mentor program FAQs
Q. What is the Mentor Program (formerly the Ambassador Program)?
A. Mentors are members with more than one-year of experience with Impact Grants Chicago. Mentors are assigned a new member as their "mentee" and responsible for making them feel welcome, informed, connected, and engaged in our mission.
Q. How many women will I be mentoring?
A. As a Mentor, you will be assigned 3-10 women; depending on how many new members and Mentors sign up each grant cycle.
Q. How would I start as a Mentor?
A. Once you are assigned a new member, you will email her to introduce yourself and ask her if she would like to connect (e.g., phone call, email, coffee). You will be provided with a welcome email template that you can customize.
Q. What if new members ask questions about Impact Grants that I cannot answer?
A. We suggest you familiarize yourself with the information on our website including the Membership FAQs and Volunteer sections. If answers are not found, please email info@impactgrantschicago.org
Q. What other duties does a Mentor have?
A. Mentors set-up at least one in-person event so that the women they are mentoring can meet for a coffee, a happy hour, a walk or another social activity you choose. You may also connect with new members at Impact Grants Chicago events so that you can welcome them in person and make them feel comfortable. You will also be asked to personally email them information about Impact Grants Chicago events. Templates or information to use in your email communications will be provided.
Q. Can I work with other Mentors to plan a group activity?
A. Yes. Group activities are a great way to have new members meet other members.
Q. How long is the term of the Mentor?
A. We ask that Mentors help their new members for a full grant cycle (June to May). Mentors will have the option to remain a Mentor the next grant year.
Q. Can I be involved in the Grant Review Process and be a Mentor?
A. Yes. Your role as a Mentor has a modest time commitment so you can be involved with other volunteer opportunities and/or the Grant Review Process.
Q. I have only been a member for 1 year, can I still be a Mentor?
A. Yes. We will help you learn more about Impact Grants Chicago and how to support new members.
Q. When will I be assigned my list of new members?
A. You will be assigned new members on a rolling basis as they join Impact Grants Chicago. Membership signup is primarily June 1 to December 31; most members join in October, November, and December.