Empowering Women Through Philanthropy
Women have always been the backbone of philanthropy, and the generous women in Indian River County are no exception. In the summer of 2001, the late Ellie McCabe established Women & Philanthropy (W&P) to educate women about charitable planning and giving. By December 2003, Ellie envisioned a new way to support local nonprofits by encouraging broader engagement from women in the community.
In October 2008, a pivotal moment occurred when Susan Hopkins, a W&P member, invited Debbie Ritchie, founder of Impact 100 Pensacola, to speak at a breakfast meeting. This sparked the formation of a Leadership Team, comprised of five dedicated women who shared the responsibility of moving the initiative forward. With the support of local foundations and community leaders, Impact 100 of Indian River County was officially formed by December 2008.
In its inaugural year, Impact 100 IR recruited 205 members and awarded two grants totaling $205,000 to local nonprofits, including the Exchange Club’s Family Service Center and the Treasure Coast Food Bank’s Backpack Buddies Program. Over the years, the organization has grown significantly, becoming one of the largest chapters in the world with nearly 500 members.
Since its inception, Impact 100 IR has awarded over $6 million in grants to 58 nonprofits, funding 96 critical projects that enhance the lives of residents in Indian River County. The organization became an independent 501(c)(3) in July 2019, marking a major milestone in its journey.