LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Impact Las Vegas, a nonprofit women’s giving collective, made headlines recently when it awarded a remarkable $118,000 grant to a nonprofit organization serving Southern Nevada. This significant grant marks a milestone, representing the largest award in the organization’s history.
This year’s grant will be distributed to one of two noteworthy finalists: CARE Chest and Girls on the Run Las Vegas. Both organizations are recognized for their impactful work, and the competition for this substantial funding has been fierce.
Impact Las Vegas operates on a unique model where each member contributes $1,000 annually. This collective approach allows them to pool resources, empowering women to finance programs or projects that focus on culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness. The impact of their giving goes beyond the monetary value; it fosters a deep sense of community and collective purpose among women in the area.
The selection process this year has been thorough and competitive. It began with an impressive 90 letters of inquiry, which were narrowed down to 16 nonprofits. From there, four site visits were conducted, ultimately leading to the announcement of the two finalists. This rigorous selection process highlights the caliber of organizations that are vying for the grant, as well as the careful consideration that goes into deciding which project will benefit most from the funding.
Anne McNulty, Executive Director of CARE Chest, expressed her excitement upon learning about the grant. “We are one of two finalists for the Impact Las Vegas Grant. We just found out that we won $118,000 to expand our outreach program through CARE Chest,” she shared. McNulty elaborated that the grant will enable them to bring essential services, including medical equipment and supplies, directly to underserved communities.
CARE Chest’s Medical Resource Program plays a crucial role in supporting individuals living at or below 138% of the federal poverty line. It provides a range of services including durable medical equipment, prescription assistance, diabetic supplies, and supplemental nutrition. These resources are vital for many in the community, helping improve quality of life and accessibility to necessary healthcare.
On the other side of the competition is Girls on the Run Las Vegas, an organization dedicated to empowering girls in grades three through eight through a unique program that blends social-emotional learning with physical activity. Utilizing running as a powerful tool, their evidence-based curriculum operates during a 10-week after-school program, culminating in a celebratory 5K run. This initiative not only fosters physical fitness but also instills essential life skills, confidence, and camaraderie among young girls.
During the annual meeting, the anticipation builds as each nonprofit will have the opportunity to present their case to Impact Las Vegas members. Following the presentations, a vote will determine who will receive the coveted $118,000 grant. It’s a moment filled with excitement and emotion, as both organizations have passionate missions that resonate with the community’s needs.
For the nonprofit that does not receive the grant, there is still a silver lining. The runner-up will receive a Members’ Award of approximately $13,000, helping them continue their impactful work within the community even if they miss out on the larger grant.