Funding Boost For Queensland Communities As Major Grant Round Opens
Community organisations, sporting clubs and charities across the state are being invited to apply for a share of vital funding as Queensland Country Bank officially opens its latest grant round. The 2026-27 Good for Good Community Grants programme aims to bring important local projects to life, continuing a legacy of regional investment that has spanned two decades.
Since its inception 20 years ago, the initiative has injected more than $3.27 million into 682 community initiatives, stretching from the urban hubs of South East Queensland to the remote reaches of Cape York, the North West and the state’s regional heartland. In the 2025-26 financial year alone, the bank supported 16 community grants with a record-breaking contribution of over $220,000, targeting areas such as sport, education, health and the environment.
Queensland Country Bank Chief Executive Officer Aaron Newman said the grants reflect the institution’s customer-owned philosophy.
“Every community has passionate people working hard to make life better for others, and often all they need is a helping hand to turn a great idea into reality,” Mr Newman said. “Our Good for Good Community Grants are about backing those people and those projects. Whether it’s upgrading community facilities, supporting health and wellbeing, improving access and inclusion, investing in young people or protecting the environment, we’re proud to help communities thrive.”
He added that the programme allows the bank to reinvest its profits directly where its members live.
“As a customer-owned bank, our profits are reinvested back into products and services for our Members and communities. These grants are one of the most tangible ways we can give back and create lasting local impact across Queensland.”
The diverse scope of the funding is evident in past recipients, which include the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School in Brisbane, where a student coffee cart was established to create hands-on learning and employment opportunities. Other previous initiatives include Days for Girls Ipswich, which produced reusable menstrual hygiene kits for disadvantaged women, and the Maleny and District Men’s Shed on the Sunshine Coast, which funded the fit-out of a second workshop to support community wellbeing.
Further north, the funding has provided a delivery vehicle for Fuel for Schools in Townsville to combat food insecurity, installed accessible beach matting for the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club to help those with mobility challenges, and upgraded facilities at the Sri Siddhi Vinayak Cultural Centre in Townsville to celebrate Indian culture.
Grassroots sporting organisations have also benefited, with pitch cover upgrades for the Stanthorpe and District Cricket Association and canteen facility improvements for the Mount Isa Australian Football League. Meanwhile, the COUCH Wellness Centre in Cairns received support for cancer workshops, and Weipa’s Pebbles Playgroup purchased new playground equipment for local families.
Applications for the 2026-27 Queensland Country Bank Good for Good Community Grants are now open to eligible not-for-profit organisations. Interested groups can review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications online by visiting queenslandcountry.bank/goodforgood.