How can I become a member of Impact100?

Joining is easy and can be done by making a tax deductible donation of $1000 or more to Impact100 Chicago.

Can I make my membership donation with installment payments?

Yes. Installment payment options are available, but payment in full must be received by December 31 in order to participate in the grant review process and vote on grants awarded the following June. All installment payments are nonrefundable donations.

When can I join?

Anytime. We welcome new memberships throughout the year, but payment in full is due by December 31 in order to participate in the grant review process and vote on grants awarded the following June.

How long is my membership valid?

The membership year runs from September 1 to August 31. Members must be at least 18 years old.

Are donations to Impact100 tax deductible?

Yes. Impact100 Chicago is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible for the year in which they were made. One hundred percent of your $1,000 membership donation will go to fund the transformational grants that will be awarded in the spring. Donations in multiples of $100,000 are awarded as Impact Grants. Remaining grant funds are divided equally among non-winning finalists and awarded as Merit Grants.

I want to give more than the required membership donation. Do I get more than one vote?

Although additional gifts are always welcome, each Member is limited to one vote per person per year. We are a 100% volunteer organization. If you are able to donate an additional $100 for our Membership Plus level, this will be used to offset our operating costs. If you are able to donate an additional $250 for our Membership Gold level, $100 will offset our operating costs and $150 will supplement our Merit Grants.

Can I sponsor a membership for someone who is not able to make the $1000 contribution?

We welcome Impact 100 Chicago supporters to sponsor women who may not be able to make the $1,000 membership contribution. Donors may choose to sponsor a particular person or someone from our list of potential members looking for a sponsor. For more information, please contact us at info@impact100chicago.org.

If my employer or my spouse’s employer has a matching program, will you accept this donation?

Yes, you can double your impact. We gratefully accept employer matching gifts. Donations matching your membership contribution play an important role, as they are applied toward program and operating costs. Please submit a matching request for your donation to your or your spouse’s employer. Some employers will also provide matching donations for retirees.

Are stock donations accepted for membership?

No, Impact100 Chicago cannot accept stock donations.

What involvement is expected of members?

Once you join, your level of involvement is entirely up to you. You can simply join and cast your vote at the annual Grant Award Celebration, or you can become actively involved on any number of committees.

Volunteer committees conduct thorough assessments of the grant applicants and put forth finalists. The entire membership meets to hear presentations by each of the finalists and votes to select the grant recipients at the Grant Award Celebration.

 

What role is there for me if I don’t want to become a member?

We welcome “Friends of Impact 100” and are thrilled when an individual or a foundation wants to help us through monetary donations or in-kind service donations. Although they do not provide voting rights, these donations help cover program and operating expenses that are essential to accomplishing our mission.