LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The pandemic has hit so many of us where it hurts the most, the wallet. Many nonprofit organizations are feeling the pinch as well.
But 13 Action News anchor Tricia Kean reports one local group is still trying to make a difference in Southern Nevada.
"For this year's grant we're giving away $67,000," said Maureen Romito, executive director of Impact Las Vegas.
ONE LARGE GRANT
One lucky local nonprofit could be getting a much needed financial shot in the arm. The money is coming from the valley women's group, Impact Las Vegas.
"Our members each year deposit or donate $1,000, which we then combine and give back 100% of that as one large grant," said Romito.
COLLECTIVE GIVING
As a valley resident for more than 30 years, Romito says she was looking to make a difference in her community.
"So when I learned about collective giving and the fact that I can still feel like I'm giving a lot more than I could do on my own personal, that became the motivation," said Romito.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 175 GIRLS
Since starting the group in 2012, Impact Las Vegas has donated more than $200,000 to local nonprofits like the nonprofit Girls on the Run, an organization empowering girls through health and fitness.
"It was 2018 and we received $35,000 that went towards scholarships for 175 girls to participate in our program," Girls on the Run Executive Director Kate McLaughlin said.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
She was so impressed with Impact Las Vegas, she joined the group in 2020.
"Realizing that you can make a difference in someone's life like that, it's just incredibly powerful... and when you make a difference for an organization, you make a difference for individuals in the community," said McLaughlin.
BENEFITS TO JOINING
It's a difference other ladies are also looking to make. Even in the middle of a pandemic, the group managed to grow from 58 members in 2019 to 67 in 2020.
Maureen hopes to recruit more members in the years to come and says there are major benefits to joining Impact Las Vegas.
"There are some nonprofit organizations I was not at all aware of that I learned about and have become much more educated about what is really happening in the Las Vegas community and feel so much more of a connection," said Romito.
The deadline for the Impact Las Vegas $67,000 grant is only weeks away. Interested nonprofits have until February first to submit the appropriate paperwork.
