The Bank of Sydney has officially opened applications for its annual Grant for Good community grant, with $20,000 to be donated as part of their mission to support the work of local organisations and initiatives.

The Bank of Sydney is preparing for its fifth edition of the grant, having started the initiative back in 2021, and they have encouraged organisations and initiatives from across the country to apply.

Bank of Sydney CEO Melos Sulicich explained the grant is awarded to organisations whose work makes a meaningful difference to a community.

It is specifically aimed at supporting projects and initiatives that promote social inclusion, health and wellbeing, diversity, inclusiveness, arts and education to benefit local communities.

The grant has aided numerous organisations now in providing benefits like essential food and supplies, free school lunches and equipment for disadvantaged children and also creating employment pathways for migrant and low socioeconomic communities.

“At Bank of Sydney, we are committed to supporting local communities,” Sulicich told Neos Kosmos.

“We are proud to be able to provide assistance to the incredible organisations and volunteers that are already making a huge difference in creating fair, inclusive and positive communities.”

While the grant is typically awarded to one group, last year saw an additional $10,000 given to Backpacks 4 SA Kids as an honorary Grant for Good recipient and Sulicich confirmed there is always potential for it to happen again.

“It should be noted that each application is individually and carefully reviewed by a panel and selection is based on the organisation’s eligibility, purpose, plan and impact to the community for the grant,” he said.

“As you can imagine, choosing just one recipient is extremely difficult and therefore there may be circumstances where there is an additional recipient.”

The application period will last until Wednesday 4 June with organisations able to submit one on their own behalf, while people can also go ahead and nominate deserving initiatives.

Applications and nominations can be made at https://www.banksyd.com.au/grantforgood.