COMMON QUESTIONS

Find answers to some of the questions you may have regarding 100 Women Who Care here. We’ve addressed some of the most common ones below, but if something isn’t clear feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to assist you in any way possible.

WHAT CHARITIES CAN I NOMINATE AND HOW DO I NOMINATE THEM?

At each meeting charitable non-profit organizations are nominated by you, the members, and their names placed in a basket. Portland SW Suburb organizations with 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt status are eligible. Organization may not be a religious or political entity. We do not fund projects related to partisan politics or elections nor do we fund religious organizations however donations may be made to support non-religious programs provided through these organizations. Three nominated organizations are then drawn and the nominating member has 5 minutes to tell why her organization should be selected. This will be followed by a 5 minute Q & A session for each nominee. A vote is taken, ballots counted and plurality rules! The nomination and voting process is reserved for members only.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL MEETING LOOK LIKE?

Opening remarks by 100WWC member.
The charity that received the funds from the previous meeting will be asked to tell the group how their donations were/will be used within the organization.
The members who nominated the three (3) charities presenting this evening will each have five (5) minutes to present their charity to the group (no PowerPoint or collateral materials, please). A brief Q&A will follow each presenter.
Members will submit their anonymous ballot and the votes are tabulated.
The charity with the most votes is announced.
Checks are written by each member to the selected charity. Remember to bring a check!
A simple concept. A big impact.

HOW SHOULD I PRESENT MY CHARITY IF MY NOMINATION IS DRAWN?

In a brief 5 minutes you need to tell what the charity does, what kind of impact it has on the community and what they will specifically do with the money given to it. Our members are committed to 100 Women Who Care BECAUSE of the simplicity, the potential impact of our donation and the camaraderie while hearing about all the great work in our community. Use your five minutes to make an impact. Even if you aren’t chosen as the recipient for the night, telling your story to our members is great exposure for your charity.

Consider starting with an engaging opening line like “Every month, 75 women in our community are involved in a domestic violence dispute.” Then briefly introduce yourself and tell why you are nominating your charity.

Our members will want to hear the following: (format below is just a suggestion)

1) KNOW THE FACTS! 2 MINUTES

Practice your elevator speech. You need to be able to tell the story of the work the organization does in about 1 minute. Drawn out explanations lose people easily. Write down what they do, how they do it and who is affected. Then wrap that around a few sentences (i.e. funding sources, operating budget, people served) and you’re ready to go!

2) THEN TELL THE HEART STORY! 1 MINUTE

Be sure to think of a way to tie in a personal story of those impacted by the work the charity does so the group has a very clear understanding and can connect to that work. As you prepare, write down WHY you are involved or making the nomination and WHY it matters to you. Write it all down and then time it while you practice.

3) LAST BUT NOT LEAST…SHOW THEM THE MONEY! 1-2 MINUTES

Where will the money go? The people in the room are ready to make a wise choice about where they donate. Present a strong and specific description of what the funds will be supporting. Taking the time to find out where the money will go pays off in the long run and will give you the confidence to stand up and make your pitch to the group.

Be sure to leave time for #3 so it doesn’t seem rushed. It’s a lot to cover but if you practice you will feel more confident knowing you can fit in everything you want to say

A reminder: no PowerPoints, visual aids, additional speakers or handouts. Members are welcome to make brief comments on behalf of your charity during the 5 minute Q & A at our in person meetings.