The Millstone Times January 2021

Impact 100 Jersey Coast Delivers Grants to Four 2020 Recipients By Pam Teel

Impact 100 Jersey Coast is a philanthropic volunteer organization of women whose mission is to provide transformational grants to projects proposed by local nonprofits. Since 2015, Impact 100 Jersey Coast has provided more than 1.6 million in grants to nonprofits that serve the Monmouth County area. Grants are funded by the members who vote to select the nonprofit recipients each year. The group gathered via Zoom this year due to COVID, but even though the setting was virtual, the excitement was palpable among all who participated. The event is the eagerly-awaited culmination of Impact 100’s months of efforts to direct substantial support to local non-profit organizations. From a total of 61 grant applicants, five finalists representing the categories of Arts & Culture, Children & Families, Education, Environment, Parks, & Recreation, and Health &Wellness were selected after comprehensive evaluations by more than 100 member volunteers. Finalist information packets were sent to the entire Impact 100 membership in advance of the Annual Meeting to allow members to prepare, and absentee ballots were included in the final vote count on the night following pre-recorded presentations by the finalists. The organization was delighted to announce this year’s four recipients. The recipients will receive $114,000 towards their projects. These recipients were applauded for the tremendous work they do and the services they offer in Monmouth County. Those recipients include: Arts & Culture-Monmouth Museum - an independent, non-profit organization established in 1963 that presents changing art, history, and science exhibitions to educate and entertain while providing a destination for creative expression and lifelong learning to the diverse community it serves. Children & Families-HABcore - an organization that provides permanent housing and individualized support and helps homeless families, veterans, and individuals with special needs move through crisis to stability giving them the opportunity to improve their lives. Education-Aslan Youth Ministries - their mission is to effect permanent change in the hearts and minds of at-risk youth residing in Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park, and Neptune, New Jersey by participating in afterschool and summer programs that incorporate supportive relationships and positive expectations for achievement. They are targeted towards specific needs, improvement in students’ social skills, emotional development, and academics. Health & Wellness-Fulfill of Monmouth & Ocean Counties - an organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and building food security in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Its vision is a food secure community where all people always have access to enough food to lead active and healthy lives. As the runner-up finalist, American Littoral Society was also awarded $2,500 from Ocean First Foundation, who was inspired by the impact of the night. “Although we see an uncertain future, we know that as a collective we are stronger together. This evening encapsulates what can happen when women unite together to pool our individual donations to help our community. We are truly Impact Strong!” commented Deirdre Spiropoulos, Impact 100 Jersey Coast President and co-founder. Impact 100’s mission is to award membership-funded transformational grants to local nonprofit organizations, enabling them to strengthen or expand their services, while empowering women to improve lives through philanthropy. Since its founding in 2015, the organization has awarded more than $1.6 million to 14 Monmouth County nonprofits to help them address unmet needs and reach underserved populations. Updates are given throughout the year about the progress of the recipients’ programs made possible through the grant funding. Impact 100 Jersey Coast member Rebecca Proske stated, “Impact 100 has given me the opportunity to make a significant difference in local charitable organizations. It’s such a powerful experience when we all get together and vote to give out multiple $100,000 grants. I am so glad someone introduced me to Impact 100.” Impact 100 Jersey Coast memberships for the 2021 Class is open now and upcoming recruitment events can be found online. Members pledge $1,100 each, with funds pooled to award significant annual grants. Women throughout the area who would like to make an important and memorable impact in their community are invited to join this amazing organization. Together we are Impact Strong and we are only just beginning, but we need you! For more information visit: impact100jc.org/email: membership@impact100jerseycoast.org. grants@impact100jerseycoast.org

8 The Millstone Times

January 2021