Impact100 SRQ Shares the Collective Power of Women with LWRWC

by Monika Templeman, LWRWC Publicity Chair

On Thursday, November 2, 2023, the LWRWC General Meeting focused on the geometric ability of the collective power of women to help those in need in our community. Our featured guests were three dynamic members of the Impact100 SRQ 2023 Board. They included Pam Kandziora, President of Impact 100 SRQ, Gail Lisi, Vice President of Membership, and Nancy Platkin, Membership Recruiting Director. LWRWC members in attendance were impressed and inspired as Pam Kandziora explained how Impact100 SRQ is able to make such a huge difference!

Pam began her presentation by thanking LWRWC for everything we do to make a difference in our community, including our upcoming “The Magic of LWRWC” Charity Fundraiser on Dec. 6th! Pam shared with us that Impact100 SRQ, an all-volunteer organization, is celebrating its five-year anniversary this year! She told us that the Sarasota Chapter is one of more than sixty chapters worldwide and that it joins its sister chapters in embracing the local collective giving model. Founded in 2018, Impact100 SRQ, brings together a diverse group of women that annually fund transformational grants to local nonprofits in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Pam explained that Impact100 SRQ’s mission is to empower women to collectively fund transformational grants to nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The model is simple. At least 100 women each give a $1,000 tax deductible donation, and together they collectively award grants in increments of at least $100,000 to local nonprofits in five focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment & Recreation; Family; and Health & Wellness. Each member’s annual donation strengthens the power of giving and funds the innovative projects that make a high impact and sustainable difference in our community. The goal is to give incremental grants of at least $100,000 each year. The donations are multiplied by the number of members in a given year, and at the end of the year the donations are provided as grants to local nonprofit organizations to fulfill their needs and dreams.

Pam related her own story of volunteering within the community and in her church as a CPA. She understood that there are roughly 4,000 nonprofit organizations in the two counties. One day her husband shared with her a news article about Impact100 SRQ and said this is the organization you’ve been looking for, and she has been there since. Pam stated that Jane Watt, the Founding President of Impact100 SRQ, created a huge sisterhood of intelligent women who want to make an impact on their community. In the first year 228 women came together and collectively donated $228,000 with two grants of $114,000 being disbursed to nonprofits. In the next year it was 332 women and they gave grants to three nonprofits in the amount of $110,000+ each. The following year it was 404 women and they provided four grants to nonprofits in the amount of $101,000 each. In 2022 their membership increased to 663 women and they were able to provide grants to six nonprofits in the amount of $110,500 each. This year, they have 763 members and are able to award grants to seven recipients of $109,000 each for a total of $763, 000! The recipients are selected at their Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. To date, Impact100 SRQ has awarded 15 grants, totaling over $1,600,000 to amazing local 501(c )(3) organizations! Their Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony is one of their two signature events each year. The other key event is their reveal of the annual membership numbers in the Spring that determines their collective giving power for the year.

Pam concluded by inviting our members to consider joining Impact100 SRQ. She explained that what makes them different is that every member can design her own experience and is encouraged to use her voice and cast her vote! Impact100 SRQ offers a plethora of exciting choices for those who want to engage in hands-on activities. Each member can determine the amount of organizational involvement that best fits her lifestyle, while enhancing her philanthropic impact through the collective power of women to make a huge difference. For more information, or to join, visit Impact100SRQ.org.

This inspiring meeting concluded with our 2023 President, Ann Sledz, introducing the new 2024 LWRWC Executive Board. Our outstanding 2023, LWRWC President, who will serve as the 2024 President Advisor, called for a vote to approve the following slate of officers for 2024. The new 2024 Board was unanimously approved and includes the following officers: President: Linda Stone, Vice President: Rosemary Stack, Treasurer: Cathy Greeney and Corresponding Secretary: Carol Klein. The Recording Secretary position for 2024 is currently vacant. Ann also introduced other Board Chairs and committee members who were present and asked members to consider filling the Recording Secretary position.

Our thanks to LWRWC Program Chair, Carol Belmont for coordinating the incredible Impact100 SRQ presentation. Wishing all our members and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season!