NEWS

January 2025

Virtual Nonprofit Workshop - Jan 8

Our 2025 grant cycle launches with a virtual nonprofit workshop on Jan 8 from 12:00-1:30 PM. Nonprofit colleagues, please register by 5:00 PM on Jan 7. Attendees will learn about changes to grantmaking and simplified application and reporting forms. A current Community Partner will offer feedback from an applicant’s perspective. While the workshop is optional and will not affect the consideration given to applications, it is recommended for potential applicants. A recording of the workshop, slides, and Q&A will be added to our Grantmaking webpage where the 2024 recording currently resides.

Amplify Credit Union has taken an interest in Impact Austin’s 2025 grant cycle and has generously sponsored this workshop. We thank them for their support! 

Grant Applications Accepted Jan 8 to Feb 3

It’s our favorite time of the year: grantmaking season! It’s also the time for what we do best: investing in Central Texas nonprofits with grants built by collective giving. In 2025, we will award primary and secondary grants in the Community, Education, and Health & Well-Being focus areas. Below are important dates with more detail here.

Jan 8 – Application window opens. Grant amounts announced. Nonprofit Workshop (see above)

Feb 3 – Application window closes at 5:00 PM

Mar 14 – Initial grant review decisions communicated

Apr 11 – Semifinalist decisions communicated, site visits in late April

May 9 – Finalist decisions communicated

Jun 9 – Grants awarded at Impact Austin’s Annual Meeting

Grant Review Committee Registration Open through Jan 31

Registration remains open through Jan 31 for three Grant Review Committees (GRCs). Your Impact Austin membership contribution must be paid (or monthly payments initiated) by Jan 31.

These details were emailed directly to members in November:

• Community GRC will meet in-person on Feb 17, Mar 10, Apr 7, May 5
• Education GRC will meet virtually on Feb 18, Mar 11, Apr 8, and May 6 (this date in person)
• Health & Well-Being GRC will meet in person on Feb 19, Mar 12, Apr 9, May 7
• GRC Kick Off Event will be the evening of Feb 10

If you have financial skills, consider joining the Grant Finance Committee (GFC). GFC members participate on the GRCs and assist with more rigorous financial due diligence during the grant application review phase. You can serve as a GFC member whether or not you serve on a GRC. . Email Grants to indicate your interest or ask questions.

Girls Giving Grants (g3)

Co-chair Mae Mendoza wrote, “On November 10, we officially launched the review process for grant applications. It was an excellent opportunity for everyone to come together, collaborate, and exchange ideas. We began by conducting a mock review of applications, which helped familiarize us with the process. Additionally, we provided training on the best practices for handling and managing confidential information, ensuring that everyone is well-equipped to maintain the integrity and privacy of the materials involved. It was a productive session that set a positive tone for the next steps in the grant review process!” Read their blog article here.   

In December, g3 members enjoyed a holiday-themed meeting that blended creative activities and a service component. From decorating cookies and ornaments, to designing cards for nonprofit friends, to collecting items for Austin Diaper Bank, g3 members were fully in the spirit of giving.  

Discovery Day - Jan 25

Impact Austin’s annual day of learning adopts a fresh focus each year. This year’s theme, “Strengthening Our Caring Collective to Better Serve Our Community,” will discuss trust-based philanthropy and creating alignment within our membership to deepen our collective impact. Join an inspiring and engaging morning dedicated to learning, connection, and community impact. Find registration, agenda, speakers, and sponsors on our Discovery Day webpage. For now, here are important details: 

Who: Members, guests, anyone interested in Impact Austin

Time: 8:30-9:00 check-in and networking; 9:00-12:00 keynote presentation, table discussion, and panel discussion

Location: St. Edward’s University – Mabee Ballrooms, 2^nd floor, 3001 South Congress Ave.

Cost: Free to members, $25 for guests and community

Networking: Optional post-event lunch at Matt’s El Rancho

About our Caring Collective

Our membership is a Caring Collective of women who love Central Texas and believe that when we work together, we can do a lot more. As a collective, we’ve launched our 2025 grant cycle. And, as a collective, we can be proud of impact stories like this:

Urban Roots works with youth leaders to grow fresh foods and build a community dedicated to achieving food equity. With our 2023 Community Grant, Urban Roots created a new program to engage youth in Dove Springs and South Austin in community gardening jobs. Those youth connected with 1,000+ neighbors, sharing information about accessing healthy foods and providing 13,500 servings of fresh produce into this underserved area. (You can watch their Grant Outcomes video here.)

But our Caring Collective must also support our own organization, which operates with volunteer hours and donations, only partly covered by membership fees. There are many ways to champion our Caring Collective.

• Bring a new member to Impact Austin
• Host a Membership Info Social (aka “coffee”) or attend one with a friend
• Invite a friend or colleague to Discovery Day or a Member Connections event
• Make a gift to the Annual Fund
• Pursue a corporate match for your membership donation or Annual Fund gift
• Join a committee. All committees/events need volunteers, and the Advancement Committee is recruiting five more members.

Applause to our Member Connections team for organizing several opportunities to mix, mingle, and network. Join one or join them all! Also, please share this virtual Membership Info Session with anyone wanting to know more about Impact Austin! Find registrations on our Events webpage or by clicking on any of the images below.

Impact Austin Member Hub on Facebook

Jan 8 – Virtual Nonprofit Workshop. Register by Jan 7

Jan 25 – Discovery Day - Registration is open

Jan 31 – Virtual Membership Info Session. Register here.

Jan 31 – GRC registration closes. Join or renew by this date to qualify for GRC service.

Feb 3 – 2025 grant application window closes at 5:00 PM. Details here.

Feb 3 – Member Connections: Chinese New Year Celebration. Register here.

Feb 12 – Member Connections: Heart Healthy Boxing Class. Register here.

Mar 3 – Member Connections: Mardi Gras Celebration. Register here.