SOCIAL IMPACTS: Girl Power and G3 Awards

In celebration of our 20th anniversary year, Impact Austin is highlighting Community Partnerships. From 112 grants totaling $8.26 million to 91 local nonprofits, here is one story, but a special story encompassing 18 partnerships.

Girls Giving Grants (G3) is a model of collective giving designed by Impact Austin to educate and engage young women in grades 8-12 on the importance of thoughtful giving. Their vision is empowering young women to impact communities in need today and tomorrow. Since 2005-2006 when they launched, G3 has awarded $107,200 to Austin-area nonprofits serving youth.

Every year, one grant* is awarded by G3's membership and funded with $100 from each participant. Their process spans the academic year and includes best-practices training in community needs, DEIB and anti-racism practices, application review, public speaking, and presentation skills. Like Impact Austin practices, the g3 members in grades 8-12 solicit applications, perform reviews, advocate for finalists, conduct site visits, and vote on their grant recipient.

Following is the impressive list of Girls Giving Grants awards to date.

2006 Grant Amount: $2,100

Organization: Austin Children's Shelter

Project Title: New Clothes for Children

Starting in 1984, the Austin Children's Shelter (ACS) provided emergency shelter, high quality care, and hope for the future to the abandoned, abused and neglected children of our community. ACS will use the G3 funds to provide new clothes for children at the shelter. (Note: In 2015, Austin Children's Shelter and SafePlace merged as SAFE.)

2007 Grant Amount: $2,600

Organization: Center for Child Protection

Project Title: Moving Through Crisis

The Center for Child Protection seeks to reduce trauma for children during the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. The G3 grant supports their Moving Through Crisis Project which provides emergency funds for families in crisis. Not only has this project saved lives, but also it has assisted in easing the emotional pain both child abuse victims and their families have experienced.

2008 Grant Amount: $5,700

Organization: LifeWorks

Project Title: Resource Library and Emergency Shelter

LifeWorks Austin is a fearless advocate for youth and families seeking their path to self-sufficiency. The G3 grant will be used for books, toys and mobile bookshelves for the Resource Library at the Emergency Shelter for young families and their children. The project will provide 100 young parents and their babies with the resources they need to build healthy relationships with one another.

2009 Grant Amount: $5,200

Organization: Hospice Austin

Project Title: Camp Braveheart

Hospice Austin's mission is to serve terminally ill and bereaved patients with integrity, compassion and respect. The G3 grant will be used to fund the Camp Braveheart program for a therapeutic counselor, a camp coordinator, camp supplies and volunteer and staff training.

2010 Grant Amount: $5,700

Organization: Austin Sunshine Camps

Project Title: Leadership Program

Austin Sunshine Camps serves over 800 high-potential, low-income youth every summer, and their year-round leadership and mentoring programs serve many more. The Camps provide an overnight summer camp experience at no cost to the children's families. The G3 grant will be used to fund college visits for their Leadership Program consisting of 30-40 at risk youth.