Judith McGinnis | Times Record News

There is strength in numbers and Impact 100 is empowering women to become agents of community change.

Current members recently met to brainstorm recruiting more women to become philanthropists. To build a $100,000 grant fund, each donates a $1,000 annual membership fee.

“Our goal is to transform the community where we live, work and raise our families through collective giving,” said Paula Perkins, Impact 100 president who is also an education specialist at Region 9 Education Services Center. “Our grant support will go to arts and culture, the environment, family, health and wellness, recreation and preservation.”

Impact 100 serves Archer, Baylor, Clay, Hardeman, Jack, Montague, Wichita, Wilbarger and Young counties.

The organization will begin accepting online grant applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofits Jan. 16, the same day grant amounts will be announced. The application process takes about 6 months.