If you are a woman who wants to make an impact in your community, you’ll want to keep reading. Impact 100 is a women-led initiative that provides grants to Crawford County nonprofits. Above all, these grants sustain and support communities and people in our local area.
Pictured: Catherine Lange, Shelly Steiger, Kathy Lasley – Viva Cuba – Impact 100 Check Presentation 2019
Impact 100 is actually a global collaboration of diverse women worldwide that advocate for transformational change in their communities. With a focus on community betterment, this collective force empowers women to give, grant, and provide resources that will make the highest impact.
Back in 2017, Impact 100 began in Crawford County by Kathy Lasley and a group of compassionate women. The goal was to recruit 100 area women to contribute $500 each. Collectively, the money directly supports grants for community revitalization through local nonprofits. As a result, the first annual event brought $27,000 back to local nonprofits in Crawford County. Since its inception, the Crawford County Impact 100 has awarded $89,000 in grants that focus on positive growth of the community.
In a recent interview, Kathy Lasley, President of the Crawford County Chapter of Impact 100, shares: “When I listened to Wendy Steele speak about Impact 100 back in 2016, I knew it was something that our community of Crawford County could do. I knew we could organize a giving circle of women and give back to our local communities.” Lasley went on to say, “It has been an awe-inspiring experience to see the generosity of this community.”
How does it work?
Annually, Crawford County Impact 100 seeks one hundred women to donate $500 each. Every September, these same 100 women meet to hear presentations from local nonprofit organizations. Furthermore, the group votes to award grants in the amount of $5,000, $10,000 or more to non-profits organizations for the betterment of the community. Grants fall into five categories: arts and culture, health and wellness, education, parks and recreation, and families.
Who benefits?
Artist Shelly Steiger revitalizes murals along Route 66.
Everybody in the community can see the benefits of the Impact 100 grants. For example, Viva Cuba was the proud recipient of a $10,000 grant in 2019. The grant, for the mural repair project, preserves the artistic integrity of Cuba’s best attraction, the historic outdoor murals. This painting season, lead artist Shelly Smith Steiger will be working, along with other artists, to repair 8 of our 14 outdoor murals.
Viva Cuba Chairman Jill Barnett explains, “Since 2001, Viva Cuba’s mural program continues to make a huge impact on our community by preserving our town’s history and bringing travelers to boost our economy. Known worldwide for our murals, many tourists stop in Cuba to photograph them and tell others about our town’s Route 66 Mural City.” Barnett goes on to say, “Viva Cuba has a big responsibility to see that the murals are maintained for future generations. We are grateful for the 2019 IMPACT100 grant which will allow us to pay for these much needed repairs.”
In addition, other local non-profit grant recipients include: the Crawford Co Fair, Hannah’s Ranch, Steelville Ambulance, Meramec Theater, All Aboard Learning Childcare, Bourbon City Park, and the Cuba Fire Department, to name a few. In fact, Impact 100 grants provide everything from security systems to new playground equipment to park improvements, and emergency resources.
How can you make an impact?
Your participation matters! As a contributor, attend the annual event and vote as nonprofits present their requests for Impact 100 grants. Women have three options to contribute:
- Membership – $500 individual donation. Simply write a check, complete the submission form and mail it in. Each member can vote, attend the annual event, and be involved in Impact 100 committees.
- Partnership – $250 each for two women. Use the buddy-system and get a girlfriend to join too. Of course, both partners can attend the annual event and cast a single vote together.
- Company Sponsorship – $500 from employer. Businesses can sponsor up to two ladies to join. For convenience, Impact 100 provides organizations with a charitable tax letter for their contribution. Local firms like American Family Insurance match sponsorship contributions as a strong show of support. Furthermore, additional business sponsors like Huddle House, Catherine Lange Attorney at Law , Bank of Sullivan, and Phelps Co Bank , Bourbon Roller Mill, Cuba Veterinary Clinic, Dace Insurance Agency, Inc., Hayes Shoe Store, Hutcheson Ford Sales, Inc., Living the Dream, Inc., Marilyn N. Lakaner Agency, LLC, McGinnis Wood Products, Medley Pharmacy, Meramec Hills Memorial Lawn, Meramec Instrument Transformer Co., Merkel Farms, Mizell Funeral Home, and Mullally Distributing Co. Inc. have provided support in the past.
- Friends of Impact 100 – Contributions of $100, $250, and $500 are welcome from anyone in the community. Yep, this means guys can help too! However, these contributions cover the direct costs of the annual event, recruiting, and other expenses. Contributors attend the annual event as a supporters.
The 4th annual Impact 100 event is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the Recklein Auditorium in Cuba. Additionally, the event will follow state and local guidelines for social distancing and appropriate safety measures related to Covid19. Equally important, all donations are tax exempt, so consider a contribution now to ensure it can be deducted on your 2020 taxes.
As uncertainty looms, find comfort in knowing there are volunteers and groups out there who work to bring hope, help, and resources to our communities. In short, become part of the empowered group of women who make a substantial difference in the lives of others, start the process now.
For more information about the Impact 100, contact President, Kathy Lasley at 573-205-0345 or email lasleydk@gmail.com.
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