In 2014, our founder, Melissa Kelley invited a dozen women to explore the idea of creating a local women’s giving circle. She was inspired by Impact 100 Sonoma Valley and thought there could be a similar chapter to serve other areas of Sonoma County. Overnight, founding members Carol Orme and Vicki Groninga arranged for additional gatherings to explain the Impact 100 concept and recruit members. With their determination to make a difference, Impact 100 Redwood Circle was officially established in 2015. By 2016, the first $100,000 Impact Grant and five smaller Community Grants were awarded.
The momentum has continued. As of November 2024, we have 260+ members and our cumulative grantmaking totaled $1.7 million dollars to over 60 nonprofits throughout Sonoma County.
As a passionate group of dedicated women with strategic philanthropic goals, we love nothing more than adding to our membership to further amplify our power of giving.
TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED
as of November 1, 2024
$900,000
9 Impact Grants
$160,000
12 Merit Grants
$648,000
59 Community Grants