February 8, 2018
These are busy weeks for members of Impact 100 Garden State. The organization, which funded more than $1,000,000 in grants in its first five years, has just announced details about its 2018 grant process. And because the organization’s grants are based on the number of members who join by March 31 each year, membership recruitment is also in high gear.
Their focus on New Jersey philanthropy aligns well with many of the funds within the Community Foundation of New Jersey. Margarethe Laurenzi, CFNJ’s Director of Leadership Grantmaking and Engagement, will be the featured speaker at “I Love Impact,” a showcase event during Impact 100 Garden State’s membership season where the organization will welcome both current members and prospective members. Her topic—appropriately– is “The Impact of Impact.” Mark the date: February 21, from 6-8pm, at the Starlight Room, at Mayo Performing Arts Center, in Morristown. All are welcome. More details at www.impact100gardenstate.org. To RSVP for the event, email RSVP@impact100gardenstate.org.
President Merle Johnson, Morristown, stresses the importance of Impact 100’s mission: to offer women a chance to collaboratively assist local nonprofits with a transformative grant. “We all work together toward something larger than ourselves.” But she notes, “We also have a lot of social events and we meet other great women.”
Each member contributes $1000 and all of her money goes directly to fund the grants that serve populations in Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Sussex counties. While members may be as involved in the grant process or other committee work, as they wish, the only obligation is to vote for the final recipients at the Annual Awards Meeting in November each year. There are no other collections or costs.
France Delle Donne, a charter member of Impact 100, says, “I believe I am innately drawn to compassionate, dynamic, generous, interesting, positive and productive women who aren’t afraid to take steps forward.” Johnson adds, “We know there are lots more women like that in our communities and especially connected to CFNJ. We look forward to having them join us.”
For more information, www.impact100gardenstate.org. Or email Merle Johnson at member@impact100gardenstate.org