Give500 Grant Program
About Give500
The Give500 Collective Giving Campaign is an initiative of Border Trust. It is a starting point for like-minded individuals and groups to pool their donations and support life changing community programs across the Border Region.
Local community members, families, groups and businesses are invited to become a Give500 donor by donating $500 to the annual campaign. One $500 donation = One vote at the annual Pitch Night.
It’s a connected and collective way of giving and is about so much more than the money!
The Give500 Grant
The amount of the Give500 grant is determined by the number of donors who contribute each year. 60% of all funds raised are allocated to support important community initiatives with the remaining 40% held in the Give500 Named Sub Fund to build a sustainable foundation, support additional charitable granting and build a perpetual fund for community benefit.
Applications to the Give500 Grant Program are shortlisted to three outstanding projects by the Give500 Committee, and the successful recipient will be voted on by donors at the Pitch Night held in November.
As a result of the wonderful generosity of our 2025 Give500 Donors, the organisation voted the winner of the Give500 2025 Grant, received $20,000 for their project with $5,000 for each runner up as a contribution to their project or organisational capacity.
Our Give500 Story – Border Trust
Get to know Give500
Grant Writing & Pitch Your Project Workshops
Thinking of applying for the Give500 Grant Program but don’t know where to start? Join us at the Get to Know Give500 online information session and grant writing workshops.
Proudly supported by Albury Business Connect and Border Trust, you’ll hear all about this unique collective giving campaign, have the opportunity to unpack and pitch your project, plus how your organisation can connect directly with the donors who make it possible.
✍️ Workshop 1 – Grant Preparations + Writing (30 July 2026 – 12:30 – 1:30pm)
Join us for an interactive conversation where we’ll share some useful tips to help you prepare and write a winning grant application.
🎯 Workshop 2 – Prepare to Pitch (27 August 2026 12:30 – 1:30pm)
Being prepared and confident in telling your story can make a big difference to your success. Learn how to get your message across in just a few minutes.
🎙️ Workshop 3 – Pitch Practice (17 September 2026 12:30 – 1:30pm)
We’re excited to partner with Albury Business Connect to bring these workshops to life.
Give500 Grant Recipients
2025
Winner Give500 2025
The Bhutanese and Multicultural Community Farms Inc
Powering Food Security and Social Cohesion
Set on a picturesque site along the Murray River, the Bhutanese and Multicultural Community Farm provides a shared space for people from diverse backgrounds to grow food, connect, and celebrate culture.
With more than ten years of growth, the farm now spans two hectares — but outdated water infrastructure limits its full potential. This project will install upgraded underground pipes and solar-powered irrigation, eliminating the need for petrol generators and enabling consistent, sustainable watering across the site.
The improvements will also allow expansion of the farm, meeting growing demand from new families and communities eager to join.
Why it matters:
By improving irrigation and expanding access, this project strengthens food security and deepens social connection — helping multicultural communities thrive, together.
Runner Up Give500 2025
Albury Wodonga Regional FoodShare
The Good Egg Project: Laid by FoodShare
FoodShare is dedicated to reducing food insecurity and food waste across Northeast Victoria and Southern NSW. Their Good Egg Project aims to establish a small-scale free-range chicken farm — creating a steady local supply of fresh eggs for families doing it tough.
The farm will provide a reliable source of nutritious food for FoodShare’s Community Pantry, while also offering hands-on learning opportunities in sustainable food production and local resilience. The project will be supported through donated infrastructure, materials and volunteer expertise, creating a community-driven model of food security.
Why it matters:
Eggs are a high-demand, high-cost staple. This project not only fills a critical food gap but also models a circular, sustainable approach to local food systems — one that could expand over time.
Runner Up Give500 2025
Windbreak3690
Junction Support Services has been supporting children, young people, families and adults across Northeast Victoria since 1989. Their Windbreak3690 program offers a youth-led, inclusive space in Wodonga where young people can connect, learn and grow together.
With Give500 funding, Junction will deliver twice-weekly sessions, school holiday programs, youth-led community events, and practical life-skills workshops covering everything from budgeting and cooking to mental health and leadership.
The project is co-designed with young people, empowering them to shape programs that reflect their needs and voices — fostering resilience, confidence and belonging in a safe, welcoming space.
Why it matters:
Windbreak3690 strengthens local youth connections, helping young people feel seen, supported and part of something bigger — while building skills that will last a lifetime.
2024
Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau
Cultural Exchange Program – Video Presentation
Junction Support Services
From the Source – Video Presentation
Survivors of Suicide & Friends
Winter Solstice Event – Video Presentation
2023
The Carevan Foundation
The Ruffy Swags Project – Video Presentation
Our Native Garden Nursery
Seeds On The Move – Local Garden Initiative – Video Presentation
Tots2Teens Albury Wodonga
Classy Kids Program – Video Presentation
2022
Police & Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) Albury
Social Connections through Play Project – Video Presentation
Body Confident Collective
Embrace Albury Wodonga – Video Presentation
Petaurus Education Group
Sisters Who Shine Project – Video Presentation
2021
Junction Support Services
Therapy Dog Program – Video Presentation
Survivors of Suicide & Friends
Solstice the Documentary – Video Presentation
Aspect Riverina School
Resilience on the Spectrum – Video Presentation