Community Sector Banking

Community Sector Banking is Australia’s not-for-profit banking specialist. We help the community sector create change in our society for a better world and a brighter future.

Community Sector Banking is a joint venture 50% owned by the Community 21 consortium of not-for-profits, and 50% by Bendigo Bank. We were proud to be the first banking service in Australia to receive B Corp certification. Our range of tailored banking products help not-for-profits carry out their vital work.

Andrew Cairns, Chief Executive Officer
Amanda Watt, Head of Marketing, Communications & act.
Merindi Belarski, Head of Customer Service & Engagement
Scott Elkington, Acting Head of Business & Product Development
Wayne Trotman, Head of Finance, Legal & Risk
Maz Thomson, Head of People & Culture
Ken Langston, Head of Government & Sector Relations

At Community Sector Banking, we are specialists in not-for-profit banking and we pride ourselves on our real community solutions. As a BCorp, we want to help you make an impact within your community, by offering the financial solutions needed to help you achieve your goals.

We offer a range of solutions, all tailored to fit not-for-profits’ unique needs and goals. Our products include everyday transaction accounts, term deposits and equipment finance, loans and credit cards and salary packaging solutions. Our Social Investment Deposit Account is certified by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).

We were also proud to launch act. in late 2014. Winning Money magazine’s 2016 Best of the Best Award for Best Innovative Banking Product, act. combines everyday banking with crowdfunding. Customers are given ‘impact dollars’ through their everyday banking that can then be allocated to a range of community-minded projects. It’s banking that gives back.

Community Sector Banking staff are able to access two days each year to volunteer with a not-for-profit or an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander organisation.

Social Investment Grants
Our annual Social Investment Grants Program funds not-for-profit projects that work to improve social outcomes. Each year, the grants are targeted at a particular focus area. The Program is funded by both Community Sector Banking and contributions from Social Investment Deposit Account holders. The program shows the power that everyday banking can have and gives our customers an opportunity to directly give back to the community in which not-for-profits operate.

Rental Affordability Index
We are proud to partner with National Shelter and SGS Economics & Planning to deliver Australia’s first Rental Affordability Index. Released every six months, the index shows the true depth of housing stress faced by Australian renters across the country. The Index reinforces our calls for government initiatives that address the housing affordability crisis. Australia needs 180,000 affordable houses built every year just to keep up with demand.

Community Sector Banking is a member of both Power Housing Australia and Philanthropy Australia, reflecting our commitment and deep ties to the not-for-profit sector. As a member of both, we advocate for greater access to affordable housing and a strong, effective and transparent philanthropic sector. We are also proudly certified as a B Corp and were the first banking service in Australia to achieve this world-recognised status.

Both our Reconciliation Action Plan and our status as Australia’s first B Corp certified banking service provide our framework for sourcing and procurement. From how we hire our staff to where we source our stationary and training providers, Community Sector Banking endeavours to strengthen the community as we conduct our everyday business.