Member Connection March, 2025
A Special Monthly Member Connection Celebrating a Decade of Impact
Dear Members,
March is Women's History Month, when all of us take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of women around the globe and right here in our community. As a group of women dedicated to creating transformational change, Impact100 Metro Detroit is proud to highlight our shared commitment to empowering women as philanthropists, as together we work to support initiatives that uplift those in need.
Below you'll see some photos and an article about our recent visit to The WAVE Project. A 2023 grantee, WAVE is a nonprofit organization that provides portable showers to individuals experiencing homelessness, offering them not just soap and water, but a sense of worth and dignity. During our visit, we were able to see the trailer they purchased with our grant, a tangible sign of our collaborative efforts. During our visit, members filled hygiene bags that will be distributed to those who need these essential items. It was heartwarming to witness the difference we can make when we unite for a common cause.
March also brings a very special event for our organization. This year we will commemorate 10 years of grant-making. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the fantastic journey we have shared over the past decade. We’ll celebrate our growth over the past 10 years, made possible by the generous support of our dedicated members; and the successes of our grantees, whose projects have made our community better and stronger in so many ways. Please join us for the celebration (details and registration link below). We have an inspiring lineup of speakers and activities that honor the dedication of everyone who has been a part of our story. This is one you will not want to miss!
During this month, we will continue to honor the meaningful connections we’ve made, and, most importantly, strive toward a future where every woman can thrive, lead, and inspire. Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future.
In gratitude,
Barb Kaufman and Leslie Thacker
Co-Presidents
Event Roundup
A Decade of Impact!!
March 19, 2025, 5 - 7 pm
Developing K.I.D.S.
24230 W. McNichols
Detroit, MI
A simple idea has become a powerful movement! Since 2015, we have awarded over $1.6 million in grants, empowering local nonprofits and driving meaningful change.
Join us as we celebrate our members and visit with the inspiring nonprofits that have been a part of this incredible journey. We will also reconnect with past winners like Zaman International, Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids, Dutton Farm, Developing K.I.D.S., Mercy Education Project, and First Step of Michigan.
With hearts aligned, let's reignite our commitment to collective giving as we embark on our second decade of Impact! This promises to be a wonderful evening – please bring a guest!
Finalist Reveal Celebration
Save the Date
April 16, 2025
Time and Location TBD
Our five focus area committees have been working hard to review a large number of grants this year in each of our grant categories. Up next, the most impactful grants from each of the committees will move forward to our Financial Review Committee, where another group of dedicated volunteers will make sure that each of the proposals can succeed, and the organizations have the financial stability to implement the projects from start to finish.
With all this work done, the last step will be in person or virtual site visits to each of the focus area semi-finalists.
What's next?? A celebration, of course, where we will announce the amazing nonprofits and projects that our members will vote on at the Big Give. Save the date. Details and registration information for this exciting event will come via email soon.
Making a Splash at The WAVE Project
Last month, 24 Impact100 Metro Detroit members met to lend a hand at The WAVE Project. A 2023 grant awardee, The WAVE (Welcoming All, Valuing Everyone) Project was founded in 2018, and is dedicated to providing essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness across Metro Detroit. Our members gathered at the WAVE warehouse in Macomb County and assembled personal hygiene kits to distribute to the organization's clients. The 461 (yes, 461!) kits contained a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap and lotion. Many also included bonus items like wash cloths, Q-tips, dental floss, and tissues. Members also generously donated 30 bath towels.
After the project was completed, Todd Gordon, Executive Director, talked about the organization's newly completed winter shelter in Macomb County, and told our members that the ADA compliant mobile shower unit purchased with our $100,000 grant provides 20-40 showers a day around Metro Detroit. Volunteers also toured the warehouse, and were able to see the shower unit. In addition, we saw the WAVE Project essentials van, a mobile supply closet that distributes items like socks, underwear, blankets, coats, sweatshirts and hygiene kits like the ones we assembled.
Following the event, members gathered across the street at Aspen Restaurant for dinner and some social time. This spontaneous get-together reminds us that our members love to spend time together, and we are happy to provide opportunities for them to do just that!
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Join for 2025
Help us continue to make a difference right here in our community. This year, more than ever, we want to be sure all of our grant finalists are able to create transformational change in our community.
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Member Spotlight
Kim Huttenlocher
Why Impact: Ten years ago, my good friend Emily called me to tell me she wanted to start a new philanthropic organization called Impact100. When she told me how it worked, and that it was a group dedicated to empowering women in philanthropy, I knew immediately it was for me. What started as a planning meeting of five or six women has now grown to hundreds over the ensuing years. All of these women, many of whom have now become my close friends, have made an enormous impact in our community. Why Impact? Because it is the best way I know to feel like I have the power to bring positive change in our world. It is this feeling that carries me forward every day as I give back to a community that is home to me, helping to ensure that those who live here have the resources they need to succeed.
My Favorite Thing: Without question, hearing the cheers and seeing the tears of joy on the faces of the nonprofit leaders when we hand them that giant $100,000 check at the Big Give is the best part of my year. Knowing that together we can do so much more than I can on my own fills me with gratitude for all the women who have joined us since 2015.
About Me: I joke that I am a "professional volunteer", having served with many organizations for the past 40 years, but it's pretty accurate. I have been married to my husband Dave for 37 years, and am mom to two amazing daughters who are also committed to making their world a better place. I could not be more proud of them. When I'm not volunteering, I am on the pickleball or tennis court (photo above!), the golf course, or reading, writing, or knitting.
We want to meet YOU! Click HERE to share your Impact100 story for a future newsletter.
Impact100 Metro Detroit is a Proud Member of the Following Organizations
Impact Connection
