“Have I ever told you about Impact100 Garden State? It’s an organization I’m involved with, and I think you might really like it.”

“What is it?”

Impact100 Garden State is a group of women who come together to make high-impact grants to local nonprofits. Each member contributes toward our collective grantmaking and has a vote in deciding which organizations receive our grants.

By pooling our contributions, we’re able to make grants of $100,000, creating a level of impact that can be difficult to achieve through individual giving alone.

“What kind of contribution are we talking about?”

The annual membership contribution is $1,100. Of that, $1,000 goes directly to grantmaking, and $100 supports Impact100 Garden State’s operating expenses, including the systems, services, and events that make our work possible. Impact100 Garden State is a volunteer-led organization.

For me, it helped to think about the charitable giving I was already doing throughout the year—$50 here, $100 there, $200 somewhere else. By bringing part of that giving together with hundreds of other women through Impact100, we can collectively make grants of $100,000 or more and see the significant impact those grants can have.

“What kinds of women join?”

All kinds! Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, ages, and life experiences. They include lawyers, designers, accountants, caregivers, community leaders, students, stay-at-home mothers, retirees, and many others. 

What members share is a desire to give back, learn more about the needs in our communities, and make a meaningful difference. All women are welcome, and every member’s vote carries equal weight.

What kinds of things does Impact100 Garden State support?

For more examples, take a look at our 10 Years of Impact publication, which highlights the stories and outcomes of our major grants. 

Our most recently awarded $100,000 Signature Awards include:

Family Promise Union County — Supporting its Master Lease program, which partners with property owners to secure housing for families who may otherwise face barriers to renting independently.

Safe + Sound Somerset — Expanding advocacy services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse, while also supporting new legal advocacy initiatives.

Great Swamp Watershed Association — Restoring part of Loantaka Reservation to strengthen the local ecosystem, improve water quality, and protect walking paths, while creating a model that can be replicated elsewhere in the Passaic watershed.

Roots and Wings — Expanding career support for young adults aging out of foster care through individualized coaching, employment assistance, and employer outreach.

“I have so much on my plate—I’m too busy to take on anything else.”

One of the great things about Impact100 Garden State is that you choose your own level of involvement.

There are no required committees, fundraising events, or additional fundraising obligations. Members make their annual $1,100 contribution and, if eligible, vote each year to help select our grant recipients.

If you want to become more involved, there are many opportunities to do so, from grant review and volunteer projects to educational programs and social events. You can participate as much or as little as works for you.

And getting involved is also a wonderful way to meet women from across our community who share an interest in philanthropy and making a difference.

and vote once each year for the grant recipients. There are no additional fundraising requests or obligations—no auctions, no galas, no golf outings, and no raffle tickets!

Learn more at impact100gardenstate.org.

Sharing why you joined can be one of the most meaningful ways to introduce someone to Impact100 Garden State. Your reasons will be personal to you, but these examples may help you think about what you want to share.

“The reason I joined is…”

• I wanted to make a meaningful difference in our community. By combining my contribution with those of other women, we can have a much greater collective impact.
• I liked knowing that I would have a voice in where our grant dollars go, and that Impact100 continues to follow the progress of the organizations we fund.
• I wanted to feel like I was doing something tangible to help address challenges in our communities.
• I was excited to meet interesting women who also care about philanthropy, community, and making a difference.
• Seeing what our grants mean to nonprofit organizations is incredibly moving. You really get to see how much this funding can help strengthen their work.
• I’ve seen firsthand how Impact100 grants can support meaningful change, from expanding access to food and transportation to supporting veterans, young people, families, and others in our communities.
• I wanted to learn more about nonprofits and how to evaluate organizations and programs so I could become a more informed philanthropist.

Let the person know why you thought of them specifically. Drawing on what you know about their interests, values, or experience can make the invitation feel more genuine and personal.

“I think you’d really enjoy great Impact100 Garden State because…” 

• You care deeply about making a difference in the community, and this is a meaningful way to have an impact.
• Your experience in areas like finance, marketing, education, project management, or community service could bring a valuable perspective to the organization.
• I think you’d enjoy meeting and connecting with thoughtful, engaged women from across northern New Jersey who also care about philanthropy and community.

Sometimes the easiest way to continue the conversation is to offer one simple, low-pressure next step.

• Invite them to a Meet & Mingle: “There’s a Meet & Mingle coming up on [date, time]. Would you like me to send you the invitation? It’s casual and a great way to learn more and meet a few members. There is no pressure to join.” Note: Meet & Mingle dates will be listed on our website. You can also suggest a date of your own. Write to member@impact100gardenstate.org.
• Share the website or additional information: “If you’d like to learn more, take a look at impact100gardenstate.org. I’d also be happy to send you some information.
• Offer to follow up: “Give it some thought and I’ll check back in with you next week. If you’re interested, we can find a Meet & Mingle or another opportunity for you to learn more.”

Social media can be an easy, informal way to introduce friends and acquaintances to Impact100 Garden State. The examples below are meant to give you a starting point—feel free to personalize them so they sound natural and reflect your own experience.

You can also share or repost content directly from Impact100 Garden State’s social media channels and add a few words about why membership is meaningful to you.

FACEBOOK POST SUGGESTIONS:

Option 1

One of the things I value about being part of Impact100 Garden State is seeing what can happen when women come together around a shared goal.

Through our collective giving, Impact100 Garden State has awarded nearly $4.5 million to nonprofits serving communities across northern New Jersey. Each member has a voice in our grantmaking, and together, we’re able to make grants of $100,000 or more.

If you’ve ever been curious about Impact100 or are looking for a meaningful way to give back, I’d be happy to tell you about my experience. Learn more at impact100gardenstate.org.

Option 2

Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in our community?

Impact100 Garden State brings women together to pool our charitable contributions and award high-impact grants to local nonprofits. Our members support organizations addressing needs ranging from housing and food insecurity to education, youth services, the environment, and more.

I’ve really enjoyed being part of this community, and I’d love to share more if you’re curious. Visit impact100gardenstate.org or send me a message.

Together, We Make an Impact.

FACEBOOK MESSENGER:

Hi, [Name]! Have I ever told you about Impact100 Garden State? I’m a member, and I thought of you because I think it might be something you’d enjoy.

It’s a group of women who pool our charitable contributions to make grants of $100,000 or more to nonprofits in northern New Jersey. Members also have a voice in choosing which organizations receive funding.

There’s no required level of involvement beyond the annual contribution. You can participate as much or as little as you’d like. If you’re curious, I’d be happy to tell you more or send you some information. You can also take a look at impact100gardenstate.org.

LINKEDIN DIRECT MESSAGE:

Hi, [Name],

I wanted to introduce you to an organization I’m involved with called Impact100 Garden State. Knowing your interest in [community service/philanthropy/nonprofit work/etc.], I thought it might resonate with you.

Impact100 Garden State brings women together through collective giving. Each member contributes annually, with $1,000 going directly toward our grantmaking, allowing us to award grants of $100,000 or more to nonprofits serving northern New Jersey.

Members can choose their own level of involvement. Some participate in grant review or committees, attend educational and social events, or volunteer on specific projects, while others primarily contribute and vote on our grant finalists.

If you’d ever like to learn more, I’d be happy to share my experience or invite you to an upcoming Meet & Mingle. You can also visit impact100gardenstate.org.

No pressure at all. I simply thought it might be something you’d find meaningful.

Keep in Touch

If someone expresses interest but isn’t ready to take a next step, stay connected. Share an Impact100 Garden State post, invite them to a future event, or follow up when the timing feels right.