In a year unlike any other, the holidays will still come like clockwork and awaken our spirit of generosity. In this newsletter, you will see how generous, active, and vibrant our members are and how many ways we share our gifts of time, talent, treasure, and more.
Hearing our members' journey to Impact Austin is one of the greatest joys in my role. Almost across the organization, I consistently hear that members joined to see an impact with their dollars. Members explain that, before joining Impact Austin, they were giving smaller donations here and there on days like #GivingTuesday.
When they added up their total charitable contributions at the end of the year, the sum came out to about $1250. They reflected on whether or not those smaller donations were making an impact - and changed their charitable giving into strategic philanthropy by joining Impact Austin.
They joined Impact Austin to ensure that their $1250 would go to vetted organizations and in the form of high impact grants. They were able to see the power of giving an organization a large sum of dollars to dream big and produce measurable results.
So, on this #GivingTuesday (12/1/20), I hope you will join us in celebrating “Collective Giving Tuesday” by joining Impact Austin and making an annual fund contribution to support our work. You are truly a powerful, generous group of women and unstoppable when you come together to make an impact in our community.
This is after all the season of gratitude. I am immensely grateful for each and every one of you and all of your many contributions to Impact Austin and our community partners. Keep spreading goodness in this world that needs endless love and generosity right now. Stay healthy and find a way - big or small - to give back.
Be well,
Christina
P.S. Thank you so much to Lauren Lewis, Deanna DeHaven, Nicole Genovese, and the volunteers who helped put together a very special Town Hall Meeting. And thank you to the amazing Social Innovation Grant committee for bringing the membership two inspiring finalists!
|
|
2020 Town Hall Meeting Recap |
|
If you were one of the 355 registrants attending Town Hall, you know what a powerful event it was. If not, you can still watch it on our Facebook page.
Christina Gorczynski opened and closed Town Hall with announcements and reminders of upcoming events and membership news. Member Meeta Kothare led a discussion with national speakers Pia Infante and Dimple Abichandani to explain Trust-Based Philanthropy; members engaged with several thoughtful questions. Meme Styles from Measure shared outcomes of our 2019 Social Innovation Grant (SIG) supporting The Innocence Initiative; you’ll hear more about these in December with an upcoming Case Study and in video highlights. And our 2020 SIG finalists shared the impact that our newest grant could make. The winner was announced to tremendous enthusiasm! See more below!
Learn more details, including our list of generous event sponsors, on our event page and blog.
|
|
$40,000 Social Innovation Grant Awarded |
Welcome to our newest Community Partner, a collaboration led by Black Mamas ATX. In a difficult vote between two stellar finalists, Impact Austin members chose Black Mamas REACH Manor as the recipient of our 2020 Social Innovation Grant.
The REACH program (Racial Equity and Access for Collaborative Healthcare) will bring Black Mamas programming to Manor, which has one of the highest Black populations in Central Texas but currently has no OB/GYN clinics.
This program will provide support groups, doula services, midwifery clinic services, and remote/online case management and psychotherapy services for about 40 women, with many services being provided for up to 18 months. Austin Woman magazine recently published a feature about Black Mamas ATX, sharing personal stories that make clear how helpful our grant might be.
|
|
At the Town Hall Meeting, Christina Gorczynski lauded Grants Leadership as the Committee of the Year. The honor is spot-on, given the spring pivot that Grants navigated in response to COVID’s consequences to nonprofits and the new streamlined approach to grantmaking that will kick off in January. For more information, check out our blog and this video featuring Grants and Strategic Initiatives Chair Becky Austen.
|
|
Grant Review Committees (GRCs) |
GRC registration opens Jan 11-Feb 9 for the Community and Education GRCs. Learn the what-why-how of GRCs on our new webpage.
|
|
The 76 g3 members received 30 applications for their $7,600 grant. The group completed their Community Needs training and application review process training. The ARC Board uses online training games to make learning fun.
g3 President Ava Motes shared this with Impact Austin: “g3 looks very different this year, since we are operating virtually. This comes with its own learning curve because we have to familiarize ourselves with new technology like Zoom, Zengine, and Miro. From my experience in online school, some people find it more challenging to speak up in a virtual setting. I think g3 leaders will have to work twice as hard to make everyone feel heard and supported. But, in spite of these challenges, I feel really excited about this year. In the midst of the pandemic, nonprofits need our grant more than ever. We have a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on our community, and I’m hoping that this will ignite a passion in all g3 members.”
|
|
Collective Giving Tuesday |
Join us for a Facebook Live event on December 1, 9:00-9:30 AM, as we kick off Giving Tuesday 2020 and celebrate how collective giving boosts our power as philanthropists! Hear the unique perspectives and experiences of Impact Austin members and learn how you can make an impact. And invite a friend to #JoinImpactAustin on Dec 1 for Collective Giving Tuesday!
|
|
For new members – or renewing members who want to hear what’s new in FY21 - #JoinImpactAustin on December 2, 6:30-7:30 PM. You'll get "Impact Austin 101" and - for returning members - a refresher on 2020 changes to membership and grants. Email for the registration link to contact@impactaustin.org
|
|
The funding pocket for Spring 2021 grants (Education and Community Grants) closes on December 31. Joining by that date is the first boost to 2021 grant funding! Remember that membership dues can be paid in one sum or with monthly payments. Your membership privileges start with the first payment! Find out more!
|
|
Many of us consider strategic year-end gifts in November and December. For those who wish to give beyond the membership check to Impact Austin, consider these opportunities. And check out if your employer – or a family member’s employer – will offer a corporate match.
Member Pam Friedman shares why she enjoys giving back to Impact Austin by sponsoring Town Hall in particular.
|
|
Community Partner Highlight |
2019 Community Partner halfHelen Foundation has reached out to Impact Austin to announce two openings on their Board of Directors. Learn more and reach out to Meghan Jones if interested.
And meet Optical Prime, the mobile vision clinic whose work is supported by Impact Austin! Coming in Fall 2021: The Optical Prime Tiny House, with two exam lanes to increase halfHelen’s capacity to provide services to school children.
|
|
Our Signature Event is re-imagined as a virtual conference and expanded to six weeks of learning and engagement. We’ll offer three tracks with two sessions each in Philanthropy Education; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: and Central Texas Issues. In addition, General Sessions will be devoted to membership: Impact Austin 101 for new members; Updates for FY21; and how to increase impact with volunteer opportunities like events, committees, and board service. Sessions run from January 5 to February 12. Get specific dates and times plus session details on our event page.
|
|
December 1 - 9:00-9:30 AM - Collective Giving Tuesday - Facebook Live
December 2 - 6:30-7:30 PM - New Member Orientation - Zoom info sent to new members and those requesting by email to participate.
December 8 - 7:30 PM - Zones Gathering: Sharing Holiday Traditions - Grab a fun drink to put you in the holiday spirit and join Zone Captain Robin Krumme for a structured conversation about fun, funny, or silly holiday traditions in your family. Invite a friend to participate! Make sure you’re registered with your Zone to get the details.
Jan 5 - Feb 12 - Discovery Days - More information will come by member email, including specific dates, times, and content. Stay tuned!
|
|
We have a team of amazing individuals who work hard to always keep you up to date with what is happening at Impact Austin.
Visit our blog to find event info, press releases, member profiles and so much more!
Plus, don't forget to #JoinImpactAustin on your favorite social media sites!
When you "like" and "share" our posts, you help to promote Impact Austin to a wider audience and potential members.
|
We would love to hear from you...what do you want to learn more about? What type of information is useful for you? Contact us at contact@impactaustin.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
