From homelessness to domestic and family violence: The everyday Australians making a difference when their communities need it most 

From mobile libraries creating connection for people experiencing homelessness, to a school farm growing fresh food in regional Victoria, the 180 organisations supported through this year’s CommBank Community Grants program reflect the many ways communities are responding to the needs they see around them every day.

Among the recipients is The Footpath Library, which operates more than 35 mobile library services across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. Its volunteers provide free books, reading glasses and children’s activities, while creating regular opportunities for conversation and connection. The $20,000 grant will help replenish resources across its mobile services.

Footpath Library Founder & Managing Director Sarah Garnett said: “For so many of the people we meet, our libraries offer both practical support and a familiar, welcoming place to connect. This funding will help us keep our mobile libraries stocked and reaching people experiencing homelessness, with something for different ages, interests and needs.”

The Community Grants program is delivered through the CommBank Staff Foundation, a workplace-giving initiative established by CommBank employees in 1917. More than 12,000 employees contribute from their pay each fortnight, with their contributions matched by CommBank. Foundation members are also involved throughout the program, nominating organisations they care about and helping assess applications.

CommBank Executive Manager Community Investment Nathan Barker said: “Behind each of these grants is an organisation that knows its community and understands where support can make a real difference. That might mean helping a woman rebuild her confidence after domestic violence, turning a school ground into a place where a community can grow food together or creating training and employment pathways for First Nations young people.

“What makes Community Grants particularly meaningful is that these organisations are put forward by our people, often because they volunteer with them, know their work personally or have seen the impact they are having in their local community.” 

Other Community Grants recipients include:

• Got Your Back Sista, Hunter, NSW – supports women and children impacted by domestic and family violence, with a focus on helping women rebuild safety, confidence and independence. Its $20,000 grant will support the six-week Shark Cage Empowerment Program, including facilitation, participant resources, meals and wellbeing support to help remove financial barriers to participation.
• Farm My School, Colac, Victoria – transforms school grounds into regenerative market gardens where students, families and the wider community can grow food, learn and connect. The $20,000 grant will establish a nursery and polytunnel, extending the farm’s growing season and increasing produce for school and community programs, while creating more opportunities for students, volunteers and local aged-care residents to participate.
• The Shoreline Foundation, Cairns, Queensland and Perth, Western Australia – supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through paid school-based traineeships in marine, conservation, tourism and environmental sectors. Its $20,000 grant will contribute to mentoring, cultural support, workplace-readiness activities and accredited training. The organisation was nominated by a CommBank employee who has supported Shoreline and related First Nations initiatives for more than a decade through volunteer director and steering committee roles.

Since Community Grants began in 2007, the CommBank Staff Foundation has awarded more than $40 million to organisations supporting communities across Australia.

The full list of 180 CommBank Community Grants recipients for 2026-2027 is available at commbank.com.au/communitygrants.