Membership FAQ
Why does Impact Austin give a $100,000 lump sum to a single organization?
We want to make an extraordinary impact. By funding a large grant, we can make a big impact in a selected area. In addition, when a nonprofit pieces together $100,000 from, say, 10 different grants, the nonprofit incurs reporting requirements and related administrative costs for each of those grants. By giving one large grant, we can have more impact and keep costs low for the grant recipient.
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How is it possible that 100 percent of my contribution goes to the grant recipient? How are administrative and membership recruitment expenses covered?
We pay for our administrative and membership recruitment expenses through donations from friends of Impact Austin (such as employers that match employee donations, men or anyone donating less than $1,000) and grants from other nonprofit organizations. In addition, we seek in-kind donations for items like stationery and printing as well as for professional services such as website support and hosting.
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Why is the required donation set at $1,000?
We believe this amount ensures member commitment. It also keeps the cost of raising money for our grants low. To raise $100,000 through individual donations of $100 each would mean recruiting 1,000 members. It costs more to recruit 1,000 people than it does 100. These higher costs would mean less money for the people who need it most — the grant recipients and the people they serve.
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Is my donation to Impact Austin tax deductible?
Yes. Impact Austin is a non-profit organization exempt from federal taxes under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax deductible.
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How do you decide who gets the grants?
Each year, we send out a call for grant applications from five areas: culture, education, environment, family and health and wellness. We form five committees, one for each area. An Impact Austin member who has been trained in facilitating the grant review process chairs each committee that is made up of our members. The committee accepts and evaluates grant applications - by researching and visiting applicants - to arrive at the finalists. We deliver information on the finalists to each Impact Austin member for review. Then, we hold a member meeting where the finalists give a short presentation. At that meeting, members deliver a final decision by vote with each woman having an equal voice of one vote.
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When do you award the grants?
We award grants at our annual meeting in June of each year.
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What are my obligations if I join?
Our only requirement is a $1,000 donation. Of course, we hope you’ll take the time to make an informed decision when you vote for a grant recipient. In addition, you have the option to serve on one of the committees that evaluates grant applicants. However, it is not a requirement.
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How long is my membership valid?
Each $1,000 donation provides membership for the current grant year. Membership continues year-to-year as long as we receive your $1,000 annual donation by December 31 of each year.
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Do I have to live in Austin to join?
No. Members can live anywhere.
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What role is there for me if I can’t make the $1,000 contribution?
You can become a friend of Impact Austin and play a very important role in our organization. We use donations of less than $1,000 to cover our administrative costs. If we receive more money than we need to cover our administrative costs, our board of directors has the discretionary power to add that money to the grant funds.
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I have a male friend who is interested in Impact Austin. Can he participate?
Men can participate directly as a friend of Impact Austin, or they can encourage the women in their lives to participate as members.
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I want to give more than $1,000. Do I get more than one vote?
No. Every member gets one vote even if they give more than $1,000. Any amount given over $1,000 goes first to offset administrative costs. If we receive more money than we need to cover our administrative costs, our board of directors has the discretionary power to add that money to the grant funds.
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Can I pay my $1,000 over time?
No. We request that you save the money until you have the full $1,000. We ask this in order to keep our administrative costs as low as possible.
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Can I contribute publicly traded stock to cover my $1,000?
Yes. We sell the shares as soon as possible after transfer to Impact Austin. The net proceeds must equal or exceed $1,000 (which means you’ll need to cover all sales commissions and expenses).
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Can I make an in-kind donation of services or products to cover my $1,000 donation?
No. We do accept in-kind donations to offset our administrative costs, but we don’t accept these donations to cover the $1,000 membership contribution.
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If I’m unable to attend and vote at the annual meeting, can I still cast my vote?
Yes. Although we strongly encourage attendance at the meeting, you can vote by absentee ballot. Prior to the annual meeting, every member receives information on each finalist in the five focus areas. Included in this information is an absentee ballot and instructions on how to cast your vote before the meeting if you’re unable to attend.
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My company matches funds for charitable donations. Can I give $500 and have my company match it to make my total $1,000 donation?
No. The entire $1,000 donation must come from one individual. This policy ensures that one donation equals one vote by one individual. We do receive and appreciate matching funds from employers. However, we use these funds to offset administrative costs. If we receive more money than we need to cover our administrative costs, our board of directors has the discretionary power to add that money to the grant funds.
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