Commonwealth Bank is inviting organisations that support the health and wellbeing of Australian youth to apply for a Community Grant. Applications for 2015 open today.

This year, Commonwealth Bank staff in partnership with the Bank are investing $2 million in local communities across Australia by awarding hundreds of individual grants, each worth up to $10,000.

The Community Grants program is an annual initiative of the Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund, which is Australia’s longest running employee contribution program. Since Community Grants launched in 2007, $9.7 million in grants has been awarded.

Catherine Fitzpatrick, Acting General Manager, Corporate Responsibility, Commonwealth Bank, said “Young Australians will shape our future, so it’s important we help support and nurture their health and wellbeing.

“Our annual Community Grants program, now in its ninth year, has allowed more than 1,200 community organisations to help kids across the nation. Our grants are made possible by almost 13,000 of our staff donating a little from each pay to the Fund. We look forward to receiving this year’s applications and encourage eligible organisations across the country to apply,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

To be eligible for a 2015 Community Grant, organisations must support the health and wellbeing of Australians up to the age of 21 years and be endorsed by the Australian Tax Office with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.

Applications open today and close at 5.00 pm AEDT on Friday 27 February 2015. To apply for a grant or for more information, visit commbank.com.au/grants.

About the Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund

The Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund was formed in 1917 and is Australia’s longest running employee contribution program. Almost 13,000 current and retired staff contribute to the Fund. All administrative costs for the Fund are met by the Bank, ensuring 100 per cent of funds raised go directly to children’s charities. The Commonwealth Bank matches contributions made by staff dollar-for-dollar. The Fund supports various causes that work with Australian children including the Community Grants program, Midnight Basketball and the Clown Doctors.