STUART — Thousands of lives have been changed for the better thanks to Impact100 Martin, a women’s philanthropy group now entering its ninth year of awarding $100,000 Impact Grants to local nonprofits.
The members of Impact100 Martin set out on their mission to “transform the community through collective giving” in 2017. Since then, the membership has grown to 510, and more than $2.3 million has been awarded in Impact Grants in the focus areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Family, Health & Wellness, Environment, and Preservation & Recreation.
Last year alone, Impact100 Martin sparked community change with half a million dollars in grants for the following programs:
Banner Lake Connections Buildup: Empowering Martin County’s Next Generation of Skilled Workers; Everglades Edudome Experience – Young Friends of the Everglades; Preserving Healthy Food for Our Community; Security and Safety Upgrades at Martin County Domestic Violence Shelter.
The nonprofit group is preparing for its annual Kickoff Celebration on Nov. 12 to start a new season of inspiring impact. “I’m constantly amazed, but not surprised at the number of generous women who give their time, talent and treasure to Impact100 Martin,” said Impact100 Martin President Sue Whittington. “We believe in the power of leveraging our collective efforts to accomplish great things, and we have the proof that it works!”
The Impact100 model of collective giving is simple: members contribute $1,000 a year to be pooled together into a grant-making fund. For every 100 women, Impact100 Martin awards one $100,000 grant. Local nonprofits are encouraged to “dream big,” and present projects that will have a lasting impact in Martin County. After a rigorous vetting process, members hear from the finalists and vote on which projects to fund at the organization’s annual Grant Awards Celebration in the spring.
The keynote speaker for the Season 9 Kickoff Celebration is Lisa Holland, President and CEO of Sheltair, the largest privately held aviation real estate and FBO (Fixed Base Operator) company in the United States. As a visionary leader and philanthropist, she is deeply committed to inspiring positive change. Her work with organizations such as the Blue Lightning Initiative, Pilots N Paws, and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital showcases her passion for community impact. She is also the driving force behind Sheltair’s Girls in Aviation Day, empowering the next generation of aviation professionals.
“Get ready to be inspired and challenged,” Whittington said. “Our goal is to increase our membership beyond our record-breaking 510 members and funnel even more philanthropic funds into life-changing projects within our community in 2026. If you’re passionate about our community and excited about creating change, we invite you to join us.”
The Kickoff Celebration will be held at the Kane Center on Salerno Road in Stuart beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12. It is open to the public, with tickets for $25 each, available through Nov. 3, and can be purchased online at www.impact100martin.org.