International Women’s Day, March 8!

March 8 has honored International Women’s Day for over a hundred years. This global day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is one of the few women’s giving circles in this area. Since our start in 2006, we have awarded $2,132,000 to over 50 local nonprofits. At our annual celebration in June, we will award $191,000 in grants to the 2019 Impact 100 Change Makers. What an incredible difference women make when we Give as One!

Did you know that several of our Impact 100 grant winners focus on serving girls or women?

2017: Volunteers of America of Indiana

The Fresh Start Recovery Center is a residential addictions treatment program for pregnant women and mothers of young children which combats the exploding opioid addiction epidemic. The Impact 100 grant is being used to remodel Theodora House, adding 45 more beds to quadruple the number of families served.

2016: Ascent 121 and Lutheran Child & Family Services

These two agencies collaborate to provide residential recovery for Indiana teen girls who are survivors of human trafficking. There is an alarming increase in children being used in the commercial sex industry. Kids are exploited through prostitution, pornography, and sexual entertainment. Impact 100 funds increased staff capacity for Ascent 121, renovated the dorm where the girls reside, and raised awareness at a large community event.

2013: Tindley Collegiate Academy

This all-girls middle school is designed to help young girls become successful scholars regardless of their past academic performance. Tindley Collegiate offers a unique curriculum tailored for the needs of girls, providing a wealth of opportunities for collaboration and dialogue. The grant equipped a STEM lab with a 3D modeling printer, drills, a laser engraver and computers with CAD software, among other state-of-the-art equipment.

2007: Craine House

Craine is one of only six facilities nationwide that allows women to serve out their court-mandated sentence while living with their pre-school aged children. Impact 100 funds supported their substance abuse recovery program.

3 things you can do to celebrate International Women’s Day and the achievements of women:

• Invite a few friends to coffee to share with them about Impact 100 and the difference we make in the community. Consider taking them to the annual celebration so they can see for themselves the impact of collective giving.
• Think about non-profits that could use the $100,000 grant from Impact 100. Call them today and tell them about us. They can sign up on our website  or go here to be notified when next year’s grant season is starting.
• Follow VOA, Ascent 121, LCFS, Tindley, and Craine on social media. Share their posts to raise awareness in the community about the work they do and the clients they serve. Visit their websites to learn about volunteer opportunities or to make a personal donation. Their mailing addresses are on their websites. Send their staff a word of encouragement and cheer them on as they make a difference in our community.