Impact100 Westchester: Using the Power of Collective Giving to Make a Difference

Impact100 Westchester is a 501c (3) women’s collective giving organization. Since our inception in 2014, we have awarded over $1.1 million to 26 nonprofits serving Westchester. As a 100% volunteer led and run organization, our mission is to engage women in philanthropy by participating in the grant-making process, engaging in hands-on volunteer opportunities, and learning about the nonprofit sector and unmet needs within Westchester.

The work of our organization can best be described by one of our impact stories. When Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director at Pace Women’s Justice Center, and her staff heard about Impact100, they started to dream. “What could we do with $100,000? Let’s change the way we deliver our services.” They dreamed of a walk-in clinic to better serve victims of abuse. With the help of Impact100, that dream came true. After being awarded a 2016 Transformational Project Grant, PWJC attracted additional funding multiplying our grant ten-fold. This allowed for not only a state-of-the-art walk-in clinic, but new, renovated office space and additional staff and lawyers. With this warm and welcoming space and increased capacity, PWJC will be able to serve 500+ more clients each year.

Impact100 Westchester is made up of hundreds of dynamic women, each contributing $1,100 annually to award Transformational and Core Mission Grants to nonprofits serving unmet needs in Westchester. Each year the size of the grant fund is determined by the size of the combined memberships.  The Business Council of Westchester can be instrumental to our work by increasing awareness among prospective members and engaging nonprofits to apply for our grants.

We believe in the power of collective giving. By joining together our resources, time, and talents, we have the opportunity for greater impact in strengthening our communities and making a difference in the lives of individuals.