One of our long-tenured members, Pat Bridwell, said recently, “Not all members are of one mind, but we are all of one heart.” It is in this collaborative spirit that we are adapting our grant-making and recruiting policies and processes so we can continue making a difference in our community together.
After speaking with our prior grantees, other funders and our members, we heard about the intense stress caused by the severe public health crisis and resulting financial disruption. We also heard that Impact San Antonio’s collective-giving, high impact model remains highly valued.
As we flex, we will remain true to funding more strategic medium- and longer-term efforts, knowing that many others are stepping up to assist the community with immediate help. And we will preserve our democratic model of members voting on where the funding goes.
Here are highlights of the decisions the Board of Directors made recently for this year only:
Grant Process Changes
We are modifying the parameters of our grants.
- High Impact grants are $75,000 instead of $100,000 in the hope that we can spread the dollars more broadly, and award multiple significant grants.
- Grant funds can now support existing programs that have proven successful, not just program expansions or new programs and projects.
- Project needs resulting from the current health crisis are eligible for funding.
- A greater proportion of grant funding can go toward general operating expenses.
- Electronic meetings will be used for grant-related activities until it is safe to meet in-person.
- For grants awarded in 2020, an initial payment will be accelerated to this fall, before grant work begins.
- We are partnering with prior grantees individually if their circumstances are creating unanticipated challenges in completing their projects.
Membership Recruiting and Engagement
We are also adjusting our outreach to our membership. Ensuring our members’ safety remains a top priority, and we are abiding by all social distancing rules.
- The deadline to join has been extended to August 31.
- Individual members can elect to pay in installments as long as the entire amount is paid by the August 31 deadline.
- We will not hold in-person events until it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we will offer “virtual” get-togethers on various topics to keep us connected
- Women who join by May 15th will have the opportunity to participate in the grant review process if they are interested. Grant reviewer training will occur during the months of May and June and will be done using webinars and/or video teleconferencing.
- If your circumstances allow, please consider joining or renewing your membership. Visit our website.
Now, more than ever, our community needs the generosity and commitment of the women of Impact San Antonio to continue our legacy of improving the quality of life for all our neighbors.
May all of you remain healthy and safe!
