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"When I moved back to Charlotte, I wanted to get involved in something where I could make a positive difference. A colleague recommended looking into women’s philanthropy groups and with a quick web search I found the Women’s Impact Fund. Although I knew no one in the group at first, I immediately felt welcome. Joining has introduced me to some incredible female role models and given me an opportunity to see the impact of giving to inspiring community organizations." 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? What are the time and service requirements? Do you need to know someone to become a member? 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 & 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 ten years ago with 158 members, we have grown to over 400 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. Members purchase tickets to the Annual Meeting in May and have the option to purchase lunch at education events. Our Member Education Committee plans events designed to offer our members a range of opportunities to learn more about community issues and critical needs, particularly in our five funding areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Highlights include our annual community issues forum (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. We have several committees which meet from one to five times a year as well as 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? 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:
We currently offer several payment options: Are my contributions tax-deductible? Yes, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Yes, you can join at any time during the year. There is no minimum or maximum age to join. (top) 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 one of the many other collective giving options available in our community: |
Become a Member
You Can Join at Anytime!
Women's Impact Fund membership is available all year long. You do not have to wait for an event or be asked to join. Membership is open and inclusive.
Evergreen Membership
If you have completed your 5-year pledge to the Women's Impact Fund, you are eligible to become an Evergreen member.
Evergreen members make an annual contribution with no additional pledge required. Each fall, you will receive a letter asking for your $1,200 gift. Simply make your gift by December 31st to maintain your membership and maximize the grant pool.
Questions? info@womensimpactfund.org
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Stephanie Shively - Joined in 2012