AUSTIN, Texas – April 22, 2020 –For the first time ever, Girls Giving Grants (g3), the youth initiative of Impact Austin, voted to split its annual award to benefit both of their nonprofit finalists. Adopting the same practice that Impact Austin will apply to its 2020 grants, g3 members will award 75% of their $10,300 award to Friends of the Children Austin and 25% to Mothers’ Milk Bank Austin.
“As we all grew more aware of the lasting impact COVID-19 would have on our community, including our many local nonprofits, we were inspired to offer as much of an impact as possible,” said Girls Giving Grants President and Anderson High School senior Katiana Soenen. “This spurred our decision to fund both finalists for the first time in g3 history. We hope that, in doing so, we can show our support for these organizations in this difficult time and be a part of their impact on our community,” said Soenen.
This year’s class of Girls Giving Grants includes 95 young women in grades 8 – 12 from 18 area schools. Each donated $100 to award meaningful collective grants to the Central Texas nonprofits of the group’s choice. g3 is a model of collective giving designed by Impact Austin to educate and engage young philanthropists.
The g3 team reviewed 36 applications for funding, selected eight semi-finalists for closer evaluation, and conducted two site visits by Zoom, in respect for the shelter in place mandate. The grant to Friends of the Children will support activities that build a sense of community and engagement for youth and their families. The award to Mothers' Milk Bank supports their mission to provide life-saving breastmilk for babies in local NICU units.
Since 2006, g3 has awarded more than $90,000 to the Greater Austin community. Past recipients include The Refuge for DMST, Foster Angels, Center for Child Protection, People’s Community Clinic, Austin Sunshine Camps, Hospice Austin, Helping Hand Home, Casa Marianella, Austin Diaper Bank, and LifeWorks.
The 2019-20 Class of Girls Giving Grants includes students from the following eighteen Austin-area schools and home schools: Anderson High School; Austin High School; Austin Peace Academy; Austin School of Performing & Visual Arts; Bowie High School; Hyde Park High School; Lake Travis High School; Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA); Lively Middle School; McCallum Fine Arts Academy; Murchison Middle School; Paragon Prep; St. Andrew's Episcopal School; St. Dominic Savio Catholic School; St. Michael's Catholic Academy; St. Stephen's Episcopal School; Westlake High School; and Westwood High School.
Enrollment for the 2020-2021 class is temporarily postponed pending further information concerning the COVID-19 crisis. For further information on joining the g3 class of 2020-2021, please contact g3@impactaustin.org.
About Impact Austin
Impact Austin’s mission is to cultivate the collective wisdom and strength of women to transform ourselves and our communities through philanthropy. Impact Austin has now granted nearly $7 million to nonprofit organizations and collaboratives in Central Texas. Learn more at impactaustin.org.
About Girls Giving Grants
Impact Austin’s youth initiative, Girls Giving Grants (g3), creates learning and leadership opportunities for Central Texas girls in grades 8-12. Each participant contributes $100 towards a Central Texas nonprofit working to improve the lives of children; g3 has awarded more than $90,000 since 2006. Learn more at impactaustin.org/girls-giving-grants.
