IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area (IMPACT 100) members have contributed $29.8 million to Escambia and Santa Rosa economies over the past 20 years. This report comes from the Haas Center at the University of West Florida. Nicole Gislason, Executive Director of the Haas Center said, “IMPACT 100 has made a substantial contribution to the economic health of our communities. Their additions to employment and taxes, as well as direct, and indirect dollars spent, have helped strengthen our economy. Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are fortunate to benefit from their philanthropic work.”
Currently, IMPACT 100 members contribute over $1 million annually in direct grants to nonprofits serving the two counties. Additionally, the organizations purchase goods and services from local businesses and make contributions through taxes and other indirect and induced spending. IMPACT 100 has no paid staff and all work is accomplished through financial contributions, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours.
IMPACT 100 grants have funded over 160 projects including food for food-insecure individuals, transportation for those with limited resources, educational initiatives, arts and cultural programs, recreational opportunities, health and wellness resources, and activities bolstering the environment and native habitat. These and numerous other benefits are detailed on the IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area website.
Kristin Longley, President of IMPACT 100 shared, “Our economic impact is a testament to what women can do together through collaborative giving and dedication to community. This year and every year since 2003, our members have combined their $1000 individual contributions to make transformative grants and change lives.” Longley continued, “The economic impact is powerful, but the immeasurable impact of changed lives through our partnership with area nonprofit organizations has enabled so many valuable organizations to grow and thrive in our two-county area. I am honored to continue work begun by our 233 founding members and alongside the 1208 women who are members in 2024.”
