The group, which includes the Warrnambool Mazda and Subaru dealerships, said it had established the fund to give more focus and funds to its community support.

The group’s marketing manager Ally Marsh said it had responded to requests for support from the community in the past but the new fund would allow it to be more proactive.

The fund aims to provide assistance to a cross-section of charitable entities, causes and individuals. 

Mrs Marsh said preference for funding allocations would be given to projects that supported education, health, the environment, arts, culture and promoting employment and skills development. 

“We want to create relationships with organisations, do more of the long-term projects,” she said. 

“We want to see their achievements.” 

Application forms for the fund are available from the Warrnambool Mazda and Subaru dealership at 174 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool.

The application dead-line for 2014 grants is March 31.