The power of matched giving – how working with others can magnify your impact

The not-for-profit sector has had a tough 2020, but a dollar for dollar fundraising campaign has exceeded expectations raising $280,000 in 30 days to support local communities, writes Shane Farley of Beyond Bank Australia.

The devastating bushfires in early 2020 wreaked havoc on the best laid fundraising plans for many not for profits across Australia. Then, just when it seemed that the sector might be able to recover, COVID-19 arrived. For many, this meant funding for programs and activities almost entirely evaporated. 

Through listening to our NFP partners, Beyond Bank Australia’s community development team realised that while a few were able to overcome the chaos, many were struggling and needed immediate support.

Beyond Bank Australia’s Foundation was established in 2007 to help give back to the community and focus on some of the greatest challenges facing society. The board recognised that dollar matching could encourage people to dig deep and give. 

A campaign to support 30 of our closest NFP partners over 30 consecutive business days was co-designed with the bank’s staff and community members. It was kept simple and easy for all involved – we did not want to be a burden or distraction to our partners. We made it as hands free as possible for them so they could continue to do their important work in the community. 

This was our first attempt at a campaign like this and setting the target was probably the most difficult part. We decided to be ambitious and strive for $250,000. We weren’t sure if we would make it, but we lived by the mantra that goals become more achievable when written down and made public. 

The campaign kicked into full swing in late September and concluded in early November. The result was a very pleasing $278,000, raised for 30 charities who provide much needed support in the areas of disability, aged care, affordable housing, homelessness, mental health and domestic violence.

Community is in our DNA and we believe we are stronger when we are together, grabbing opportunities and confronting our challenges. Our campaign convinced over 1,000 individuals to join us and donate to their favourite causes. A wise person once said to me that “impact is truly amplified when you encourage others to join you on the journey”. 

The campaign’s cash injection into the sector came at a time when we were also distributing just over $650,000 in funding via our unique Community Reward Program, bringing our total contribution over the last three months to almost $1 million.

The pandemic has changed almost everything we take for granted; the way we live, work and interact with each other. But as this campaign has shown, we are better together. 

Ultimately the needs of the community will always be there, and as a customer-owned bank we will be there to support them.

If you would like to talk about partnering with us please get in touch at community@beyondbank.com.au 

About Beyond Bank Australia

Beyond Bank has over 245,000 customers, $6 billion in assets under management and more than 40 branches in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, ACT and Victoria (through its merger with Nexus Mutual).

As one of Australia’s largest customer-owned banks, Beyond Bank partners with more than 4,000 community organisations around the nation and was the first bank in Australia to achieve B Corp certification, a global movement of companies and organisations that use business as a force for good.  

For more information please visit www.beyondbank.com.au