Every year, Impact100 Garden State awards $100,000 grants to nonprofits creating change in our community. You may have seen the excitement when we announce the grantees, complete with photos of oversized checks. But what happens after the celebration?
Those photos capture a joyful moment, but the reality of grantmaking is more involved. Our grants support programs that can last up to three years. We do not hand over all the money at once and hope for the best. Instead, members of our Grant Administration Committee work closely with grantees to ensure Impact100 Garden State funds are used as intended.
The Grant Administration Committee begins its work immediately after the Big Give by completing two important tasks. First, each grantee organization is assigned a liaison, who will be their main contact for the duration of the grant. Second, each grantee works with their liaison and committee leadership to create milestones and a quarterly schedule of quarterly disbursements for their project. These milestones help guide the work, track progress, and ensure the grant funds are used effectively. The schedule is included in a formal Grant Agreement, setting the stage for a successful partnership.
For each project we fund, the liaison meets at least quarterly with grantee leadership. Grantees also submit written reports each quarter describing actual versus planned spending, progress against milestones, unexpected challenges, and anticipated funding needs for the next quarter. The Grant Administration Committee reviews these reports in regular meetings and approves or adjusts funding requests as needed.
Liaisons have a dual role in this process. They act as a sounding board and cheerleader for their grantee, while also serving as careful stewards of member dollars, ensuring our funds are used responsibly.
If you are curious about the inner workings of the fantastic programs our members select, serving on the Grant Administration Committee is an incredibly rewarding way to see the impact of your volunteer work firsthand. Email info@impact100gardenstate.org to get involved with the Grant Administration Committee today.