P500 Grant Round
• Currently Closed
P500 Grant Round
The P500 grant round is currently closed.
We encourage organisations to check back later in the year to discuss project ideas for the next grant round.
What is P500?
P500 is a collective giving initiative that brings people together to support local community projects.
Each member contributes $500 per year, pooling their donations to create a significant grant for a community organisation making a difference in our region.
Members of the P500 giving circle are actively involved in the process —hearing from shortlisted organisations and voting to decide which project will receive the grant.
What We’re Looking For
P500 is particularly suited to proposals that:
- expand or scale a proven initiative to reach more people, new communities or achieve greater impact
- respond to an identified or emerging community need through a new or enhanced approach
- test or establish a new initiative where there is a strong rationale for the proposed approach
- demonstate a clear and meaningful difference that the P500 funding would make
- can be clearly explained and presented to P500 donorscan be clearly explained and presented to donors
P500 is less suited to proposals that primarily maintain an existing program already funded by the Geelong Community Foundation through our Community Grant Round.
At a Glance
Grant size
Varies each year
Who can apply
Not-for-profit organisations with DGR1 Status
Activity location
City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Surf Coast Shire or Golden Plains Shire
Focus areas
Community Wellbeing
Decision process
Pitch & Vote event with P500 members
How the Process Works
This approach connects donors directly with community organisations and
ensures funding supports projects with strong local impact.
1
Community organisation apply
Organisations submit proposals for projects that will benefit the local
community.
2
Finalists are selected
A small number of organisations are shortlisted.
3
Pitch preparation
Finalists receive pitch coaching and support to film a short video about their project.
4
Pitch & Vote Night
Finalists present their project to P500 members.
5
Members decide
P500 members vote to select the project that will receive the major
grant.
Start With a Conversation
Organisations interested in applying for the P500 grant are encouraged to speak with our team about their project idea before submitting an application.
These conversations help us:
- determine whether your project is suitable for the P500 process
- provide guidance before you invest time preparing an application
- ensure the project is appropriate for presentation at the Pitch & Vote event
We encourage organisations to review the eligibility information on this page and contact Hadden Bromilow-Finger, Grants Coordinator on 0478 435 236 or grants@geelongfoundation.org to discuss their application.
Eligibility
To help organisations determine whether their project is suitable, please
review the information below before booking a conversation.
Key Dates
The P500 grant round typically follows this timeline each year
| Stage | Timing |
| Conversations with applicants | August |
| Applications submitted | September |
| Finalists announced | October |
| Pitch & Vote event | November |
| Grant Awarded | Late November |
| Activity Period | January-December |
About P500
P500 brings together individuals, families and businesses who want to make a difference in their community.
By contributing $500 each year, members pool their donations to support impactful community projects.
A portion of each contribution is also invested in the P500 Sub Fund, helping grow the fund and support future community grants.
P500 members play an active role in supporting local organisations and shaping community impact.
If you are interested in joining the P500 giving circle, learn more about how you can get involved.
Stay Up to Date
Latest P500 Stories
Celebrating 10 Years of P500: A Decade of Collective Giving
The Geelong Community Foundation marked a significant milestone on Thursday evening, celebrating 10 years of the P500 program at a special anniversary launch event held at Geelong Gallery. Donors, community partners and supporters gathered to reflect on a…
P500 Pitch & Vote Night 2025: A Celebration of Community, Connection and Local Impact
Growing More Than Veggies: How P500 Donors Are Helping Young People Flourish at Farm My School
Thanks to the generosity and vision of our P500 donor community, three young people from our region are finding purpose, building skills, and shaping their futures – through soil, sweat, and hands-on learning at Farm…
Questions
If you are unsure whether your project is suitable, we encourage you to
contact:
grants@geelongfoundation.org