Impact100 of Northwest Florida awards $400,000 in grants to four local non-profits.
OKALOOSA ISLAND — On Sunday, Impact100 of Northwest Florida announced the four recipients of its 2023 $100,000 grants, which will allow non-profit organizations in the area to make significant contributions in the near future.
“We are proud to support the projects of our four 2023 Grant Recipients. Each of them is making a tremendous impact in our community and touching the lives of those underserved in Okaloosa and Walton Counties,” Impact100 Northwest Florida President Carly Barnes said in a news release. “The $400,000 we awarded at our annual meeting was made possible by the generous women who make up our membership.”
Here is what we know.
What is Impact100?
Founded in 2012, Impact100 aims to financially support local non-profit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties by empowering women as philanthropists and leaders to be a force of good within the community.
Each year, 100 women donate $1,000 each to form a $100,000 high-impact grant that allows other non-profit organizations to make positive changes.
List of recipients
Arts and Culture - Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida: Exhibit Hall to Save Our Local Historical Treasures
With the $100,000 grant, there will be plans to build a 1,400-square-foot addition to the building, including an ADA compliant bathroom. The total cost of the building is $175,000.
With the grant and $75,000 in matching funds to cover the cost of the project, the addition is scheduled to be completed within 12 months.
Once completed, the expansion will allow the museum to increase its services to the community, display exhibits that are currently in storage, and increase the revenue of the museum by a minimum of $25,000, helping it to become self-sufficient.
Education - Emerald Coast Science Center: Planetarium Project
The $100,000 grant will, among other things, help the center clear a portion of its property and construct a building needed to house the planetarium. This includes a 30-foot-by-40-foot metal building with the necessary infrastructure to host events.
The project will expand the center's community offerings by offering regular planetarium shows for field trip students and special events. The added planetarium revenue will be put toward facility maintenance.
Family - Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation: Cases for Kids
The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Foundation provides services for abused, neglected and abandoned children in this area.
With the grant, the foundation looks to eliminate the practice of children using trash bags to carry their personal belongings. The goal is to make sure each child in the foster care system receives a duffle bag with age-appropriate content worth $125.
In 2022, approximately 740 children were served by the foundation. So far in 2023, about 250 children have entered the foster care system, with a total of 450 children currently in state custody.
Health and Wellness - EOD Warrior Foundation: Supporting Physical, Emotional & Financial Health and Stability
Since 1968, the foundation has served military members who have served as explosive ordnance disposal technicians in all branches of the armed forces. The foundation provides financial assistance, programs, and support for active duty, retired and veterans.
Currently, there are 1,500 EOD families and over 500 EOD students in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
With the grant, the EODWD plans to expand its program in two ways: by updating and renovating the EODWF building; and by expanding existing and creating new programmatic support programs. These programs will aim to provide education, support and community involvement.
As for the office space, the EODWF plans to build partnerships with other local non-profit organizations and have additional meeting space and training facilities. The renovated space will include a kitchen and family friendly outdoor areas.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Impact100 awards four local non-profits with $100,000 grants.
