Impact 100 is in the midst of its 2021 membership drive, and the organization is continuing to seek out new members before the March 31 application deadline. The group consists of women with a desire to see the Greater Owensboro area succeed by creating opportunities for positive change.
Each year, Impact 100 provides grants to nonprofit organizations across the area. According to Chairwoman Katie Drab, the Impact 100 model is “simple and effective.”
“Women have the power to transform their communities through collective giving,” Drab said. “That’s where we come in.”
Drab said at least 100 women come together and donate either $1,000 or $500 each — and 100% is donated to local nonprofits.
Since its inception in 2006, Impact 100 has awarded nearly $3.5 million back into the Owensboro community.
“We had an amazing year in 2020 with 200-plus members awarding transformative grants in the (total) amount of $226,000 to three nonprofit organizations,” Drab said. “None of this would have been possible without our amazing members and the support of the community.”
In recent years, the organization has created Impact 100 NextGeneration — an initiative for young women in grades 8-12.
“The program is designed to create a sense of community among young women through engagement with local nonprofits and to create a philanthropic spirit of giving back through time and money,” Drab said.
Impact 100 NextGen has been able to award $37,700 to nonprofits since its inception in 2017. Scholarships are available to young women who cannot donate $100 but would like to participate.
“NextGen is transformational to the young ladies who become members,” said NextGen Chair Joy Carroll. “Not only are they learning how to read and evaluate grants, but they are learning about the needs and services provided in our community … we are creating and empowering philanthropic leaders of tomorrow.”
Impact 100 President Linda Wahl said she encouraged all women to join the organization, calling the passion and enthusiasm of reading and evaluating grants an “invigorating” process that culminates in an annual evening of final selections that “truly impact our community.”
“As we embark on our 16th year, we need you,” Drab added. “The more members we have, the more money we can award. Our nonprofits need us now more than ever before.”
Check out Impact 100’s website for more information, or to join or renew a membership.
