101 Women Sandpoint Grant

101 Women Sandpoint is a nonprofit organization based in Idaho that exists to unify charitable giving among women in order to maximize impact on the Sandpoint community. It is run entirely by volunteers and is a registered 501(c)(3). The organization’s grantmaking efforts are structured around two biannual funding cycles. Each cycle culminates in the distribution of a single award of $11,000 to a local nonprofit, public agency, or community organization that provides needed services or implements targeted projects within Bonner County. The program emphasizes collaboration, shared responsibility, and ensuring that all awarded funds remain within Bonner County to directly benefit the community. The purpose of the 101 Women Grant Program is to provide focused financial support for projects or organizations with measurable outcomes and demonstrable local impact. The Spring cycle prioritizes nonprofits addressing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, physical and mental health, and community safety. The Fall cycle focuses on projects tied to arts, education, recreation, and environmental services. Awards are not split or shared among multiple organizations, and applicants must demonstrate both a well-developed plan and sustainable outcomes. All awardees are expected to report back to the membership on their progress six months after funding and again twelve months post-award. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and public agencies located in Bonner County. Organizations must have valid 501(c)(3) status, a clear project plan with measurable outcomes, leadership and staff capacity, and must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Ineligible applicants include previous recipients who have not yet waited four full grant cycles and previous finalists who have not yet completed two full grant cycles. This policy ensures broad community access and equitable rotation of support. Applications are submitted exclusively online. The Fall 2025 grant cycle is currently open, with applications due on September 30, 2025. The review process includes initial screening by a nine-member Grant Committee consisting of board and community members. Thirty days before the membership meeting, three projects are selected for presentation. The full membership then votes to determine the single awardee. This decision is announced at the event, and funds are distributed within 7 to 10 days. Applicants are notified of their outcome the following day. Evaluation criteria include alignment with community needs, clarity and feasibility of the project plan, sustainability, measurable outcomes, and leadership capacity. A budget must be presented, and applicants must be able to demonstrate the consequences of not being funded. On-site visits or personal conversations with committee members may be part of the evaluation process. The emphasis is on selecting projects that clearly articulate their case for support and can show meaningful and lasting impact in Bonner County. Applications are accepted twice annually on a recurring schedule, making the program predictable and accessible to community organizations. The Fall 2025 deadline of September 30 is the next closing date. Recipients are required to provide progress updates at six months and final outcome reporting at twelve months, both during 101 Women’s membership events. The program fosters accountability while strengthening community connections through shared review and celebration of funded initiatives. For questions or technical issues, applicants can contact 101 Women Sandpoint at 101WomenSandpoint@gmail.com. Mailing correspondence can be directed to PO Box 1412, Sandpoint, ID 83864. The organization maintains a social media presence on Facebook to share updates with the community. The volunteer-run structure and member-driven grantmaking ensure transparency, community ownership, and a continued focus on local benefit.