Happy September! As I’ve shared with the board, fall is one of my favorite times of year. While we may not experience the traditional signs of the season here in Sarasota—like leaves changing color and cooler nights—fall still represents change, and Impact100 SRQ is no exception.
Our chapter activities kick into high gear in September. You’ll read more about our activities in this newsletter, but here are a few highlights: - Focus Area Committee meetings kick off next week, following months of preparation.
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Meet and Mingles, Coffee Chats, and Impact in Action Showcases will increase in frequency.
- While we work to identify our ten finalists for the $864,000 in grants to be awarded in January, we are also turning our attention to building our 2026 membership.
I encourage each of you to bring a friend, colleague, or family member to one of our upcoming events. Your personal invitation is one of the most powerful ways to grow our membership. Just a reminder—membership payments can be made on any schedule that works for you, as long as the full $1,000 is received by March 26, 2026.
A special thank you to all of you who have responded to the call to help our chapter stay sustainable. Whether you’ve donated that extra $100, have renewed for multiple years, acted as an ambassador to new members, volunteered for any part of the Grant Application Review Process, or took on a leadership role as a hostess, Focus Area Committee/Financial Review Committee chair or co-chair, you are making a meaningful difference. Your dedication ensures that Impact100 SRQ will remain a vital force in philanthropy across Sarasota and Manatee for years to come.
I look forward to catching up with all of you very soon! Sincerely,
Pam |
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We are honored to share the heart and purpose behind the Impact100 SRQ Memorial Scholarship Fund. This special fund is more than just financial support—it is a way of remembering and honoring our past members, lifting up our current members, and welcoming new women into our Impact100 SRQ family.
The Memorial Scholarship was created for women who are passionate about our mission and dedicated to making a difference, but who may be facing financial challenges that could limit their ability to join or continue as members. Through this fund, we ensure that every voice and every heart that wants to be part of Impact100 SRQ has the chance to do so.
On February 19, 2026, we will gather for one of the most meaningful evenings of our year—our 4th annual Past, Present, and Future Event. Together, we will honor the women who came before us, celebrate those who are making an impact today, and embrace the future members who will carry our mission forward. This event also shines a light on the Memorial Scholarship Fund, reminding us that when we come together as women, we not only create opportunity—we create legacy.
If you know someone who would love to join Impact100 SRQ—or continue their membership for the 2026 Giving Year—but may need assistance through the Memorial Scholarship Fund, or if you’d like to contribute to this meaningful fund, please contact Cheryl Gannon at Info@Impact100srq.org |
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FAC excitement is in the air! Impact100 SRQ has begun its Grant Application Review Process with strong momentum.
Serving on a Focus Area Committee (FAC) puts members at the center of our mission, “To empower women to collectively fund transformational grants to nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee Counties” and embodies our values.
On behalf of the FAC Chairs, we want to say a huge “Thank you” to the 300+ members who are serving on one of the five FACs, including 54 members who also serve on the Financial Review Committee for their FAC. FAC – What’s happening!
Our five FAC Kickoff meetings were held in August, demonstrating remarkable energy and enthusiasm for the transformational initiatives submitted by the nonprofit organizations.
In September, FAC meetings begin to review applications and vote on which applicants move on to receive a site visit. Small teams of FAC and FRC members will visit these nonprofits to gather more information and clarify any questions raised during committee discussions.
In October, the FAC will review Site Visit Reports and select which applicants advance to the Final Report stage. Each of the five FACs will nominate two Finalists for members to vote on at the Annual Celebration in January 2026.
Stay tuned—more FAC updates are coming your way in the next newsletter! |
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THE 2025 GRANT APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS Starting Strong, Thanks to our Members
We are deeply grateful to the members who generously gave their time to guide the important early steps of the grant application review process, paving the way for the Focus Area Committees to begin their work.
Nonprofits that are interested in applying submit an Eligible to Apply Form that provides information about the nonprofit and its planned initiative. Eleven members reviewed the Forms and determined whether the nonprofit was eligible to apply.
Four members conducted research to learn information about each nonprofit applicant and its initiative that might be helpful to the FAC committee members as they review and discuss the applications.
Thirty members of the Financial Review Committee (FRC) and others conducted Preliminary Reviews of the application submissions to verify financial and other documentation was properly submitted.
Fifty-three FRC members evaluated the financial capacity of applicants to effectively manage an Impact100 SRQ grant, the feasibility of the Nonprofit's Initiative Budget and the viability of their sustainability plan. In September, FRC members will be sharing their findings with individual Focus Area Committees, empowering members to make informed decisions about which nonprofits move forward in the grant application review process.
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Cheers to Community: Meet & Mingle at Tamiami Tap
Michael, Jake, and Colleen from NAMI joined us at Tamiami Tap to share inspiring stories about the peer support offered through their You Are Not Alone (YANA) wellness centers in Sarasota and Venice.
Members and guests had the opportunity to hear firsthand how these centers provide vital guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges.
Attendees also got a first look at the new van—funded by our grant and proudly displaying our logo—that is already making a meaningful difference. By breaking down transportation barriers, the van ensures that individuals, families, and caregivers can access support, stay connected, and continue on their path to recovery with confidence and hope. |
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An Evening of Connection at Laurel’s Home
The Lively Meet and Mingle at the lovely home of Laurel Phillips was a wonderful evening of connection and conversation, co-hosted by Impact100 SRQ neighbors Linda Snow, Alex Constantino-Finiasz, Andrea Berkow, and Tammy Hall. Members from near and far came together, bringing energy, laughter, and a shared passion for making a difference in our community.
Marilyn Keys kept the energy flowing with a Question and Answer session featuring Dr. Helene Lotman, Impact100 SRQ member and JFCS grant recipient. She shared inspiring success stories from the 2023 Impact100 SRQ grant funding their School and Family Wellness Support Services initiative, highlighting how counseling and wraparound programs help address the enormous cost of untreated youth mental health challenges—and how involving the whole family accelerates positive results.
The evening also featured members sharing personal reflections on how Impact100 SRQ has touched their lives and strengthened our community. It was a truly heartwarming night, reminding us of the incredible power of women coming together to create meaningful change. |
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UPCOMING
MEET & MINGLES YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS |
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Impact100 SRQ will be at the Laurel Oak Nonprofit Expo
Last year Impact100 SRQ participated in a nonprofit expo at Laurel Oak Country Club. We were asked to join it once again for 2025 and we gladly accepted.
When: Sept 25, 2025 4 - 6 PM
Where: Laurel Oak Country Club
This is a special opportunity to help us connect with the community of Laurel Oak. This also reflects a different way for us to engage, community by community. Please let us know if you can help with representing Impact100 SRQ at this event. If interested, please reach out to Kay Stump at KayS@Impact100SRQ.org. Thank you for supporting Impact100 SRQ to the community of Laurel Oak and take advantage of this chance to further spread awareness and reach. Looking forward to being part of this event once again! |
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The Children’s Home Society’s Pathway to Health & Success is transforming lives with stronger student outcomes and deeper family support. Thanks to our grant, 600+ Manatee families now have access to fresh, culturally relevant food through the new Food Pantry—plus a Parent Resource Center and Medical Facility offering classes, clothing, and wraparound services right at school.
Come see the impact in action and hear how CHS is creating long-term stability and resilience for our community. |
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Do you know what a HUGE impact an extra $100 can make?
Because every dollar of your $1000 membership contribution ultimately funds a grant to our nonprofit recipients, we are always looking for ways to run our organization throughout the year. We are responsible for administrative costs such as Quickbooks, Zoom, insurance, postage and our Submittable Grant Application Software. Do you know it's this software that we use to manage all our nonprofit grant application submissions? It also allows for the efficient grant review process for our members who volunteer to serve on a Focus Area Committee (FAC) and we are charged for each user. The license for this software costs $3500 annually, so every contribution helps!
If you are interested in becoming a 110% member, it's easy to add that $100. Use this link :
https://mms.impact100srq.org/members/store_product.php?orgcode=ISRQ&pid=84248025 or send a check to: Impact100 SRQ, PO Box 49887, Sarasota, FL 34230. 110% members are key to keeping Impact100 SRQ sustainable. Thank you for keeping us in your heart. |
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You can set up automatic payments through Zelle or ACH with your financial institution, or simply mail a check to:
Impact100 SRQ
P.O. Box 49887
Sarasota, FL 34236 Questions? Reach out to our Treasurer at treasurer@impact100srq.org for details or assistance. Please note: Membership payments are non-refundable. |
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Share the Joy,
Be an Ambassador
Becoming an Impact100 SRQ Ambassador is a wonderful way to deepen your connection while helping others begin theirs. Ambassadors play a special role in making sure new members feel truly welcomed, supported, and inspired as they step into our community of women who give. By sharing your passion, guiding new members, and creating meaningful connections, you not only help others design their own journey with Impact100 SRQ, but you also enrich your own experience. Along the way, you’ll build lasting friendships, celebrate the joy of collective giving, and know that you’re helping to carry forward the spirit of our mission.
To learn more, contact KayS@Impact100SRQ.org |
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| Centennial Park Downtown Venice
200 W Venice Ave
Venice Contact Ellen 301-237-3641 |
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Experience the cool morning breeze, breathtaking skies and meet other Impact members. Join us in the sleepy town of Venice - City by the Gulf for a gentle wake up. We will meet in front of Centennial Park splash pad and walk the intercostal waterway. |
| Wed. September 17th 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Wed. October 15TH 8:00 - 9:00 AM
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UTC Mall (Indoor Walk) 140 University Town Center
Sarasota Contact Lauren (Wednesdays) 773-960-1121
Contact Ann (Sundays) 561-706-6565 |
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Lace up your walking shoes and join us for an opportunity to meet and walk with other members. Feel free to bring a friend who wants to learn more about Impact100 SRQ. Meet at the UTC Mall MAIN ENTRANCE on the WEST SIDE of the mall, next to SEASONS 52 Restaurant. |
| Wed. September 10th 9:00 - 10:00 AM Sun., September 21st 10:00 - 11:00 AM
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Attention New Members!
Be sure to log in to the Impact100 SRQ website — it's your key to fully participating in our mission. You’ll need access to vote for our 2025 grant recipients at the Annual Celebration. Don’t miss your chance to make your impact count!
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VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE TO ORDER YOUR NAMETAG! Scroll through the Impact shop items and select: The Impact100 SRQ NAME TAG (Color: Poppy) Select your Join Year from the Drop Down.
REMINDER: if you joined after March 26th of a calendar year, you are a member of the FOLLOWING YEAR. Ex.: joining on or before March 26, 2025 you are a 2025 Member; joining on or after March 26, 2025 you are a 2026 Member. Select Add to Cart, and then select Checkout. During the checkout process you will be prompted to enter your name AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON YOUR NAMETAG. Your name and joining year will match your profile in our member contact system.
Nametags are ordered in bulk once a month and take a few weeks to arrive at Impact100 SRQ |
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Did you just join as a new member? Did you recently move or make changes to your contact information?
Please remember to keep your member profile up-to-date so that you don't miss out on important information, events, and Impact100 SRQ news. |
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OUR MISSION
To empower women to collectively fund transformational grants
to nonprofits in Sarasota & Manatee Counties. |
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