Teri Zingale of Los Altos wondered how she could make more of an impact with her donations. Frustrated by the amount of energy and resources consumed in fundraising, she knew there had to be a better, more efficient way.
“If I combine my financial resources with several other women, we could really make a bigger impact on the organizations we want to support,” she reasoned.
Shortly after, Zingale, along with Los Altos residents Connie Viveros, Mary Ann Poulos and Barbara Dehn, developed the idea that if 100 women were to donate a minimum of $100 each, they could pool that $10,000 and make a significant contribution to a worthwhile non-profit organization that supports women, families and education programs. Knowing that synergy creates magic, they founded the 100 Women Charitable Foundation Inc.
In March 2007, they enlisted 140 like-minded women and raised a total of $31,500 – the first year’s grants.
In its second year, the group expanded to 239 members and raised $75,000. The empowered women contributed more than $100,000 to the community in their first two years.
During the “Night of 100 Women,” a dinner at the Crowne Plaza Cabaña Hotel in Palo Alto March 5, more than 300 women gathered to celebrate the fundraising results. With 404 members to date, the group has raised more than $200,000 in three years to help the community.
“When women put their heads together, powerful things happen,” Zingale said. “Women make women stronger and are natural givers.”
“Your group effort has a mind of its own,” said Janelle Wang of ABC’s “View from the Bay,” who spoke at the dinner. “These are tough times, but this is one organization which has flourished and made a difference in the lives of many.”
Each year the 100 Women Foundation considers grant proposals in three focus areas: education, family and health/wellness.
This year’s recipients, selected by committee, focus on the basic needs of children: feeding them, clothing them and giving them the gift of reading. The non-profit organizations chosen to receive the grants were REACH Potential Movement, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen and My New Red Shoes.
This year the foundation made three impact grants of $31,300 each, and three appreciation grants, fulfilling their commitment to distribute 100 percent of the donations each year.
“We’re thrilled with the efforts of our committees and believe we have selected outstanding finalists,” said Viveros, co-founder and president. “All of these non-profits are worthy of a $30,000 grant.”
In 2010, the foundation plans to grow its membership base to 500 women.
For more information, visit www.100womenfoundation.org.
