IMPACT100 SRQ Collectively Funds $663,000 to Local Nonprofits

November 9, 2022 – Sarasota

Members of Impact100 SRQ, a group of local women philanthropists who are committed to funding high impact, sustainable initiatives, gathered on Sunday November 6th at their Annual Celebration & Award Ceremony to hear presentations from 10 nonprofit grant finalists that each had the opportunity to receive funding. The 663 members in 2022 were able to fund 6 grants of $110,500 each, in keeping with the organization’s collective giving model of at least 100 women donating $1,000 each to fund grants of $100,000 minimum to local nonprofits.

The 2022 Impact100 SRQ grant recipients are:

Arts & Culture Focus Area:·       
Florida West Coast Symphony, Inc. dba Sarasota Orchestra
Florida West Coast Symphony, Inc.’s initiative, Instruments for Sarasota Orchestra’s Educational Programs, will purchase 50 instruments and fund instrument repair and maintenance for the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, allowing more students to experience the benefits of music education without financial barriers to participation.

Education Focus Area:      
Booker Promise Foundation, Inc.
Booker Promise Foundation, Inc.’s initiative, Booker Promise Scholarship Program, will fund 31 prepaid scholarships for a two-year associates degree at a Florida public college or technical school for Booker High School students, allowing students to pursue otherwise unattainable post-secondary education.      

Dreamers Academy
Dreamers Academy’s initiative, Dreamers Academy Biblioteca Tech Center, will purchase 5,100 age- and language-appropriate books for this dual language school and will assist in the purchase of furniture that provides maximum literacy engagement for its library.

Environment & Recreation Focus Area:        
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Inc.
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Inc.’s initiative, Improve Land Saved for the Benefit of People and Nature, will purchase land management equipment and partial salary for Land Steward for essential restoration and management of conservation land to benefit threatened wildlife, water quality and nature preservation.

Family Focus Area:        
Senior Friendship CentersSenior Friendship Centers’ initiative, FriendWorks: The Senior Safety Net, will fund a new Coordinator and direct client services to expand this support program designed to offer seniors financial support, nutrition support, and connections to reduce isolation and loneliness, improving their physical and mental health.

Health & Wellness Focus Area:        
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Inc. (SPARCC)
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Inc.’s initiative, Domestic Violence Housing Stability Program, will provide financial housing support to domestic abuse survivors as a supplement to comprehensive support services they receive as they transition from abusive home to independence.

At the event, the 10 nonprofit grant applicant finalists presented their initiatives and the sustainable impacts they would have on the community, and Impact100 SRQ members had the opportunity to cast their ballot for the initiatives to be funded. 

“For the very first time, Impact100 SRQ reached our goal to fund all five focus areas, plus one more initiative, continuing our record-breaking impact,” said Founding President Jane Gill Watt.

In just four years, Impact100 SRQ members have collectively funded 15 grants and awarded $1,637,000 to local nonprofits. The more women who join the organization, the more grants Impact100 SRQ can fund. Now entering its 5^th giving year, the membership drive for 2023 is open until February 28th, 2023. To learn more about Impact100 SRQ and how to become a member, visit the website at www.Impact100SRQ.org.

Any nonprofit organization in Sarasota and Manatee Counties seeking investment in high impact initiatives are encouraged to apply for an Impact100 SRQ grant in 2023.