Frequently asked questions
How do I get funding for my project?
Download an application form and the relevant guidelines from this website and when you have read through them, contact Our Business Development Officer for more information and support in the preparation of the application.
When are applications available?
At the beginning of the financial year an application invite will be placed in the Manly Daily and further information can be obtained from the branch.
How often are applications considered?
Although we like to consider all applications at the beginning of each financial year, we do consider all requests throughout the year for special events and unpredicted needs. Funds available are limited and extremely competitive, so discussing your project with our Business Development Officer is important prior to submitting it. Once the application has been assessed by the board, you will be advised within a couple of weeks of the outcome.
Do we need to be a banking customer of the Freshwater Community Bank®?
Whilst we do not force any organisation applying for funds to bank with us, it is obviously an advantage to your application to be a banking customer prior to applying. Our business is only as successful as the support we receive from our customers. Our presence in your clubs, teams and events should promote your organisation and members to bank with us and therefore increase the success of Harbord Community Bank and our ability to then pass these profits onto your organisation and other groups we sponsor.
Can individuals apply for funding and sponsorship?
Generally no. We will consider applications but it is unlikely that we will provide support to an individual.
What if I have applied to other funding agencies for assistance and been knocked back?
You can still apply for sponsorship as long as you clearly tell us about your project and why your other applications were unsuccessful.
How do we acknowledge your support if you fund our project?
Once your application is approved by the Board, you will be asked to sign an agreement with us and we will outline our expectations of acknowledgement and promotion of our sponsorship in that document. This is based on how you proposed to promote Harbord Community Bank in your application.
How do you monitor funds and sponsorships?
We have a program of regular audits and evaluations of our projects, where we meet with you as you progress the project to see how you are traveling, how the marketing and promotion is going, and how the funds are being used. This is based on your original application and the signed agreement. It also provides you with an opportunity to give us feedback on the system and what we might do to improve the sponsorship and the process.