Great Charity Challenge
Measured community impact
About The Great Charity Challenge
Since its founding in 2009 by Mark Bellissimo and Paige Bellissimo, the Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) has created a lasting impact across Palm Beach County by channeling the power of sport into meaningful philanthropy. What began as an initiative to support local nonprofits during a challenging economic time has grown into a community-wide movement that continues to transform lives year after year.
Today, the event is one of the most anticipated family evenings of the Winter Equestrian Festival, bringing together riders, sponsors, families, and local organizations for an unforgettable night that blends world-class equestrian sport, creativity, and charitable giving.
To date, the GCC has distributed over $26.4 million to 384 local non-profits, ensuring lasting impact where it is needed most. The 17th annual edition took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026 and distributed $2.3 million to over 80 non-profit organizations (March 2026). We invite you to click here to see the intended impact of the 2026 event.
Equestrian Meets Philanthropy: The GCC is a relay-style equestrian jumping event where Olympic and world-class riders team up with junior and amateur athletes to compete for local charities. Every participating non-profit is guaranteed funding, with top prizes reaching $100,000.
Non-profit applications for the 2027 event will be open October 1 through October 15, 2026. To donate or sponsor, email [email protected].
Click here to access the 2026 event pageOur Core Values
Professionalism
Impact-driven with measurable results.
Transparency
100% of donations go directly to charities; event costs are covered by Wellington International.
Impartiality
Non-profits areselected through a lottery system, broadcast live for full visibility.
Community
The event unites the equestrian and Palm Beach County communities to make a lasting difference.
General GCC FAQs
Yes, thanks to the generous support of Wellington International.
You can join has a team, corporate or grant sponsor or make a charitable donation via check (form) or online through the United Way of Palm Beach County* (available December through March).
We invite you to visit our 2026 GCC Volunteer Guide to get involved in the community by clicking here.
We invite all Palm Beach County 501c3 non-profits to submit their application between Thursday, October 1, 2026 and Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST. Please note that we are unable to accept any late entries.
The link to the application will be posted live on our website and social media channels.
Basic requirements include:
- being based in Palm Beach County
- showcasing that you are serving Palm Beach County residents
- having a minimum of two (2) years of financials under your belt
- guaranteeing that a minimum of 75% of the funding received will remain in the County
Special note for “larger”/statewide/national organizations – you may apply ONLY if you have a Palm Beach County branch/chapter and have your own financials for the County.
We invite you to click here to access last year’s application in Word format. The requirements for the 2027 application will be very similar.
Do the best that you can and see which category best represents your activities. If the review board has any questions on your decision, we will be sure to reach out to you! And if you are completely stuck and unsure on how to answer, please email [email protected] by no later than Monday, October 12, 2026 along with your organization website and we will do our very best to advise you.
For 2024: auditor compilation or year-end statement signed by board treasurer. For 2025: it can be either a P&L or Balance Sheet to date, signed by your board treasurer. Submissions must be PDF uploads and cannot exceed 10MB.
This requirement was instilled in 2020; our board and donors feel strongly that this should be a requirement. In the event you do not have one, we recommend you create one and get it validated by your board. If your organization cannot stand behind this requirement, we respect your decision but will sadly be unable to consider you for funding.
Please enter the number 1 in all salary requirement fields. IMPORTANT NOTE: contractors should also be considered here! If you hire contractors for specific needs (marketing, event, etc.), please list the amount you paid in 2024 for these positions.
You will receive an email confirming such as well as copy of your application. If you have tried absolutely everything and are still having issues in submitting your application, we kindly request that you send us your complete application and all its attachments via email to [email protected] by no later than Monday, October 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST (to give us the time to enter it manually).
Latest News
Explore the latest news, press releases, stories and highlights from The Great Charity Challenge
17th Annual Great Charity Challenge Sponsored by Fidelity Investments® Distributes Over $2 Millio...
Wellington, FL – March 12, 2026 — The 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) ...
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Equestrian Community Unites to Deliver Lasting Impact at the 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge ...
Wellington, Fla. – February 1, 2026—The 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC)...
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Riding for Change: Show Jumping Meets Community Impact at the 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge...
Delivering $2 million to 34 Palm Beach County nonprofits during “Saturday Night Lights” on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at W...
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