As the saying goes, the whole is only as good as the sum of its parts. Impact Austin illuminates that truth with our mission to support Central Texas nonprofits through our collective giving grants. Our grants wouldn't find their deserving recipients without the Grant Review Committees (GRCs) that evaluate various applications every grant cycle.
Few volunteer opportunities will put you in the epicenter of our nonprofit community's needs, like being a member of a GRC. Three Impact Austin members share their experience; please meet - in order of photos below - Amy Atsumi (Class of 2018), Blake Smith (with Community Partner Family Eldercare, Class of 2020), and Tonya Netzley (Class of 2017).
How many GRCs have you been participated in? If more than one, what inspires you to continue?
Amy: I have participated in two. One in my first year and my second in this year. I enjoy learning about the amazing organizations that exist in our community dedicated to helping others.
Blake: This was my first one! Also, my first year in Impact Austin. I would likely want to participate again, because I want to make sure we are good stewards of the members’ money.
Tonya: I continued to serve on a GRC my first three years in Impact Austin, though I took a break for many years. I signed up again in 2021 to see how the GRC process has evolved, including being virtual during the pandemic.
What were your biggest takeaways after serving on a GRC?
Amy: Impact Austin has a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to help these organizations improve peoples' lives. We have awesome, thoughtful members, with each bringing a great perspective to the table.
Blake: As a Community Partner, I learned a lot about what it's like to be on the other side of a grant application. I think the shift towards more trust-based philanthropy is also challenging to achieve, because people want to know how their funds are allocated to make the most significant impact possible.
Tonya: Understanding the core function of Impact Austin - evaluating grant proposals to be awarded. I enjoyed seeing how the thorough GRC process leads to quality grant proposals, and I appreciated working with Impact Austin members I didn't know before.
If you served remotely on a GRC within the last year, do you think remote participation helped or hindered the process? Did you find it easier to attend Zoom meetings vs. meeting in person, and do you have a preference?
Amy: It worked very well participating remotely for all our internal discussions and decisions/voting process. The only possible hindrance was the inability to engage in the site visits in person. So I'd like a hybrid approach with the kick-off and final meetings in person and all other meetings on Zoom.
Blake: