It joins hundreds of other organisations across the country in being awarded a share of $2 million, with more than 200 grants of up to $10,000 being awarded by the bank.

The Narooma-based Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust provides support to disadvantaged individuals and communities through educational programs, with particular focus on children and youth.

The organisation has a strong commitment to Australia’s first people, and offers programs designed to help close the gap for Aboriginal children within the mainstream educational system.

The community grant will support the reopening of the Wallaga Lake Aboriginal Study Centre Study program, which provides after-school assistance for Aboriginal children, helping them with homework and providing resources for craft and art activities.

The program helps Aboriginal children facing extreme poverty, with many in foster care or lacking any resources in the home to be able to complete their homework or study.

Kristine Elphick, Narooma branch manager said the grant was an investment in local community and the bank hoped everyone at Elm Grove Sanctuary and the young people they help would feel the benefits.

“Through our community grants program, we’re delighted to support organisations across the country that are dedicated to bettering the health and wellbeing of Australian youth,” she said.

The Community Grants program is an annual Commonwealth Bank initiative. The program is made possible through the generosity of employee donations to the Staff Community Fund, which are then matched dollar-for-dollar by the bank.

The full list of Community Grants recipients can be found at commbank.com.au/grants