IMB Bank Community Foundation pledged another $500,000 to 50 projects across the areas in which it operates in 2017, including funding for Disability Outreach Workshops through the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, which aims to ensure its programs and activities are available to everyone in the local community.

Disability Outreach Workshops provide up to 72 art workshops at three facilities across Goulburn, allowing access to creative activities for those with a disability or mobility restraints.

The Foundation has supported 79 projects in the ACT/Goulburn regions in the past 18 years, bringing the total funding to $880,200. Goulburn and surrounding districts have received $142,955 of funding in that time.

“It’s wonderful and humbling to see so many organisations and initiatives making a real difference in the lives of people in our local communities,” said IMB Bank chief executive Robert Ryan.

“We’re proud that our Foundation improves the sustainability of so many projects that support our communities.”

IMB Bank Community Foundation chair, Jan Swinhoe, commended and thanked the recipients. 

“Many of these worthwhile projects would not be able to operate without a small army of volunteers who are willing to give up their time and skills to help others,” Ms Swinhoe said.

“I congratulate you and, on behalf of the entire community, I recognise and applaud your hard work and selfless commitment.”

Ms Swinhoe said the Foundation had received more than 250 applications and the selection process was always tough for the committee.

“We look for projects that will become self-sustainable, in the long term, and will provide services for a wide range of community interests,” she said.

“The committee works with people from each project to learn more about them before they are funded and we continue to be amazed and inspired.”