The Geelong Community Foundation is one step closer to delivering a major grant that will drive real change in the region, thanks to a $5,000 contribution to the Foundation’s Philanthropy 500 Program (P500) from the Milford Community Connection Program.

A Collective Approach to Local Change
At the heart of the Geelong Community Foundation’s work is a mission to support a connected, fair, and thriving community. Its P500 Program invites individuals, families, and businesses to donate $500, pooling those funds to create one large, transformative grant each year for a local community organisation.

For Amy Waters, CEO of the Foundation, the model is about more than fundraising; it builds awareness, encourages accessible philanthropy, and deepens people’s connection to their region. “This year we’re aiming to have 300 donors join P500, which would enable us to fund an $85,000+ grant to our community,” says Amy.

“This amount of funding is transformative. It enables organisations to grow the number of people they support each year.”

A Trusted Local Connection
The Foundation’s relationship with Muirfield Financial Services, a long-time supporter and participant in the P500 Program, was key to securing Milford’s support. Muirfield Director Matt Torney says partnering with Milford through the Community Connection Program was an easy decision.

“As a business, we believe being an active contributor to the community is one of our civic duties,” says Matt. “It’s great to be able to give back to the region we operate in and where our clients and their families live. To partner with Milford to achieve that was an opportunity too good to ignore.”

Muirfield’s own philanthropic focus led them to establish a sub-fund through the Foundation, ensuring their support stays local and makes a lasting difference. “Rather than sending donations into other geographic areas, we chose to focus heavily on supporting the local region. This approach enables us to give back to the community that has supported the business so well,” Matt adds.

Impactful Contributions
Milford’s $5,000 contribution is equivalent to 10 individual donations to the P500 Program. It’s a significant boost that not only adds to the grant pool but inspires momentum. “The Foundation was thrilled,” says Amy. “We’re currently at 236 donors with just over a month left before donations close, so this grant gets us that bit closer to our goal.”

Matt agrees that the ripple effect is one of the most exciting aspects. “At a time when the cost of living has tightened the purse strings, Milford’s commitment has helped create a groundswell of support. The collective giving concept, paired with generous contributions like Milford’s, is a great way to amplify the impact of donating.”

Building a Culture of Giving
The support from Milford also speaks to something bigger – a shared belief in the value of long-term, grassroots investment in community wellbeing. “We love that Milford is able to support the broader Geelong community through P500,” says Amy.

“Their support is encouraging individuals, families and businesses to begin their philanthropic journey while helping fund a substantial grant that will make a real difference.”

Being part of the Milford Community Connection Program has also helped reinforce the Foundation’s own message about how business and community can work hand-in-hand. “It’s wonderful to see Milford being a leader in philanthropy and showing how you can operate a successful business and give back at the same time,” says Amy.

Looking Ahead
As the P500 donor pool grows, so does the potential for long-term impact. With continued support from Milford and other like-minded partners, the Geelong Community Foundation is well-positioned to keep scaling its impact and making local giving something everyone can be part of.

About Geelong Community Foundation
The Geelong Community Foundation exists to support a connected, fair and thriving region. Serving over 300,000 people across the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Golden Plains Shire, and the Borough of Queenscliffe, the Foundation identifies, strengthens and funds local organisations creating lasting change. Through programs like P500, it empowers donors of all sizes to contribute to the wellbeing of their own backyard – now and for generations to come.