The Impact100 grant process that began in January with volunteers reviewing 203 Letters of Inquiry has moved steadily forward over the past three months.  February saw the first round of Focus Area Committee meetings, when the 39 Full Proposal applications were distributed among 125 members who are participating on FACs. 

Arts & Culture FAC in February

In March, the FACs met again to discuss the merits of the proposals and select the organizations to receive a site visit.  

Now, in April, we move into the final phase of review. Site visits began this week and continue throughout the month.  Member Cheryl Haze said that nothing compares to seeing a group first-hand. "Once, a group that looked weak on paper turned out to be a sparkling gem in person," she said. "I have admired many of the organizations I've visited, and my family and I have found ways to support these groups - by donating items they need or asking our family and friends to make a contribution to them in lieu of birthday gifts."     

Cheryl Haze (right) on a  site visit last year

The final FAC meetings occur in early May, when members discuss and debate once more to determine the finalists for the Annual Meeting on June 4.

Throughout the grant process, eight women on the Financial Review Panel provide support to FAC members by evaluating applicants' fiscal stability and capacity to implement their proposed projects. FRP member Laurie Sherman said, "We don't want to over-emphasize our role; we're not necessarily looking for the strongest applicants. We're acting as a canary in the coal mine, pointing out significant red flags that might be a concern....A lot of groups are small and struggling to raise funds, and that's okay.  But we don't want to give our grant to an organization that is faltering." 

This year's Annual Meeting is creating even greater anticipation than in the past since Impact100 will award two $100,000 project grants, along with three substantial operating grants.   

Please see the box below for a timeline leading up to the Annual Meeting.

A meeting of this year's Environment FAC