NEWS

January 2026

Virtual Nonprofit Workshop - Jan 7

Our 2026 grant cycle launches with a virtual Nonprofit Workshop on Jan 7 from 12:00-1:30 PM. Nonprofit colleagues, please register by 5:00 PM on Jan 6. The virtual workshop will include a presentation followed by a panel discussion with Impact Austin leaders to provide insight on the cycle and to answer questions. 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 2025 recording and information currently reside.

Grant Applications Accepted Jan 8 - Feb 5

It’s time for what we do best: investing in Central Texas nonprofits with grants built by collective giving. In 2026, we will award primary and secondary grants in the Community, Education, and Health & Well-Being focus areas. Important dates are: 

Jan 7 – Nonprofit Workshop. See above.

Jan 8 – Application window opens. Grant amounts announced.

Feb 5 – Application window closes at 5:00 PM

Mar 13 – Initial grant review decisions communicated

Apr 10 – Semifinalist decisions communicated; site visits in late April

May 8 – Finalist decisions communicated

Jun 8 – Grants announced at Impact Austin’s Annual Meeting

GRC Registration Open Through Jan 30

Registration remains open for Impact Austin’s three Grant Review Committees (GRCs), and volunteers are still needed. Your Impact Austin membership contribution must be paid (or monthly payments initiated) by Feb 5 in order to serve. The following meeting dates were originally emailed to members in November:

All GRCs Kickoff Meeting and Education Session - Feb 10, 6:30-8:30 PM

Community GRC will meet in-person on Feb 18, Mar 11, Apr 8, May 6

Education GRC will meet virtually on Feb 17, Mar 10, Apr 7, and May 5 (this date in person)

Health & Well-Being GRC will meet in person on Feb 16, Mar 9, Apr 6, May 4

Finalist Site Visits - All GRCs will conduct in-person site visits between April 23-25.

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

GRC Mentor Program – Grants is piloting this program to match experienced GRC members with new. When you register, please indicate if you’re willing to serve in this capacity.

Grants Committee Volunteer Opportunities

Grants is building a team of volunteers to help our Grants Tech team maintain the software used for our application processes. Training and support will be provided. Email Grants for more information.

Girls Giving Grants

Members of Girls Giving Grants are celebrating their 20th year of collective giving! Congratulations, g3! They’re deep into review of applications for their $8,000 2026 grant. They will select semi-finalists later this month. 

Members got into the holiday spirit in December! They decorated cookies, painted ornaments, and created table runners for Saint Louise House, their 2025 grant recipient.

At Impact Austin, we know that membership levels drive the grant funds available each year. This month, we start building funds for 2027 grants, believe it or not! To that end, share with your colleagues and friends that Impact Austin hosts a monthly virtual information session. These offer an easy way to learn about Impact Austin. Also, invite them to upcoming events and urge them to follow our Events page, where they can find details and registrations.

New Member Celebration

If you joined Impact Austin during the 2025 calendar year, we warmly invite you to the New Member Celebration on January 11.

This event is hosted in a member’s home, conveniently located right downtown. Meet other members, enjoy sips and nibbles, and learn how to maximize your Impact Austin membership. Register here.

Member Connections Events

The Member Connections team is scheduling creative, fun events and opportunities to gather online, too. Register for yourself and bring a friend for a casual introduction to Impact Austin. Click on the event graphics for registration links.

2026 Discovery Day - Feb 27

Details are coming together for our 2026 Discovery Day to be held at the Better Business Bureau on Fri, Feb 27. Registration and social time begin at 8:30 AM, with the program running from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Continue the conversation at lunch! Everyone interested is invited to gather at Tres Amigos Restaurant and Cantina at 7535 E. Hwy 290 near 183. Follow our Discovery Day webpage for event updates.

Philanos PowerUP! Conference - Feb 8-10

At least a dozen Impact Austin members have registered for the 3-day Philanos Conference at the Hilton Austin. Day rate options are available until registration closes on Jan 16. Find the overall conference schedule here. What’s available? National keynote and plenary speakers, 20 breakout sessions, 12 affinity group gatherings, and more networking opportunities than you can imagine! Giving circle members learn best from one another! Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with women from 50 circles around the country.

Impact Austin’s Membership Committee is going through a leadership transition, with long-time Chair Audra Morris stepping down and interim leadership managed by Erin McCord and Caroline Wilkinson. Other committee members have served for several years. There are many ways for new volunteers and long-time members alike to support this committee: join it; offer ideas for and/or help coordinate Member Connections events; or offer to host a Membership Info Social. Contact Membership.

Hope Clinic Austin was awarded our primary Health & Well-Being Grant in 2025. Founded in 2010, Hope Clinic Austin is a free clinic dedicated to serving adults with limited or no access to medical services. Operating with just three full-time staff members, the clinic leverages a robust volunteer base and strong community partnerships including public and private organizations, as well as interfaith groups, to deliver high-quality care. Our unrestricted grant will help Hope Clinic offer additional free appointments.

If you’re on Facebook, follow Hope Clinic! Their content goes beyond their direct services to offer sound advice for anyone’s healthy practices. Posts like “Why get the flu shot now?” and “3 simple, science-backed wellness essentials” encourage optimal health this winter. October offered posts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and an “ACL Health Checklist.” In September, they raised awareness of Alzheimer’s to help us learn the signs, understand the risks, and undertake preventive habits.

Jan 7 – Impact Austin Nonprofit Workshop. Grant amounts announced.

Jan 8 – Grant applications open

Jan 9 – Virtual Membership Info Session. Details/registration.

Jan 11 – Connections Kickoff Celebrating New Members, 2:30-4:00 PM. Details/registration.

Jan 12 – Member Connections Virtual Co-Working, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Registration.

Jan 16 – Last Day to register for Philanos PowerUP! Conference

Jan 30 – Last day to register for a GRC.

Feb 2 – Member Connections Mardi Gras Dinner at Hook-n-Reel. Details/registration.

Feb 5 – Membership donation due or monthly payments begun to qualify for GRC service

Feb 5 – Grant applications close

Feb 13 – Virtual Membership Info Session. Details/registration.

Feb 16 – Member Connections Virtual Co-Working, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Registration.

Feb 22 – Member Connections "Heart Healthy" Boxing. Details/registration. 

Impact Austin Member Hub Facebook Page