Frequently Asked Questions
Which organizations are allowed to be sponsored?
In order to be considered at a meeting, the organization must be based in the Clear Lake Bay Area. The organization must be a non-profit entity recognized as a 501(c) (3). Only Clear Lake Bay Area based charities, or local chapters of national or international charities, programs or organizations will be considered as our purpose is to make the greatest impact possible to our local community.
What is a 501(c)(3)?
A 501(c)(3) is a designation that meets specific criteria as defined by the IRS. Please contact your tax adviser or visit the IRS Website for further information.
Is my contribution tax deductible?
Yes, your contribution is tax deductible if made payable to a 501(c) (3) organization. Checks are written directly to the local organization NOT to 100 Women Who Care. Please contact your tax adviser or visit the IRS Website for further information.
How is the organization that receives the donation chosen?
A member who has signed the Commitment Form and is present at the meeting can submit a completed Charity Nomination Form. Once the form is complete, the name of the local organization will be placed into the basket for a random drawing at the meeting. The organizers of the meeting will collect the names of the organizations from the members as they arrive and throughout the beginning portion of the meeting. At random, three organizations will be selected from the basket. At the next meeting, the members who wrote down each charity selected will give a brief (3-5 minute) presentation as to why their chosen organization should receive the donation and then take a few minutes to answer any questions. We encourage members to participate by submitting the names of local, worthy, charitable organizations.
How often can I nominate a charity?
A charity can be nominated at every meeting. However, after being voted by the membership as the charity to receive a donation, one year must pass before that charity can be nominated again.
What if I cannot attend a meeting?
If a member cannot attend a meeting she can do one of two things. 1) Send in a blank, signed check with a trusted friend to the meeting (preferred). The friend will write in the name of the charity that is chosen on the check and give it to the organizers on her behalf. The friend may not vote on behalf of the absent member. We can only count the votes of members who are present at the meeting. 2) The member may deliver the check (or mail it) to the Treasurer of 100 Women Who Care – Clear Lake Bay Area within one week of the meeting date.
Can I just send the donation to the charity myself?
No. The goal of the 100 Women Who Care organization is to make a large donation on behalf of the whole group. We want to be able to support this endeavor and give $10,000+ dollars at a time to make a large impact in our community, with each member's donation being part of the larger donation.
How long do the meetings last?
Meetings are intended to be short, generally lasting approximately 45 minutes, but no longer than one hour. Plan on arriving early to take care of any commitment forms, nomination forms, sign-in, etc. so that we can begin each meeting promptly at 6:30 pm. There is also a 30 minute social prior to the meeting and begins at 6:00. A cash bar is available, the entire proceeds of which go toward underwriting the cost of the meeting room.
Can I bring a friend to the meeting?
Of course you can! However, in order to vote she will need to sign a Commitment Form and become a member before voting at the meeting.
Can I discontinue my membership at any time?
Yes, if you find 100 Women Who Care isn't for you, just send an email to the Membership Chair indicating your withdrawal.
Can charities solicit members of this organization?
No. 100 Women Who Care will request that charities who receive donations agree not to sell, give or use contact information for solicitation purposes.