2020 Campaign Now Open

200 people @ $500 = $100,000 high impact gift to our local community
A new way of giving to the Geelong Community Foundation

TO JOIN US
DONATE $500 NOW, $100 A MONTH for five months or $42 PER MONTH ongoing.

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What is Philanthropy 500?

Philanthropy 500 (P500) is the starting point of your philanthropic journey. It harnesses the power of collective giving to fund transformative grants through the combined contributions of individuals, families and businesses. 

P500 provides an accessible entry point for like-minded donors across all generations to pool their donations, support their community and experience the grant-making process first-hand. Events are held for P500 donors throughout the year that provide education on their chosen impact area, offer networking opportunities, celebrating shortlisted grantees and selecting the final grant recipient.

How it works

P500 aims to highlight unmet needs in our community, to increase involvement in philanthropy across Geelong and support life-changing community programs. Our strategy is to make one primary grant each year and to grow an endowment fund collectively.

A $500 donation made by 200 people is pooled to create $100,000 for the community.  $50,000 is allocated to fund a high impact grant for a local community organisation and $50,000 is invested in the P500 endowment fund. Interest from the Endowment Fund will be added to the 2020 grant.  $7,500 interest was added in 2019.  Donations are fully tax-deductible. The P500 Endowment Fund provides a lasting gift to our community. 

Grant Theme

The P500 grant theme for 2020 is community wellbeing. We reached out to our donors at our 2019 vote night to obtain input into where they think our grant funding should go in 2020.  Grant applications will open in August 2020.  The P500 Support Group and Foundation Grants Committee will assess applications from organisations who are making a difference in our region.  P500 donors will gather at a special event in November 2020 to hear finalist presentations and vote on which local charity will receive the transformative grant. The finalists and successful grantee will benefit from a raised public profile, potentially attracting additional funding.

Why join?

• Start your philanthropic journey with like-minded people
• Fund a transformative grant through a $500 donation
• Be actively involved in the grant-making process
• Broaden your understanding of challenges faced in the Geelong region
• Be a part of a contemporary, inclusive and rewarding opportunity

P500 is inclusive, informed, rewarding, social, powerful and crucial to a sustainable community.

This collective giving program engages donors across all generations to understand the importance and benefits of philanthropy. By providing an accessible entry level for family giving, P500 is also an opportunity to build children’s awareness of philanthropy. P500 donors will experience the satisfaction of being involved in powerful, engaged philanthropy.

While donor involvement and learning about the community is key to P500, donors can gain insights into our community by also attending the Foundation's Annual Grant Reception in June to hear about organisations doing incredible work in our region. 

Join us to make a lasting difference A gift of $500 or more secures your place in this giving circle.

DONATE $500 NOW or GIVE $100 A MONTH for five months or $42 PER MONTH ongoing.