Applications to apply for funding from the Rabo Community Fund in 2025 have opened to rural and regional community organisations and initiatives making a meaningful contribution to ‘the bush’.
Launched by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank in 2021, the fund has to date invested more than $3 million into initiatives designed to support the vitality and sustainability of rural and regional communities across Australia.
The Rabo Community Fund is calling for applications from organisations that aim to develop and implement meaningful national or local grassroots initiatives in these communities.
Funded by an annual contribution from Rabobank Australia and New Zealand and guided by the Rabo Client Council (comprising 60 of the bank’s farming clients, who are passionate about contributing to their local communities), the fund is focused on helping address key agribusiness industry and community challenges. These relate to the six key themes of: long-term industry capacity and agricultural education; environmental sustainability; rural/urban connection; natural disaster resilience; rural wellbeing; and adaptation/disruption.
To be considered, eligible applicants must have an initiative that aligns with addressing one of the six key themes. The organisations applying must be Australian based with an Australian Business Number (ABN), and the minimum investment amount per initiative is $5,000.
Rabobank regional manager for Australia and New Zealand, Mark Wiessing said the Rabo Community Fund demonstrated Rabobank’s commitment – as a major banker to Australia’s food and agricultural sector – to a thriving and sustainable rural sector.
Since launching, the fund has successfully partnered with organisations such as George the Farmer, Boys to the Bush and Heart of Australia.
Rabobank head of community and client engagement Glenn Wealands said: “the bank is proud to be able to provide financial support to these organisations that are undertaking important work in rural communities”.
Mr Wealands invited rural and regional community organisations and initiatives that fit the application criteria to consider applying for funding from the Rabo Community Fund.
Applications close on Thursday, 1 May 2025. Further information and application forms can be found on the Rabobank website, or at Rabo Client Councils www.rabobank.com.au/about-rabobank/client-councils.