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Greetings to all,
Fall is always a busy time with kids back to school, college football, and planning and preparation for the upcoming holidays. Here at Impact Austin, we’ve been busy too.
Last week we launched our new membership model which gives members three different ways to give. After much research, deliberation, and careful planning, we introduced this new model to help us deepen our impact in Central Texas and welcome a broader group of women into our organization. We’re excited to expand our membership and invite more women to join our mission. If you have any questions, please let me know.
We have also been busy planning events to connect with our members, serve our community, build relationships, and introduce Impact Austin to potential new members. There is something for everyone – book club, virtual co-working, walks around Lady Bird Lake, virtual happy hours, and several new member information events, both virtual and in person – so please check out the options and register for those events that fit your schedule and interests. Events are open to members, guests and prospective members.
Our annual Town Hall Meeting is on Mon, Nov 3, at St. David’s Episcopal Church. We’ll update you on our upcoming grant cycle, share the impact our past grants have had on our community, and hear from community partners about why Impact Austin matters to Central Texas nonprofits. We’ll talk with members about how the new membership model supports our mission and values. I look forward to seeing you! Register here for an exciting evening.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
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Claudia Barlow
President, Board of Directors, FY 2026
| | Introducing a New Membership Model | | |
Our new membership model was publicly launched on Sep 30. This followed two years of research, thoughtful outreach and feedback, and a soft launch to our members in mid-August.
New and renewing members are invited to identify a giving level that is personally meaningful and aligns with one’s philanthropic goals. Member contributions are not disclosed, and they may be updated annually. What hasn’t changed is Impact Austin’s commitment to supporting Central Texas nonprofits and neighbors through high-impact grants.
| | If you’re not already a member, learn more on our Membership webpage and blog. Consider joining one of our events below. Then #JoinImpactAustin! We can’t wait to welcome you to our collective giving and community impact. | | We’re offering several in-person and virtual opportunities to explore what Impact Austin membership includes. All who join or renew by Dec 31 will fund 2026 grants that are awarded in June. What’s more, our members have a voice in our grantmaking! Many will choose to serve on Grant Review Committees, and all members vote on the finalists that are funded. Learn more at one of these events below. Members, bring a friend to an event! Click on a tile for the registration link. | | If you’ve just joined Impact Austin, and you’re wondering how to get involved, check out our Member Connections page. You’ll find a Quick-Start Guide, links to volunteer opportunities, and connection to our New Member Chair. We’re thrilled to have you join us! | | Member Connections Events | | While grantmaking and community impact are the top reasons women join, we also value the friendships we make with other members. To that end, our Member Connections team creates social and volunteer opportunities to gather us together. What a great array they’ve developed for fall! Check out upcoming events and keep an eye on the page as even more are added. | | Something new - Join us for Impact Austin Virtual Co-Working, a casual space to connect with fellow members while getting things done. Once a month on the second Monday, 10 AM–12 PM, we’ll gather on Zoom, kick off with a quick hello, then work alongside each other with quiet focus and optional check-ins. It’s a simple way to carve out dedicated time, share energy, and build community — no agenda, just connection and accountability. | | |
We’re launching a new regular feature within Impact Austin newsletters. It’s an opportunity to highlight one of the great committees fueling Impact Austin’s work and to share any volunteer needs that our members might fulfill. Let’s start with the Advancement Committee.
Calling volunteers passionate about our mission!
Did you know that Impact Austin's Advancement Committee is a team of volunteers who help raise the non-membership-dues funding that Impact Austin needs to grow and thrive? The Advancement team is in BIG need of folks with passion for our collective giving mission to join the team, help spread the word, and find sponsors and donors! You do not need any formal training in fundraising, just enthusiasm for our mission and a willingness to roll up your sleeves. Specific valuable skills include writing proposal copy, researching prospects, identifying local sponsorship opportunities, leveraging personal networks for introductions, and sharing organizational success stories across various platforms. Please email Ami Kane, Advancement Committee Chair, at amilynnkane@gmail.com to learn more.
| | Girls Giving Grants Announces New Grant Opportunity | | | | Guess who’s celebrating their 20th anniversary this year! Since their first award in 2006, our youth initiative Girls Giving Grants (g3) has awarded $130,600 in 21 grants that support youth-serving nonprofits in Greater Austin. | | The 63 members of Girls Giving Grants launched their grant cycle on Sep 9 with the announcement of an $8,000 grant opportunity. Applications are open until Oct 24. The grantmaking process starts with team building, community needs awareness, and grant review techniques. Throughout the program year, g3 members develop leadership, facilitation, and presentation skills. Their 2026 grant award will be announced in late April, and Impact Austin members will celebrate with them in June! | | Philanos PowerUP! Conference Fueled by Impact Austin Members | | |
From Feb 8-10, 2026, women’s collective giving groups will convene at the Hilton Austin for the PowerUP! Texas Conference. Early Bird registration is open through Nov 15 (see below). While $650 is a stop-and-think purchase, the conference fee buys so much: four keynote/plenary sessions with national speakers; 20 breakout sessions to choose among; 12 casual affinity groups; all meals from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning; and the camaraderie of hundreds of women who value collective giving as we do. Impact Austin is represented among the speakers, including Judi McCarthy, Audra Morris, and Tonya Netzley. Thanks also to other Impact Austin women bringing the Conference to Austin: Claudia Barlow, Nicole Genovese, Alyssa Reyna, and Kali’ Rourke.
This is the ninth regular convening by Philanos. Impact Austin members have attended 7 of the past 8 conferences and volunteered with most of them as planners, facilitators, or speakers. Impact Austin is the conference host, and four more Texas giving circles join as co-hosts: Impact 100 Wichita Falls, Impact San Antonio, the Women’s Fund of Smith County, and Women Inspiring Philanthropy in Arlington.
Here’s how to register for the conference.
| | Community Partner Spotlight | | |
2025 Community Partner Open Door Preschools celebrates 50 years of inclusive education this year. Their legacy is just one reason we’re honored to have invested in them with our primary Education Grant of $80,000. One of the best ways to follow their work is through Facebook or Instagram! Their Terrific Tuesday posts feature the most adorable preschoolers learning through play at their three locations. Don’t miss this spot of joy each Tuesday! Their 2024 Impact Report shared these highlights:
- 1,000 hours spent in direct support of our families
- 22% of students with a diagnosed disability
- 34% of students receive financial assistance
- New partnerships, expanded programs, and continued focus on equity
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Oct 10 – Virtual Membership Info Session, 12:00-1:00 PM. Register here.
Oct 13 – Members’ Virtual Co-Working Monday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Register.
Oct 19 – Walk + Talk with Impact Austin, 8:00 AM. Register here.
Oct 23 – Members’ Virtual Happy Hour, 6:30-7:30 PM. Register.
Oct 30 – Membership Info Social (78750 member home), 6:30-8:00 PM. Register.
Nov 3 – Town Hall Meeting, 5:00-8:00 PM. Register.
Nov 10 – Members’ Virtual Co-Working Monday, 10:00–12:00 PM. Register.
Nov 14 – Virtual Membership Info Session, 12:00-1:00 PM. Register here.
Nov 15 – Last Day of Early Bird Registration for Philanos Conference.
Nov 15 – Walk + Talk with Impact Austin, 8:00 AM. Register here.
Nov 17 – Impact Austin Book Club. Register.
Nov 20 - Membership Info Social, 6:00-7:30 PM. Please register for details.
Dec 1 – Members’ Holiday Gathering. Details pending. Save the date for now!
Dec 8 – Members’ Virtual Co-Working Monday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Register.
Dec 12 – Virtual Membership Info Session, 12:00-1:00 PM. Register here.
Dec 31 – Last day to #JoinImpactAustin or renew to fund 2026 grants.
| | Get Social, Stay Connected | | |
Social media is an important tool to reach potential members and grant applicants. Your photos and video snippets help to tell our Impact Austin stories. Here are two ways you can help.
- If you’re at an Impact Austin gathering or meeting an Impact Austin friend socially, take a photo or grab 20 seconds of video and text to Impact Austin at 512-553-6083.
- Your own social media posts will reach a new audience for us. Write a post of your own and share what you value about Impact Austin in general or about a particular event or grant. Tag us! Or share one of Impact Austin's posts with a sentence or two of your own commentary.
| | Impact Austin Member Hub Facebook Page | | The Membership Committee championed a Facebook group for members, and here’s how to join: From the “Search Facebook” field, type Impact Austin Member Hub. Request to join the group and answer three quick questions. Once you’ve answered those questions, your request should be approved by one of the group moderators within 48 business hours. This group is for members only – to strengthen connections, share ideas, get together socially, and stay updated. Posts may be generated by anyone in the group! | | | | |
