Indian River Impact 100 was the first local nonprofit to host a major event in the virtual world, when its members selected the five $100,000 High Impact Grant Award recipients and three Merit Award winners this past April. Then in September, they hosted a virtual Nonprofit Information Session, and recently presented what current board president Gladys LaForge described as “our first, and hopefully our last,” Virtual Kick-off Brunch.
Dee Locke, director of board administration, worked her technical magic and provided a way for the ladies to see one another and hear from the guest speaker from the safety of their own homes. At one point, they could even break out into virtual host groups, offering an intimacy akin to in-person events.
The event sponsors were the Hill Group, Florida Power & Light and Cindy Galant, and the technology sponsors were Audiohouse and Pilar Turner.
“It is clear the world is in a much different place than a year ago. It needs help. Now, more than ever, our communities need unwavering leadership and hope,” said Chris Hill, Hill Group president. “It is through your actions that lives are forever changed, a community is strengthened, and new and higher standards continue to be set.”
LaForge noted that unlike other funders, who choose grant recipients via committee or board, she called Impact 100 the “consummate egalitarian funder,” with grant determinations decided by the membership following a simple formula: one woman, $1,000 and one vote, equaling one big difference.
“We are more powerful as philanthropists together than we are as individuals; we see the power of team philanthropy,” said LaForge.
She reminded members of the 65 organizations who have received High Impact and Merit grants over the years, and the direct impact they have had on the community, commenting that despite all the issues the pandemic has put in their way, all have continued to operate.
This year’s guest speaker was Debbie Ritchie, president of the Studer Group and founding president of the Pensacola Bay Area Impact 100, which boasts nearly 1,200 members.
Ritchie shared a Flywheel concept, explaining that skills, outcomes and passion create the momentum to create purpose, worthwhile work and make a difference. The concept provides not only the ability to make an impact, but to also search out the problems that need to be solved in order to build a healthy community.
“When we have the passion and the ability, we see the benefit of what we do,” said Ritchie, adding that while empathy is a feeling, compassion is an act.
In a quick poll she asked members why they had elected to join Impact 100. The leading answer was High Impact Giving, giving participants the ability to make larger grants collectively than they could on their own. Closely tied for second were: Community Impact, keeping donations local; and Effective Philanthropy, that 100 percent of membership dollars are granted.
“Never underestimate the difference that you can make,” said Ritchie.
Tracy Sorzano, Indian River Impact 100 president-elect, thanked everyone for their continued commitment and remarked that the nonprofit has to date granted $4.6 million to local nonprofits.
“I know this can be the year we surpass that $5 million threshold,” said Sorzano.
To become a member, or for more information, visit impact100ir.com.
Photos by: Kaila Jones
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- arbara DiMarzo and Lynn Byrnes
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