How charities compete
The GCC is a relay style equestrian jumping competition with teams consisting of two junior/amateur riders combined with one Olympic or world-class rider. 30+ rider teams are randomly paired with 30+ charities that serve Palm Beach County. Additional grants are drawn the night of the event, adding up to a grand total of 80+ benefiting non-profits benefiting from the event.
- 100% of all proceeds go straight to benefit charities
- The winning team of riders will be awarded $100,000 for its charity
- Every charity selected will win a guaranteed minimum of $15,000
- Not a selected charity for the Challenge, don’t panic. In addition to the selected 30+ teams, we hold random drawings and award grants to deserving charities who applied to participate in that year’s Great Charity Challenge (ranging from $1,000 to $10,000).
Non-profit application requirements
At a minimum, applicants must have demonstrated they:
– are a 501c3 not-for-profit
– have a minimum of two (2) years of financials under their belt
– are providing crucial needs to the most vulnerable populations of Palm Beach County (PBC)
– have a presence in Palm Beach County (physical location)
– will spend the money directly on service delivery
– commit to spending a minimum of 75% of funding received in PBC
– have a non-discrimination statement and/or policy (including non-discrimination of services on the basis of race, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, or religion).
2026 Application Process
The application process to participate in the 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® will be open between Monday, September 29 through 5 PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. We however invite you to click on the link below to view this year's Application in Word Format so that you may start compiling the necessary information.
Should you wish to be kept "in the know", please email acv@greatcharitychallenge.com to be added to our email list.
Introducing this year's Theme: Rhyme Without Reason
This year’s GCC invites everyone to embrace the fun and creativity of our “Rhyme Without Reason” theme! Costumes and team presentations will showcase trios of things that rhyme—but have absolutely nothing in common. Picture a “bee, a ski, and some brie” or a “cat, a hat, and a bat”—the sillier and more unexpected, the better! Riders and horses will bring these playful trios to life in the ring, transforming the arena into a stage of laughter, surprise, and imagination.
Beyond the costumes, the theme captures the heart of what the GCC is all about: creating impact through unique and unexpected pairings. Just as a bee, a ski, and brie might rhyme without reason, our event unites sponsors, nonprofits, and equestrians in powerful ways that defy expectation—but deliver extraordinary results. Together, we’ll cheer, celebrate, and honor the spirit of teamwork while supporting dozens of Palm Beach County charities making a difference in the lives of thousands.