Some of the members of the Asset Based Community (ABC) Development Network came up with the Illawarra Soup group, which is a small scale, grassroots funding initiative for the Warilla community.

Member of Illawarra Soup Brian Pember said the event would provide a platform for projects that build and connect the local community.

"People pay $5 for a bowl of soup and a bread roll and four people will get the chance to spruik their community development idea," he said.

"From that everyone will vote in a secret ballot and whoever gets the most votes can take the money raised and their passion and implement their idea, no matter how big or small."

Mr Pember said the group hoped to run the soup night every six months at Warilla Surf Club and draw focus on existing opportunities in the area.

"We see the community as being a glass half full not a glass half empty. What we hope to do is work with what we have rather than trying to get more," he said.

"Anyone can get involved for either community groups or not. It is for anyone who cares enough to do something in their local community."

Visit the Illawarra Soup Southern Facebook page or call 0425 382 568.