Wellington, Fla. — One night. World-class show jumping. Millions of dollars in unrestricted funding, handed directly to the nonprofits doing the work. Galloping into its 18th year, the Great Charity Challenge (GCC), sponsored by Fidelity Investments®, is calling on Palm Beach County’s nonprofit community to apply for the chance to receive a share of the evening’s proceeds—no strings attached. Since its inception 17 years ago, the GCC has distributed more than $26.8 million to 388 local charities, making it one of the region’s most impactful single-night philanthropic events.
Founded by father-daughter team Mark and Paige Bellissimo, the GCC began by distributing $500,000 in its inaugural year and has grown to award more than $1 million annually. With an ambitious goal of $2 million in 2027, the event returns to Wellington International, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The evening pairs the thrill of competitive show jumping with the unstoppable spirit of giving. Every participating nonprofit is guaranteed a minimum of $15,000, while the winning team’s paired charity takes home a grand prize of $100,000—funding that goes straight to programs, staffing, and services that change lives across Palm Beach County.
A Simple Path to Transformational Funding
Following a straightforward application and vetting process, every qualified charity is assigned a “lottery ball” and entered into a raffle drum for a 100% random drawing. The event will be livestreamed on the GCC’s Facebook and Instagram channels for full transparency and will take place on Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Additional smaller grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are also awarded by random draws among the vetted nonprofits, so even organizations not selected as a team pairing still have a real chance to receive funding.
To be eligible, applicants must, at a minimum:
- Be a registered 501(c)(3) organization
- Serve residents of Palm Beach County
- Have a physical presence in the County
- Commit to spending at least 75% of funding received locally
- Have a non-discrimination statement and/or policy
If you know a deserving Palm Beach County charity, encourage them to apply today at www.greatcharitychallenge.com/2027-gcc. The application window is open from October 1st through the 15, 2026, at 5 p.m.—every day the window is open is a day closer to a nonprofit’s next breakthrough.
This Year’s Theme: Once Upon a Masquerade — Tales from the Saddle
The 2027 GCC invites everyone into a fairytale evening where equestrian sport becomes an enchanted spectacle. Expect masked riders and storybook-inspired costumes as Wellington International is transformed into a moonlit masquerade ballroom under the stars. Beyond the pageantry, the theme captures exactly what GCC is about: unexpected pairings—of horse and rider, sponsors and nonprofits, community and cause—coming together to deliver extraordinary, real-world results. Together, we’ll gallop, celebrate, and unmask a night of giving on behalf of dozens of Palm Beach County charities and the thousands of lives they touch.
For additional event information, including the application process, donations, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, sponsor spotlights, and behind-the-scenes moments as the 2027 event comes together.
