As I reflect on the year-long celebration of our 20th anniversary – Impact San Antonio members should feel tremendous pride that our substantial grants are meeting dire community needs, offering avenues for change and hope, providing educational opportunities, and enriching the culture and beauty of the community. In recognition of our successful, collective-giving model and 20 years of transformational grant making, the San Antonio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will name Impact San Antonio the “Outstanding Foundation” in its 2025 Philanthropy Awards.
Impact SA will be recognized, along with other honorees, as the Outstanding Foundation during AFP’s annual Philanthropy Day event, February 14, 2025. Our nomination was made by Barbara Goldman, CEO of TeamABILITY, who wrote: “Impact San Antonio’s collective giving impacts not only the missions of its grant recipients, but also its members and our community.” Thank you, Barbara for this nomination, which was accompanied by endorsement letters from Rebecca Helterbrand, President & CEO of Respite Care; Cassandra Parker-Nowicki, Executive Director of Carver Community Cultural Center; Mel Zarb-Cousin, Managing Director of Magik Theatre; and Chris Rodriguez, Executive and Artistic Director of Wonder Theatre – all High Impact Grant recipients over the past few years.
The Impact San Antonio membership model empowers women of all backgrounds to become philanthropists. Members leverage their skills and expertise to implement a fair, highly organized and impactful giving model. The dedication and collaborative spirit of Impact SA members clearly demonstrates the incredible power of collective giving.
Our 20-year journey of success is not an accident. Our membership renewals are at an enviable rate of 85 percent. However, to fulfill our goals of awarding five $100,000 grants — one in each of our focus areas — we must also welcome new members annually. The 2025 membership campaign is now open, and we encourage you to renew early and invite your friends to join as well. Visit impactsanantonio.org to renew, join, or share this opportunity with someone who might be inspired to make a difference.
On a personal note, I thoroughly enjoyed serving as president of Impact San Antonio this year, especially during our 20th anniversary. Thank you for giving me the privilege and honor to serve this amazing organization.
Happy Holidays,
Sharon Jones Schweitzer
2024 President
Impact San Antonio
