As we celebrate 20 years of women making a difference, I reflect with pride on the improbable legacy launched in 2004 by those forward-thinking, founding 25 members who were seeking a way to contribute more to the community beyond their volunteer activities. When you look at the history of how we started as a small women’s philanthropic organization, it’s amazing to see how our growth has enabled us to regularly award substantial and impactful grants that transform lives in our community.
I recently had an opportunity to talk briefly with Kelly Hutchinson, our founder, by phone from her home in Tallahassee, Florida, about those early days. She told me she found that many women were interested in philanthropy but didn’t know how to be a philanthropist. Of course, very few people can donate a half a million dollars, but when 500+ women from all walks of life come together and pool their financial and creative resources – philanthropy happens. Year after year, the women of Impact San Antonio multiply their generosity by combining members’ contributions to award substantial and impactful grants through the power of collective philanthropy.
Today, Impact SA is one of the largest women’s philanthropic organizations of its type, awarding more than $5.9 million in grants to more than 120 area nonprofits since 2004. Recognizing that the needs of our community persist, we continue to fulfill our founders’ dreams.
I hope you will join the fun at our free Kickoff event on February 21 at 5:30 p.m. next week. We will honor our founders by featuring a special video message from Kelly Hutchinson and learn more about The MAC (Multi-Assistance Center) at Morgan’s Wonderland, and one of its anchor tenants TEAMability, a 2021 High Impact Grant recipient.
If you haven’t already done so, please renew or join Impact San Antonio today and be part of the legacy of women making a difference.
Sharon Jones Schweitzer
President, Impact San Antonio
