Representatives from four local nonprofits left the Oak Harbor Clubhouse with an extra spring in their step, having each been chosen from a group of 10 finalists to receive a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 of Indian River County at the organization’s 16th Annual Meeting.
“Each one of us like-minded women has united for a shared purpose today, to vote and select the nonprofits that we believe have the power to transform Indian River County and make lasting change here,” said Suzi McCoy Shriner, board president, at the start of the meeting.
“This year’s $487,000 in grants brings our total community support to an impressive $6.5 million over 16 years,” said Shriner. “This underscores the giving power of our generous sisterhood of philanthropic women.”
The four $100,000 grant recipients, who become Impact 100 Community Partners, are:
• Bike Walk Indian River County: Pedal It Forward
• Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program: After School Tutoring and Summer Camps
• Homeless Children’s Foundation of Indian River County: Compassion in Action: Camps Enriching the Lives of Homeless Youth
• Ocean Research and Conservation Association: St. Sebastian River Pollution Mapping.
The remaining six finalists, who each receive merit awards of $14,500, were:
• Children’s Home Society of Florida, Treasure Coast: Gifford Middle Hub – Establishing Cradle to Career Supports for Academic and Life Success
• Hibiscus Children’s Center: Supporting Families in Crisis
• LifeBuilders of the Treasure Coast: LifeBuilders Indian River County Case Manager
• Safe Families for Children Treasure Coast: Every Mother’s Advocate Program and Coordinator
• Senior Collaborative of Indian River County: UPSLIDE Program
• Tykes and Teens: Family Peer Support Program.
The Impact 100 principal of “one woman, $1,000 and one vote,” is open to any woman interested in making transformational grants through team philanthropy. Each member contributes $1,000 annually to be pooled into grant increments of $100,000, and an additional $100 toward administrative costs.
Lynn Byrnes, grants chair, introduced the nonprofits’ speakers, who were each given an opportunity to make a final case to the membership before the voting began. An earlier online voting option was also offered.
“What distinguishes Impact 100 from other grant-making organizations is its unique democratic process,” said Byrnes. “Every member has a vote and a voice in determining which organization receives the $100,000 award.”
Impact 100 will host a Grant Workshop for interested nonprofits from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 25 at Northern Trust Bank. For more information or to become an Impact member, visit Impact100IR.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
