Susan Duane (left) and Suzy Laniga
By Amy Woods
A half-million donated dollars will flow into South Palm Beach County’s philanthropic community following a membership meeting of the women of Impact 100.
The nonprofit, which supports local organizations by helping them achieve their goals, will gather April 19 for its fifth annual Grand Awards Ceremony, where money will be granted to five charities.
“We hope to give away $500,000-plus,” said Susan Duane, co-president of Impact 100. “We’re very, very close. We’re excited.”
Each member who joins agrees to contribute $1,000. Those checks are pooled to generate $100,000 grants that are “truly transformational for the organizations that receive them,” Duane said.
In 2014, the Achievement Centers for Children & Families applied for a grant to start after-school and summer programs at Pine Grove Elementary School in Delray Beach. The organization received the money in the spring and was able to get the programs up and running immediately.
“By the end of the first school year, they went from being almost an F school to being almost an A school — in one school year — and that would not have been without us,” Duane said. “We’ve got lots of stories like that.”
Impact 100 awards grants in five focus areas: arts and culture, education, environment, family and health and wellness. Letters of inquiry are sent out in the fall and must be returned in October. This year, nearly 80 organizations submitted applications.
“The need is great and we of course would like to fulfill every need,” Duane said.
The members whittle down the list to a handful of semifinalists who are invited to the ceremony to present their projects. After the presentation, a vote takes place behind closed doors while guests enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. When the meeting reconvenes, the recipients are announced.
“There’s something about it that each member somehow feels they have given $100,000 personally,” Duane said. “You feel such a sense of accomplishment.”
Suzy Lanigan, chairwoman of the event, agreed.
“It’s heartwarming because the grant is given out that night,” Lanigan said. “It is very emotional and awesome to see the faces and how happy they are to receive their award.”
If You Go
What: Grand Awards Ceremony
When: 6 p.m. April 19
Where: Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton
Cost: Free for members
Info: Call 336-4623 or visit www.impact100pbc.com.
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