The collective power of women. What’s that all about? For women in this two-county area, it means that we have awarded 77 grants to 60 nonprofit organizations for a total of $8,318,000. And yesterday, October 15, we gave another $1,077,000 to ten more nonprofits! What an exciting and rewarding day, the culmination of a year’s work.
How did this happen? Back in 2004, a few local women started a new chapter of IMPACT 100, originally conceived elsewhere. Each woman who joins gives $1000, every cent of which goes to grants. There is no overhead because capable, dedicated women donate their time and skills to make this work. They hoped to recruit 100 women that first year for one grant; despite being clobbered by Hurricane Ivan, 233 joined, allowing for two grants. We’ve continued to grow ever since, except for a slight dip one year during the recession. The first year it was announced that we had passed 1000 members, the din was so loud no one could hear by how much (1025). What a thrill for everyone!
Grants are given in five focus areas: Arts & Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation & Preservation; Family; Health & Wellness. Over the years, we’ve funded appliances for a food bank, provided therapy with horses, enlisted volunteers for Guardian ad Litem, installed wood floors over the cement in the art museum, bought a reliable new vehicle for blood donations, helped the reentry of men released from jail, supported an alternate educational center for girls, expanded medical facilities at volunteer clinics, and so many more. I am proud when I drive around town and see the IMPACT logo displayed. The organizations that receive the grants are proud, too, that they have been “vetted” by a thorough review, and often receive unexpected volunteers and donations.
With earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and politics dominating the news, yesterday was especially uplifting. Collectively, we women are making a positive difference in our community.
by Kathleen Vestal Logan, MS, MA October 16, 2017