Passing on the Power of Giving: Inspiring the Next Generation Through P500

One of the most powerful things about community philanthropy is that it doesn’t just support people today — it helps shape the generosity of tomorrow.

Over the past year, we’ve seen something particularly inspiring through P500: families giving together and using the experience to introduce children and grandchildren to the idea of helping others in their community.

Why early experiences of giving matter

Research shows that when young people experience generosity early in life, it shapes how they engage with their communities for years to come.

Children who see charitable giving modelled by parents or grandparents — and are involved in conversations about where and why to give — are far more likely to donate, volunteer and stay engaged in their communities as adults. These early experiences help build empathy, confidence and a sense of responsibility.

Learning through real experiences

Programs like P500 are especially powerful because they allow young people to experience philanthropy firsthand.

Through P500, donors learn about local challenges, hear directly from community organisations, and vote to decide which project should receive funding. For young people, this brings giving to life — showing not only the needs in the community, but also the thoughtful decisions behind how support is directed.

 

A family experience

Last year, P500 donors Sally and Hayden Torney helped introduce their 10-year-old granddaughter Ella to community philanthropy by supporting her to be part of the P500 experience.

For Sally, it was an opportunity to share something meaningful with the next generation.

“It was important to us to introduce another generation to the act of giving and it has encouraged conversations across our family and between Ella and her parents.”

“It was wonderful to see Ella engage in the P500 Pitch & Vote event and to see how interested she was in each of the organisations that were presenting.” Sally said.

P500 helps young people understand that even small actions can make a difference when people work together.

For Ella, the experience was both engaging and eye-opening.

“I really enjoyed watching the videos and then getting the chance to vote,” she said.
“The voting process really makes you think hard about who needs help.”

Through the experience, Ella also began to understand the broader challenges facing the community.

“There are lots of people that need help in our community,” she said.

And while the experience introduced her to some big ideas, her reason for giving was refreshingly simple:

“It’s just a good thing to do I think.”

Like many young people, Ella also enjoyed the excitement of the night itself:

“Putting the votes into the tins, then hearing the winners celebrate was pretty cool at the end… Oh, and Mum and Dad let me have a soft drink.”

Experiences like this help young people understand that generosity is not just about giving money — it’s about caring about others and being part of the community around you.

How families can involve children in philanthropy

Philanthropy doesn’t have to be complicated. Small experiences can spark curiosity, empathy and a lifelong commitment to community.

Start conversations about community needs
Talk with children about the challenges facing people in your community. Ask questions like: Who might need help? What organisations support people who are struggling?

Include children in decisions about giving
Invite young people to help decide where to donate. Families involved in P500 often discuss the finalist organisations together before attending Pitch & Vote Night. Hearing the pitches and participating in the vote gives young people a real sense that their voice matters.

Volunteer together as a family
Hands-on experiences can be incredibly meaningful.

In Geelong, organisations such as Pass the Snacks support children experiencing food insecurity during the school holidays. Families can get involved by collecting food items like cereal or muesli bars through their school, family or friends, or by volunteering to help pack food boxes for local families.

These experiences help young people see how small acts of generosity can come together to make a real difference.

Encourage curiosity about local organisations
When you hear about a charity or community project, talk about it together. Ask what problem the organisation is trying to solve and how their work helps people.

These small, practical experiences can have a lasting impact — helping young people see that they can play a role in supporting their community.

Building a culture of giving

When generosity becomes part of everyday family life — something that’s talked about and practised together — it creates traditions that can last for generations.

For the Geelong Community Foundation, seeing families embrace P500 in this way is incredibly encouraging. It means that P500 is not only supporting local organisations today, but also helping nurture the next generation of community-minded leaders and philanthropists.

Passing on a tradition of giving

Some P500 donors choose to involve children or grandchildren by making a P500 contribution on their behalf, inviting them to be part of the experience and the conversations that follow.

It can be a meaningful way to mark a birthday, celebrate a milestone, or simply begin a family tradition of giving.

A legacy that lasts

If you’re part of P500 this year, consider inviting your children or grandchildren to be involved in the journey.

Bring them along to Pitch & Vote Night. Talk together about the issues facing our region. Discuss which organisation you think should receive the grant.

Because when giving becomes something families do together, its impact extends far beyond a single donation.

It becomes a legacy.

If you’d like to be part of P500 and help create both immediate and lasting impact in our community, you can learn more or join here.