There’s something special about the way things come together in the Leadbelt. Sometimes, it starts with a simple conversation. It might be at a youth softball game, a PTO meeting, or at your local coffee shop.
If you’re lucky, those conversations turn into something much bigger. Wheels start turning and ideas begin to form. Ideas that are for the betterment of families in your neighborhood. Fundraisers and community togetherness begin to work as one. Real change begins to take form.
That same spirit is now behind Impact100 Spark the Leadbelt, a growing movement of women who believe that small, intentional actions as a unit, can create considerable change. But this isn’t your typical fundraiser or one-time event. It’s something slower, more thoughtful, and very powerful.
For Marla Black, founding member and Board President, that idea felt both familiar and necessary. Like so many in the Leadbelt, she understands the value of community - how much can be accomplished when people decide to show up for one another.
According to Marla Black, “Impact100 partners with the community by building strong relationships with local nonprofits, community leaders, and residents to better understand the needs in the area. Through the grant process, nonprofit organizations share the projects and programs that will make the greatest impact, and members work together to review and support those efforts. In addition to funding, the organization also raises awareness of important community initiatives and encourages collaboration, helping strengthen the network of people and organizations working to improve the community.”
At its core, the idea is simple: gather a group of women who care deeply about where they live, invite them to invest in their community, and give them a direct voice in how that investment is used.
“For me, the most rewarding part of Impact100 is seeing what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose. Individually, it can sometimes feel like our contributions are small, but collectively they create a powerful impact for local nonprofits and the people they serve. It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of something that not only supports important programs in the community but also inspires others to get involved and make a difference.” says Black.
What makes this effort stand out isn’t just the structure, it’s the feeling behind it. There’s a sense of ownership, of connection, of wanting to be more engaged with the place you call home. For many, it’s also about building relationships - meeting other women who share that same feeling toward community, and discovering fresh ways to contribute.
Anyone interested in joining can simply reach out through the chapter’s website or attend one of the group’s informational events. Membership involves an annual contribution of $1,000 that goes directly toward funding grants for local nonprofits.
“What makes Impact100 so special is that members don’t just donate — they also have the opportunity to learn about community needs, serve on committees, and ultimately vote on which organizations will receive the grants. It’s a powerful way for individuals to come together and make a meaningful impact in their own community”, said Black.
As momentum continues to build, Impact100 Spark the Leadbelt invites women across the region to be part of what comes next. Whether you’re ready to join, curious to learn more, or simply looking for a new way to connect with your community, this is an opportunity to get involved.