volunteer
How Can I Get Involved?
As a member of Impact Grants Chicago, you are encouraged to choose your level of involvement. Sharing the gift of your time, talents and experience is a valuable contribution to our organization. Additionally, members who volunteer can enrich their experience and connect with other members. To learn more about volunteering with Impact Grants Chicago watch our recent Volunteer Information Session for members.
Watch video below:
There are several ways you can help:
Join a Grant or Financial Review Committee
One of the unique aspects of the Impact Model is the opportunity for members to become involved in the actual vetting of the grant applications by serving on a Grant Review or Financial Review Committee. It is the role of these member committees to select the finalists who will present to the entire membership at the Grant Awards Celebration.
Grant Review Committees (GRCs)
There are seven Grant Review Committees that evaluate the grant applications from the nonprofits. Some GRCs are completely virtual, but most have a combination of virtual and in-person meetings. The committees meet once a month in January, February, March, and May to review the grant applicants and select the ones that move forward in our process. In mid-April, group members will virtually attend three Insightful Visits. You can choose your meeting group based on the time and day of the week that works best for you. No experience or expertise is required; virtual training is provided prior to the first meeting and materials are available to explain each step in the process.
Financial Review Committee (FRC)
There is also a Financial Review Committee that works with the Grant Review Committees to make sure the nonprofits moving forward are financially sound. New members will be assigned a “buddy” to answer questions and provide support throughout the process. FRC Members work independently, and then attend one virtual FRC Committee meeting to summarize their findings for the group. In addition, the FRC supports the Insightful Visits with the leadership teams from the non-profits, and participates in finalist selection with the Grant Review Committee. More detail about the financial review process is available here.
Sign-up for these committees takes place online in early January. More information will be provided to members by email at that time. Anyone planning to be on a Grant Review or Financial Review Committee must sign up to be a member and be paid in full by December 31.
If you have any questions regarding Grant Review or Financial Review Committees, please contact us at
info@impactgrantschicago.org.
Click here to see the 2023-24 GRC and FRC committee schedules.
Sign Up as a “One and Done” Volunteer
Becoming a One and Done volunteer is an easy way to meet other members and contribute whenever you have time. We keep a list of volunteers who may want to help at events, complete small projects (name tags, mailings etc.) or host one of our Pop-Up Neighborhood walks. We will refer to the list of names whenever we need a few helpers or a walk leader. You can also volunteer to help at a specific event you plan to attend by emailing the volunteer coordinator listed when you sign up to attend. To get on our One and Done Volunteer List or if you have any questions, please email volunteer@impactgrantschicago.org.
Become a Mentor
As a returning member, you can volunteer to become a Mentor and share your passion for our organization by helping to onboard women who are new to Impact Grants Chicago. We want each new member who joins Impact Grants Chicago to feel welcome, informed and empowered as we help them choose their level of participation and learn about our mission.
Please contact volunteer@impactgrantschicago.org for more information or to become a Mentor.
Join a Committee
There is much that happens behind the scenes to keep Impact Grants Chicago running efficiently. Your background and experience can provide a meaningful contribution to one of our Committees. Board Directors lead committees to focus on various projects throughout the year. Joining a Committee is a great way to learn more about our Board of Directors and operations. Available Committees are:
- Event Planning
- Finance
- Grantee Engagement
- Membership Engagement
- Technology Support
- Corporate Development & Sponsorship
- Outreach & Diversity
To inquire about participation in a Workgroup, please email volunteer@impactgrantschicago.org to be connected with the appropriate Director for more details.
Share your Professional Expertise
From time to time, we call upon our members for their professional advice. If you are willing, please notify us if you have access to or expertise in any of these areas. Doing so will not obligate you as a volunteer, nor does it guarantee that you will be called. We truly appreciate your support.
- Accounting & Finance: Assist with the collection and reporting of financial data and/or occasionally help with accounting questions.
- Legal: Provide legal assistance when the need arises.
- Communications: Help compose and/or edit our newsletters, website and annual report.
- Event Space: Donate office, home or event space for various meetings and events.
- Graphic Design: Design graphics and layouts for various online and print materials.
- Photography and Videography: Take photos and videos of our events.
- Public Relations: Share your PR expertise to promote Impact Grants Chicago.
- Social Media: Post photos, graphics, and information to our social media platforms.
- Software Evaluation: Help with strategic technology evaluations and decisions on new or existing data management systems.
- Technology/Report Writing: Provide technical guidance on our databases and software.
- Website Design: Assist with website design and content updates.
Contact volunteer@impactgrantschicago.org for more information.