Frequently Asked Questions
Where did 100+ Women originate?
The first 100+ Women Who Care chapter was started in 2006 by Karen Dunigan, the former mayor of Jackson, Michigan. Karen always found it interesting that one of her greatest ideas was born from something as simple and basic as baby cribs.
Karen learned that new mothers in her community were bringing their babies home and placing the sleeping infants in boxes, dresser drawers or on their own beds because they could not afford a proper crib. Some of these babies didn’t survive the night. Karen asked and was presented with a list of how many cribs were needed, the cost of mattresses, blankets and beds. In all, a total of $10,000 was needed.
Karen knew there had to be a way to quickly and easily meet the financial request that was presented by the Center for Family Health. With all of her involvement in the community, Karen knew she could call ten people and ask them to write $1,000 checks, but she also figured she knew 100 women who would each give $100. She began making phone calls and scheduled a meeting. At that first meeting, in one hour, a group of Karen’s friends heard the story and each wrote checks to the charity resulting in a $12,800 donation.
Karen recognized she was on to something special and it too was in its own infancy and needed to be nurtured to grow. She founded the first 100+ Women Who Care and scheduled quarterly giving circles. The rules were simple - any member could present a need in the community, the need had to be immediate and the money had to remain local. The idea was a worthy cause benefits many in the community.
Sadly, Karen passed away on April 15, 2014 after a battle with cancer. Karen saw people for their strengths and realized when 100 or more people come together in a room, each person becomes a powerful force for doing good work while lifting up their community. We are each strong in our own right, but together we are stronger. Karen knew this, applauded it and was so very proud of 100+ Women Who Care.
Karen’s legacy lives on through the expansion of 100+ Chapters throughout the world. There are now more than 800 chapters either fully operational or under development; they include women, men, people and kids chapters. Visit www.100whocarealliance.org for a list of chapters around the world.
Which organizations are allowed to be nominated?
In order to be considered at a meeting, the organization must serve the community of Portage County. The organization must be a non-profit entity recognized as a 501(c) (3) and must be established.
What is a 501(c)(3)?
A 501(c)(3) is defined as "exemptions that apply to corporations, and any community chest, fund or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, educational purposes, to foster national or international amateur sports competition, promote the arts, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals." However, for the purposes of 100+ Women Who Care, all groups up for consideration must be local.
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 can nominate a local organization. The organizers of the meeting will collect the names of the organizations from the members before the meeting. The charity will be given five minute to present their organization and then spend five minutes for Q & A. Only members can nominate a charity and only members can ask questions during the Q & A.
What if I cannot attend a meeting?
If a member cannot attend a meeting she can do one of two things. She can 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 member may also check the website under Selected Charities / meeting minutes for information on where to send her check.
Can I just send the donation to the charity myself?
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 very short, lasting approximately 60 minutes, meetings start promptly at 6pm.
Can I bring a friend to the meeting?
Of course you can! However, they can only attend one meeting as a visitor. In order to vote she will need to sign a Commitment Form and become a member before voting at the meeting.
What if I cannot afford the $400 yearly commitment?
You can build a team of up to four women to meet the $400 yearly commitment. Each team will have one vote per quarterly meeting. The team may submit a single charity for consideration. Any member of the team may make the presentation.
Where did 100+ Women originate?
The first 100+ Women Who Care chapter was started in 2006 by Karen Dunigan, the former mayor of Jackson, Michigan. Karen always found it interesting that one of her greatest ideas was born from something as simple and basic as baby cribs.
Karen learned that new mothers in her community were bringing their babies home and placing the sleeping infants in boxes, dresser drawers or on their own beds because they could not afford a proper crib. Some of these babies didn’t survive the night. Karen asked and was presented with a list of how many cribs were needed, the cost of mattresses, blankets and beds. In all, a total of $10,000 was needed.
Karen knew there had to be a way to quickly and easily meet the financial request that was presented by the Center for Family Health. With all of her involvement in the community, Karen knew she could call ten people and ask them to write $1,000 checks, but she also figured she knew 100 women who would each give $100. She began making phone calls and scheduled a meeting. At that first meeting, in one hour, a group of Karen’s friends heard the story and each wrote checks to the charity resulting in a $12,800 donation.
Karen recognized she was on to something special and it too was in its own infancy and needed to be nurtured to grow. She founded the first 100+ Women Who Care and scheduled quarterly giving circles. The rules were simple - any member could present a need in the community, the need had to be immediate and the money had to remain local. The idea was a worthy cause benefits many in the community.
Sadly, Karen passed away on April 15, 2014 after a battle with cancer. Karen saw people for their strengths and realized when 100 or more people come together in a room, each person becomes a powerful force for doing good work while lifting up their community. We are each strong in our own right, but together we are stronger. Karen knew this, applauded it and was so very proud of 100+ Women Who Care.
Karen’s legacy lives on through the expansion of 100+ Chapters throughout the world. There are now more than 800 chapters either fully operational or under development; they include women, men, people and kids chapters. Visit www.100whocarealliance.org for a list of chapters around the world.
Which organizations are allowed to be nominated?
In order to be considered at a meeting, the organization must serve the community of Portage County. The organization must be a non-profit entity recognized as a 501(c) (3) and must be established.
What is a 501(c)(3)?
A 501(c)(3) is defined as "exemptions that apply to corporations, and any community chest, fund or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, educational purposes, to foster national or international amateur sports competition, promote the arts, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals." However, for the purposes of 100+ Women Who Care, all groups up for consideration must be local.
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 can nominate a local organization. The organizers of the meeting will collect the names of the organizations from the members before the meeting. The charity will be given five minute to present their organization and then spend five minutes for Q & A. Only members can nominate a charity and only members can ask questions during the Q & A.
What if I cannot attend a meeting?
If a member cannot attend a meeting she can do one of two things. She can 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 member may also check the website under Selected Charities / meeting minutes for information on where to send her check.
Can I just send the donation to the charity myself?
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 very short, lasting approximately 60 minutes, meetings start promptly at 6pm.
Can I bring a friend to the meeting?
Of course you can! However, they can only attend one meeting as a visitor. In order to vote she will need to sign a Commitment Form and become a member before voting at the meeting.
What if I cannot afford the $400 yearly commitment?
You can build a team of up to four women to meet the $400 yearly commitment. Each team will have one vote per quarterly meeting. The team may submit a single charity for consideration. Any member of the team may make the presentation.