Impact100 Martin President Sue Whittington addresses members and prospective members at the organization’s November kickoff event. New members are encouraged to join by Feb. 28 to be eligible to vote at the Grant Awards Celebration in April
In just eight years, Impact100 Martin has transformed philanthropy in Martin County, awarding more than $2.32 million in Impact Grants to local nonprofits. Now, as the organization sets its sights on a record-breaking 2026 membership year, women across the county are invited to help shape the next round of $100,000 grants by becoming a voting member by Feb. 28.
This year’s semifinalists have already been announced and include:
• CareBag Mobile Shower Unit Martin County – Carebag
• Compassion House: Transitional Shelter and Family Restoration Program – The Salvation Army
• Hope in Motion – Hope Center for Autism
• Kiwanis Park at Woodlawn – “Music in the Park” & ADA Swing Project – Kiwanis Club of Stuart
• NextGen Veterinary Clinical Simulation & Skills Lab Project – Education Foundation of Martin County
• Purchase of a New Digital X-Ray Machine for Veterinary Clinic – Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
• River Scout II: A New Voyage – Environmental Studies Council
• WildLab on Wheels – Hobe Sound Nature Center
• Wildlife Education Update – Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital
At the Grant Awards Celebration in April, the finalists from this group will present their project to the entire Impact100 Martin membership for a vote.
“We are intent on growing our organization to a record-breaking 550 members this year,” Impact100 Martin President Sue Whittington said. “That will give us the amazing opportunity to award a full $100,000 grant in each of our five focus areas: arts and culture, education, environment, family, health and wellness, and preservation and recreation.”
The Impact100 model of collective giving is simple and powerful: members contribute $1,000 a year to be pooled together into a grant-making fund. For every 100 members, Impact100 is able to award one $100,000 grant. After a rigorous vetting process carried out by the Impact100 Grant Committee members, the entire membership gathers at the annual Grant Awards Celebration in the spring to hear from the finalists, and vote on which projects to fund.
Whittington described the “ripple effect” of the grants, inspiring nonprofits to think big, bring partners together in new collaborations, and leverage additional grants from other philanthropic sources.
“It’s truly exciting to read the submissions from each semifinalist, hear their presentations, cast a vote, and know that you’re having a tremendous impact on our community and its future,” Whittington said. “We’re prepared to make Season 9 our most impactful ever!”
To become a member, sign up for the Grants Award Celebration, or learn more about Impact100 Martin, visit http://www.impact100martin.org.
Detailed information about membership, grants, and community impact is available at the website http://www.impact100martin.org, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Impact100Martin or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/impact100-martin-county.
