Is it possible for a group of women to agree on anything? Sure it is – when we’re aligned in a common goal to make an impact in the community where we live.
This year, choosing three nonprofit recipients to receive $85,000 grants won’t be easy, especially in these challenging times when the need is greater than ever. Fortunately, the Impact100 model provides members with a robust grant review and selection process.
Beginning in June, Impact100 Oakland County members who wanted to participate in the process received special training and were assigned to a Grand Review Committee in one of our five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Family, Health & Wellness, Education, and Environment.
Grant Review Committees met over the summer to consider the nonprofit applications in their area of focus and assess the merits of each. They’ve narrowed the pool down to 2-3 semifinalists. Here are the final steps in the grant review process that will unfold in the coming weeks:
August 17 – 28: A financial team from each Grant Review Committee took a deep dive into the semifinalists’ books and solicited additional information, as needed.
August 31 – September 18: Grant Review Committees are currently conducting virtual site visits before choosing one finalist.
September 29: Nonprofits are notified of the five finalists. Finalists are asked to prepare executive summaries for their projects.
October 15: New this year, we’ll host a virtual “Meet the Finalist” event where we’ll announce the five finalists and hear a little bit about each nonprofits mission.
On November 12, the selection process will culminate with the Impact100 Oakland County Annual Awards Ceremony, during which the five nonprofit finalists will present their proposals. Members will rank their favorite proposals. By the end of the night, three nonprofits will receive grants of $85,000.
While we may not agree on everything, we can agree that this decision is never easy. There are many deserving nonprofits, working hard to make a meaningful difference every day in Oakland County.