IMPACT 100 Women Awards Two $110,000 Grants to Two Local Charities
DESTIN, Fla. (November 25, 2013) – IMPACT 100 Northwest Florida, a group of women determined to make a difference in Okaloosa and Walton counties, held its second annual general membership meeting on Sunday, November 17th at the Hilton Sandestin and selected the winners of two $110,000 grants.
Destin Harvest and Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge were selected from five finalists to receive the second-ever IMPACT 100 of Northwest Florida grant of $110,000 each.
The winners were selected from 35 grant applicants. After thorough review by the IMPACT 100 committees, five finalists were announced – one from each of the five IMPACT 100 focus areas. These finalists were Pyramid, Inc. (Arts and Culture), S4P Synergy Inc. (Education), Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (Environment, Recreation, and Preservation), Matrix Outreach Community Center (Family), and Destin Harvest, Inc. (Health and Wellness).
More than 100 women attended the general membership meeting on Sunday afternoon at the Hilton Sandestin. Each of the finalists presented a 5-minute overview of their organization and the grant request without the use of any audio or visual equipment. The proposal receiving the most votes was announced after each member present cast their vote. Members requesting to vote by absentee ballot were also included in the final tally. This year Bobby Beasley, the Walton County Supervisor of Elections, and his staff were onsite to assist in the voting process.
“The combined generosity of 220 women in Okaloosa and Walton counties is making an impact on these 2 organizations in a way our single contributions could not. Each of the finalists’ projects were much-needed and we hope to be able to make an even greater impact next year by awarding three $100,000 grants by increasing our membership to 300 women.”
Chris Leavenworth, director of Destin Harvest, said he hopes to have the money dedicated by Christmas. It will go toward expanding the agency, getting a new truck and buying generators and storage facilities — walk-in coolers, refrigerators or freezers — for distribution centers.
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge will use their funds to develop a veterinary hospital at their new location on Okaloosa Island to provide treatment for abused, neglected and injured animals.
IMPACT 100 of Northwest Florida is now accepting 2014 membership applications with a goal of 300 members and raising $300,000 so they may award three grants to non-profits in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
IMPACT 100 was formed in February of 2012 with the goal of recruiting 100 women. When the membership closed on June 1, the group boasted 128 members. In their second year they exceeded their membership goal of 200 by 20 additional members. One hundred percent of the $1,000 membership fee is used to fund the grants – no administrative fees or overhead costs are taken from the membership fee.
Membership in IMPACT 100 Northwest Florida is open to all women – no invitation is required. Membership is open until May 1 and Interested women can learn more at www.impactnwf.org, or by contacting Sandy Sims at (850) 376-8440, or Kim Kirby at (850) 333-1771.
