What kind of group is the Women's Impact Fund?

How many women join? Is there a limit to the number of members?

Do you have to live in Charlotte to be a member of WIF?

What is the financial commitment?

How often do you meet?

What are the time and service requirements?

Do you need to know someone to become a member?

Why should I join?

How can I pay? 

Are my contributions tax-deductible?

Can I join at any time during the year?

Is there a minimum age to join?

What happens to my membership if I relocate or have a change in my financial status?

Do we have a “junior rate” – allowing members to join by initially paying a lower rate (i.e., $600)?

What kind of group is the Women's Impact Fund?

The purpose of the Women’s Impact Fund is to engage and educate women in philanthropy to strengthen our community.  Through membership and grantmaking, the Women’s Impact Fund provides significant resources to help address emerging issues and meet critical needs in the areas of Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, Health and Human Services.  Our membership is open and inclusive.

How many women join?  Is there a limit to the number of members?

Since the Women’s Impact Fund was founded seven years ago with 158 members, we have grown to 450 women.  There is no limit on the number of members.   This will allow us the opportunity to develop and maximize our grant pool.

Do you have to live in Charlotte to be a member of WIF?

No.  Our members live all over the Charlotte Metro area, including a few who actually live outside of North Carolina.  However, all grants support nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg County only.   

What is the financial commitment?

As a member, you agree to a five-year commitment of $6,000, payable annually in the amount of $1,200. Of this amount, $1,000 goes directly into the grant pool and $200 will be used for educational and other program expenses.

How often do you meet?

Our Education Committee plans events designed to offer WIF members a range of opportunities to learn more about community issues and critical needs, particularly in our five funding areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Highlights of the past five years include our annual Community Issues Forum (the Social Hour for Social Issues), several Lunch & Learn events, and our annual Wine & Wisdom.  We culminate our year with the awarding of our grants at our Annual Meeting in May. These events are scheduled throughout the year and are updated regularly on our website. All members are invited to attend these events, but attendance is not manditory.

What are the time and service requirements?

The Women’s Impact Fund has no time or service requirements for membership.We do, however, welcome the involvement of our members.   From our various committees, which may only meet once or twice a year, to the nine-month commitment required to be a participant on the Grants Committee, there is plenty to do as a member of the Women’s Impact Fund.

Do you need to know someone to become a member?
 
Absolutely not  - to join you only need to fill out a pledge form.

Why should I join?

Today’s nonprofits are faced with decreased resources and increased demand for services.  Therefore, we anticipate additional requests for our grants. At the same time, our membership remains committed to addressing community needs. We are a unique organization because we provide our members with the opportunity to make a single five-year commitment, which grows exponentially through the power of collective giving: a $1,200 annual commitment becomes an annual pool of $400,000 or more.

It's true that one person can't do everything. But each person can do something. And together, the potential is unlimited.  For everyone involved. The Women’s Impact Fund offers:
• A membership that is inclusive, welcoming all women who wish to join;
• Building relationships among women who are united in their interest in improving the community;
• Creating a membership of educated philanthropists who will understand community needs and become informed, experienced grant makers;
• Achieving a greater level of community impact by drawing on the aggregate resources, collective decision-making and direct involvement in grantmaking by our members;
• Collaborating with existing community organizations on grantmaking and education activities; and
• Grantmaking conducted with integrity, fiscal responsibility and respect for our community partners.

How can I pay?   

We currently offer several payment options:
• Cash
• Check
• Credit Card (a processing fee will be added to each payment processed)
• Matching Grants from your employer
• Securities (please call our office for instructions on how to transfer securities)
• Yearly and Monthly payment plans are accepted:
         To participate in the monthly payment option, please complete this form 
         or contact Debra Wideman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Are my contributions tax-deductible?

Yes, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. 
 
Can I join at any time during the year?

Yes, you can join any time during the year. 
 
Is there a minimum age to join?

There is no minimum or maximum age to join.
 
What happens to my membership if I relocate or have a change in my financial status?

If you should happen to relocate to another city, we are more than happy to continue your membership in the Women’s Impact Fund.  However, we will understand if you should decide to discontinue your membership here and begin working to make your new community stronger by donating your contribution there.  If you are unable to continue your membership for financial reasons, we provide a one-year deferral.  You are always welcome back as a member, as your circumstances permit. 

 Do we have a “junior rate” – allowing members to join by initially paying a lower rate (i.e., $600)?

The Women’s Impact Fund currently does not offer a “junior rate” or lower initial financial commitment to join.   We do, however, encourage young and emerging philanthropists to consider joining the many other collective giving options that are sponsored by the Foundation For The Carolinas:

• Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund
• New Generation of African-American Philanthropists
• Teen Impact Fund