 and it now needs to hear from potential funding recipients.

In its 17th year, the Community Foundation has donated more than $8.1m to 550 projects – seven of which have been in the Queanbeyan region – with the community benefit to the funding of local projects having long-term social benefits.

In 2016, the Foundation provided funding to two Queanbeyan recipients – the State Emergency Service and Sutton Rural Fire Brigade.

IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan said the two Queanbeyan projects were excellent examples of how Foundation funding delivered significant benefits to the community.

“We are looking for projects to fund that have flow-on benefits to the local community which are sustainable into the future.

“Another good example is the Men’s Shed movement and the foundation has funded a number of different Men’s Shed initiatives. We know the community benefit of Men’s Sheds is widespread and of immense value with positive outcomes for the mental health of retired men.

“I would urge all new or existing community groups and social cause organisations that want to establish new programs to apply to the IMB Bank Community Foundation,” Mr Ryan said.

Applications close on February 24, 2017.

Go to http://www.imb.com.au/community-community-foundation-how-to-apply-applying-for-funding.html to download the form.