FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How did The Impact Circle start?
The Impact Circle was started in 2024 by a group of individuals keen to utilise an incredible personal network of friends, colleagues and contacts, to affect positive change in their local and international Sydney Community. The Impact100 model was an ideal way to create a powerful, collaborative, inclusive circle of philanthropic people, all pooling their resources to create an impact.
Do I have to live in Sydney to join?
We are proud to say that the Impact Circle has members all over the globe and you do not need to live in Sydney to be a member.
How does The Impact Circle operate?
All the Australian IMPACT groups follow the key principles of the IMPACT100 model started in the US. Each IMPACT group operates independently but supports each other and shares information. Our shared vision is to grow collective giving in Australia.
What are the key principles of the impact model?
o 100% of the money donated is given away
o Low, affordable minimum donation level
o Agreed mission and shared decision making process
o High impact grants to lesser known charities where $100,000 makes a big difference.
Is my donation tax deductible?
All contributions to the Impact Circle are 100% tax deductible and each donation will received a tax receipt. The Impact Circle operates as a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation (ACF), which is a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). As a sub-fund, this is how the Impact Circle is able to maintain a low administration cost, while also providing tax deductions for donations.
Who is Australian Communities Foundation (ACF)?
ACF is a not-for-profit community foundation committed to helping philanthropic individuals and organisations support community causes and initiatives they care about. Community foundations share the following aims:
o they seek to improve the quality of life for all people within their community
o they are independent from control or influence of other organisations or government
o they are governed by a board of citizens broadly reflective of the communities they serve
o they make grants to other nonprofit and community groups to address disadvantage and a wide variety of emerging and changing needs in the community
o they provide services to donors to help them achieve their philanthropic goals.
What is required of a member?
The Impact Circle was designed as a ‘low-touch’ way for individuals to affect change in their community. Outside of the $1,000 minimum membership there are no other requirements for membership. Each $1,000 parcel allows the right for a single vote during the grant selection process; however proxy voting is also facilitated. Participation is determined by each individual member, there are many opportunities and way to be further involved with the Impact Circle and the IMPACT100 model. Examples include; evaluating grant applications, site visits, potential event planning, membership engagement, etc.
Do I have to sign up for more than a year?
One off donations are available, however the spirit of the Impact Circle is a yearly membership. Each one off donation of the required $1,000 per vote, will entitle a member to the corresponding number of votes, per $1,000 parcel, for that year.
What are my obligations as a member?
Members only obligation is their yearly donation and the utilisation of their corresponding votes.
How does the grant selection committee create the shortlist for the final recipient vote?
The Grant Selection Committee creates a shortlist of received expressions of interest by potential grant recipients via the focus areas, focus demographics and Impact Tenants the Impact Circle operates to support. However each application is evaluated for merit.
What is the selection process for grant recipients?
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Can members of The Impact Circle introduce potential grant recipients?
The Impact Circle welcomes all expressions of interest by potential grant recipients. We encourage our members to introduce organisations as potential grant recipients in areas they are passionate about and would like to support.
Does the Grant Selection committee consider expressions of interest outside of focus areas and demographics?
The Impact Circle welcomes all expressions of interest by potential grant recipients. All expressions of interest are evaluated against our founding tenants and areas of focus.
How does the Impact Circle stay in touch with its members?
The Impact Circle was designed as a ‘low-touch’ philanthropic community. All official communications will be made via the members registered email. Members will receive communications regarding the yearly grant and voting process as well as limited pertinent updates. The Impact Circle also maintains a presence on social media.