Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ask for a donation?

Yes! We encourage applications from both individuals/families in need and community organisations. We review all requests that come to us.

Who do we fund?

 🏥 Health Challenges

  • Medical expenses and treatment costs

  • Support during serious illness or disability

  • Essential equipment or mobility aids

  • Travel costs for medical treatment

  • Family support during health crises

💰 Financial Hardship & Poverty Relief

  • Essential living expenses (rent, utilities, food)

  • Emergency assistance during financial crisis

  • Support for families facing unexpected hardship

  • Help for those who've lost income due to circumstances beyond their control

🎓 Educational Support

  • Essential educational tools and resources

  • Support for students facing barriers to education

  • Learning equipment for children with additional needs

🆘 Disaster Relief

  • Emergency assistance following natural disasters

  • Support for families who've lost homes or possessions

  • Immediate crisis relief during unexpected life events

What types of requests do we NOT fund?

We understand every cause is important, but our constitution limits us to specific areas. We cannot fund:

❌ Activities & Causes:

  • Political or religious activities

  • Sporting clubs or recreational activities

  • Animal welfare organisations

  • Service clubs (Rotary, Lions, etc.)

  • Gambling or hazardous activities

❌ Business & Commercial:

  • Commercial promotion or business conferences

  • Third-party funding requests

  • Exhibitions or trade shows

❌ Infrastructure & Buildings:

  • Building construction or major renovations

  • Property purchases or modifications

❌ Other Exclusions:

  • Overseas funding or international projects

  • Discriminatory programs or initiatives

  • Projects we've already substantially funded

How do I apply for support?

You can complete an online application form found on our website under the "Request Support" dropdown menu. We have two types of applications:

  • Individual/Family Application - for personal support requests

  • Organisation Application - for community groups and organisations

The application process is simple - just fill in the form with your details and submit it online.

For questions about applications, contact our Fundraising & Development Manager:

What do I need to provide when asking for a donation?

When applying, please provide:

  • A clear explanation of your situation or project

  • The specific amount you're requesting

  • How the funds will be used

  • Any relevant supporting information about your circumstances

Do I need supporting documentation?

Yes, you will need to provide supporting documentation to validate your circumstances. This helps us understand your situation and process your application effectively.

Examples of acceptable supporting documentation include:

  • Letter from a support worker

  • Letter from a school principal

  • Medical letter from a doctor

  • Letter from a counsellor or social worker

  • Documentation from other support agencies

The supporting documentation should clearly outline your circumstances and why you are seeking assistance.

How much can I request?

We don't have a hard and fast rule regarding grant amounts, each application is assessed on its own merits by our volunteer Board of Directors.

As a smaller foundation, our largest grants typically reach up to $15,000, though the final amount is determined by the Board based on your specific circumstances, impact of the grant and needs outlined in your application.

Every request is considered individually, taking into account factors such as:

  • The impact the grant will have

  • Our available funds at the time

  • Alignment with our mission

  • Supporting documentation provided

About the APCO Foundation

What is the APCO Foundation?

The APCO Foundation was founded by the four Anderson sisters in 2013 as a local, independent, non-profit entity. We operate as part of APCO Service Stations and are guided by a volunteer board of directors.

Our mission is to focus on kindness in our APCO communities by giving financial support to individuals, families, and projects.

What is our track record?

Over 13 years, we have:

  • Raised over $2.3 million

  • Given away $1.85 million directly to communities

  • Supported over 6,000 individuals and families

  • Maintained a 90% efficiency rate (90 cents of every dollar goes back to local communities)

What areas do we focus on?

We provide support in four key areas:

  • Health: Medical expenses, treatment costs, family support during illness

  • Poverty: Emergency financial assistance, housing, basic needs

  • Education: Scholarships, educational tools and resources

  • Disaster Relief: Immediate assistance for families affected by fires, floods, accidents

How are funding decisions made?

Our volunteer board of directors meets monthly to review all requests. Each board member brings different skills and community knowledge.

Our Board meets monthly to assess applications for funding support.

To help you plan your application timing, our scheduled Board meeting dates for 2025 are:

  • September 9th

  • October 14th

  • November 11th

Applications that meet our criteria will be assessed at the next Board meeting following their receipt.

We endeavour to provide applicants with a decision in a timely manner after each meeting.

Please note: Meeting dates may occasionally change due to unforeseen circumstances.

How do we raise our money?

We raise funds through multiple streams:

Major Events:

  • Geelong Wine Walk (February)

  • Race for a Reason (May)

  • Giving Day (July)

  • Golfing for Good (October)

Ongoing Fundraising:

  • 22c from every coffee sold on Tuesdays at APCO cafe24-7 locations

  • 10c from every APCO Chill Water and APCO Oil sold

  • $1 from every bag of APCO Foundation lollies

  • Donation boxes at every APCO Service Station

  • Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme

  • Monthly "Kindness Champs" - corporate partners who donate from product sales

  • Staff donations and initiatives

Do donations to APCO Foundation provide tax benefits?

We are working towards becoming a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), which will allow us to seek larger grants and provide tax benefits for larger donations. Contact us for current status.

Getting Involved

How can I support the APCO Foundation?

You can support us by:

  • Purchasing APCO Foundation products (lollies, water, oil) from APCO Service Stations

  • Buying coffee on Tuesdays at APCO cafe24-7 locations

  • Donating through collection boxes at APCO Service Stations

  • Attending our fundraising events

  • Using the Victoria Container Deposit Scheme with APCO as your nominated charity

  • Purchasing APCO Foundation merchandise

  • Volunteering at our events

Can I become a corporate partner?

Yes of course! Contact Jade Augustine to discuss partnership opportunities.

Contact Information

Who should I contact for different inquiries?

General Inquiries & Donation Requests:

Foundation Leadership:

What's the best way to stay updated on APCO Foundation activities?

  • Follow our social media accounts

  • Visit our website

  • Subscribe to our Snapshot newsletter

Still have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out, we're here to help and fuel kindness in our local communities.