The foundation will pledge another $500,000 to support local projects in 2017.

Now in its 17th year, the Community Foundation has donated more than $8.1 million to 550 projects.

Thirty-six of these projects have been in the Southern Highlands.

In 2016, the foundation provided funding to three projects in the Southern Highlands – the Southern Highlands Computer Users Group, the Moss Vale Rotary Club and the Bundanoon History Group.

IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan said the Southern Highlands projects were an excellent example of how Foundation funding delivered significant benefits to the community.

“We are looking for projects to fund that have flow-on benefits to the local community which are sustainable into the future,” he said.

“Another good example is the Men’s Shed movement and the foundation has funded a number of different Men’s Shed initiatives. We know the community benefit of Men’s Sheds is widespread and of immense value with positive outcomes for the mental health of retired men.

“I would urge all new or existing community groups and social cause organisations that want to establish new programs to apply to the IMB Bank Community Foundation,” Mr Ryan said.

Applications will close on February 24, 2017. 

Visit http://www.imb.com.au/community-community- foundation-how- to-apply- applying-for- funding.html to download an application form.