P500
P500 is a powerful collective giving movement led by the Geelong Community Foundation—bringing people together to create real change.
About P500
It’s simple. Each person contributes $500, and together those contributions are pooled to create something far greater — a significant grant that supports organisations tackling some of the most pressing needs in our community.
On your own, $500 is a generous gift. Together, it becomes transformational. That’s the power of P500 — when our community comes together, we can achieve something truly meaningful.
By joining P500, you’re not just donating — you’re part of the experience. You’ll gain insight into the challenges facing our region, hear directly from local organisations, and have a say in where the funding goes by voting on the annual grant recipient.
It’s a unique opportunity to make an immediate impact, connect with like-minded people, and be part of something positive, engaging, and genuinely rewarding.
Be Part of P500
Your tax-deductible donation to P500 can be made as a once off $500 donation or with a $42 monthly recurring donation.
$500
Once-off donation
$42 / month
Recurring donation
How does P500 work?
All P500 donations are pooled together to create a powerful fund for community impact. Here’s where it gets exciting.
Donate Together
Each member contributes $500 (or $42/month). All donations are pooled to form a major community impact fund.
Investing for the Future
Half the funds create a major community grant. The other half is invested in the GCF P500 Sub Fund, growing impact year on year.
Organisations Apply & Pitch
Local organisations apply for the grant. Three outstanding finalists are selected to pitch for the funding.
Grant Goes to the Community
Every donor votes. The organisation with the most votes receives the grant. Runners-up also receive a contribution.
Pitch & Vote Night
All P500 donors are invited to our annual Pitch & Vote Night where three finalist organisations take the stage and share their vision for how they would use the grant to create real change in our community. Then you decide.
Every donor gets a vote, and together we choose the organisation that will receive the grant. The organisation with the most votes is awarded the grant, while the runners-up also receive a contribution to support their important work.
It’s philanthropy powered by community!
10 years of P500
A year to celebrate
In 2026 the Geelong Community Foundation celebrates 10 years of P500! That’s 10 years of impact.
Collective Donors
Total Funds Raised
Total Grants Awarded
Current 2026 Donors
10 years of P500 impact
Over the past 10 years P500 has supported the following organisations who respond to critical need in the community
| 2025 | The Empowerment Challenge | Made possible by 315 donors | $88,000 |
| 2024 | Farm My School | Made possible by 278 donors | $80,000 |
| 2023 | Tiny Dots | Made possible by 278 donors | $79,000 |
| 2022 | Wombats Wish | Made possible by 261 donors | $75,000 |
| 2021 | Geelong Youth Engagement | Made possible by 237 donors | $68,000 |
| 2020 | Feed Me Bellarine | Made possible by 174 donors | $46,500 |
| 2019 | Sanctuary Counselling | Made possible by 181 donors | $52,500 |
| 2018 | Good Cycles | Made possible by 150 donors | $40,000 |
| 2017 | Gateways Support | Made possible by 90 donors | $22,500 |
Generational Giving, inspiring the next generation
Through P500, families are not only supporting local organisations — they’re helping shape the next generation of community-minded leaders.
By involving children and grandchildren in conversations about community need and the decision-making process, giving becomes something they understand and value from an early age.
One Geelong family brought their granddaughter into the P500 experience and discover practical ways to involve children and younger adults in giving.
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…
Get in touch
Interested in learning more about P500?
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