Who can join 100 Women Who Care?
We accept all women no matter where you live. We have ladies from all over and some grew up in Lanark County and want to give back. Members donate $100 donations, 4 times in a year, to a total of $400 regardless of charity chosen. This can be paid in full at the beginning of the year in full, or, $100 per meeting.
We decided if you chose to join our initiative and are under 40 years of age you can donate $50, 4 times a year, to a total of $200 regardless of the charity chosen. This can be paid in full at the beginning of the year, or $50 per meeting. You can always give more if you wish.
How do I nominate a charity?
The charity and non-profit organization submission form are ONLY sent to registered members by email in the weeks leading up to the meeting. This submission form is not published publicly and is only available to registered members. If you are a member who hasn’t received a nomination form, please contact us at 100womenlanark@gmail.com.
How do Lanark County charities and non-profit organizations get involved?
Charities must be nominated by a member of 100 Women Who Care Lanark. We invite organizations to follow us on social media and educate our members and followers about their projects. Many members are looking for a charitable cause to nominate and will find info within our social media discussions and posts. If charities follow along on social media the night of the event they will get an idea of the excitement and what is happening as it takes place.
Which charitable organizations are eligible?
In order to be eligible to present to our membership, nominated charities must meet the following criteria:
1) Must be a registered non-profit or charitable organization that’s eligible to provide a tax receipt for donations
2) Must be established for at least one year (NO start-ups)
3) Must be based in Lanark County
Initially, no national or international charities, programs or organizations will be considered as the current focus is on contributing to our local community. If , down the road, we consider a national or international charity, 100% of the money they receive from us MUST go back into Lanark County. It can be used to start a new initiative, but no funds are to be spent outside of Lanark County. Organizations will be asked if this is possible when vetted, and if it is not, they will be removed from the nomination pool.
An organization that is selected for the group donation may not be considered again within a 3 year period. The exception is a specific program within a large organization (for example a specific department or program within a hospital), which may be considered again after one year for a different program or department.
How does the nomination process work?
Members nominate charitable organizations for consideration. Nominations are entered into a draw and 3 are selected and vetted prior to the event. A representative of the charity or the nominating member are asked to make a 5 minute presentation at the meeting and members vote. The organization with the greatest number of votes is the recipient of the funds. In the event of a tie the evening of the vote, a tie breaking vote will be held immediately. Members will be asked to vote a second time between the two charities.
100 Women Who Care Lanark County is meant to even the playing field. No PowerPoint presentations, no brochures – just five minutes to tell members why an organization deserves our donation. We felt strongly that we could provide both a forum for funding, and a way to better educate Lanark County on many of the many charitable organizations that exist here. Other chapters off the 100 Who Care have indicated from members, recipients and presenters alike that they have learned about organizations and good work being done locally that they knew nothing about.
What should I expect at a meeting?
We meet in person 4 times a year to listen to the charities and vote. Here is a sample agenda for the In-person meetings. It can change. If you are not able to attend there Is a video that each charity has submitted that will be sent the week prior to the meeting day. There Is an option to vote online If you are not attending the meeting. If you are attending the vote will happen in person.
Sample Agenda
6:00 – Registration opens
6:25 – Please have a seat
6:30 – Opening Remarks
– Instructions on evening and voting
– Announce our 3 Charitable organization finalists
– Charitable organization Presentations
– 5 minutes each, no PowerPoint or collateral materials
– Voting and tabulation – (enjoy a snack and a drink)
– Each member receives a ballot: write down your vote and attach a blank cheque with an envelope & stamp
– Update presentation from last meeting’s recipient
– Announce the selected recipient (most votes)
– Cheque Presentation & Pictures
– House Keeping and Door Prizes
What if I can’t attend a meeting?
There is no requirement to attend meetings. We have many members who have never come but donate each quarter. We have the option that you can vote online prior to the deadline if you cannot make a meeting and videos of the charities are emailed out to all members. Your vote will only count If you are In good standing with your donation. Payment can be made via Email Money Transfer to 100womenwhocarelanark@gmail.com or checques can be dropped off to ReMax Affliates at 515 McNeely Ave, (next to Starbucks) Carleton Place, ON K7C 2T8 before the day of the meeting, or send a cheque for $100 and a self-addressed unsealed envelop with another member. (leave the “to” field empty” and we will fill that in with the chosen charity)
Can I bring a friend to the meeting?
You are welcome to bring guests to regular meetings. They can sign up In the Eventbrite In order to get the details of the meeting.Special events it will be for members only.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, as only registered not-for-profit and charitable organizations will be sponsored by the group. Cheques are written directly to the charitable organization and NOT to 100 Women Who Care Lanark County. Tax receipts will be issued directly by the charitable organization. Sometimes at the end of the year or beginning of the next year.
Can I just send the donation to the charity myself?
Because the goal of 100 Women Who Care Lanark County is to make a large donation on behalf of the whole group, the answer is no. 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. This is the power of joining forces! We also need to be able to track your donations so that you get credit for the donation and remain eligible for submitting charities and voting at meetings.
What happens if I don’t like the charities that were nominated, can I skip a donation?
No, When you commit to 100 WWC you are accepting your fellow members nominations and the majority who votes for a particular charity that Is where the funds go. To not honour your commitment is difficult for the following reasons:
1. We like to let the charities know how much to expect in donations.
2. We are volunteers and It takes time and money to follow up with members looking for donations
3. If members choose when they want to donated it would not be fair to the charities and your fellow members who donated to your charity that was chosen.
What happens when I don’t make my donation?
We understand that life happens, and we can pause your membership if financial struggles arise. If however, there are 3 payments in a row not made we will be sorry to see you go. 💛 This option is not available if you don’t like the chosen charity, however.
Does any of my donations go to administration costs of 100 Women Who Care Lanark County?
Absolutely not! 100 Women Who Care Lanark County is organized and operated entirely by volunteers and sponsors. 100% of the money raised at our meetings goes directly to the selected organizations!
How does 100 Women Who Care of Lanark County value privacy?
New members will receive a confirmation from within a week of joining. If you have not received it please contact us. We also update Facebook. We send group emails to members from and/or and/or with info like venue directions, updates etc. To receive these communications please add all 3 of these emails to your to your address books so you don’t miss anything. We make every effort to reach you but sometimes your security settings prohibit us from getting things to you. If you change your email address please let us know.
Should you wish to discontinue membership at any time, please send an e-mail to indicating your withdrawal.
How long has 100 Women Who Care Lanark County been in existence?
Jeannie Mongrain and Lynn Vardy were immediately drawn to the idea after hearing about 100 Women Who Care during Christmas of 2016. A little bit of wine later & here we are!
How does 100 Women Who Care of Lanark County communicate with members?
We communicate with our members primarily via email, which is why we ask that you add us to your “safe” list, so you don’t miss out on communications about meetings and charities! We also use social media – Facebook and Instagram, to keep our members informed!
Who’s behind the 100 Women Who Care?
Lynn Vardy is the co-founder of this chapter in Lanark County. You may also get emails from Kayla Somers, who takes care of many of the administrative tasks behind the scenes, before and after the meetings. There is a steering committee of members who are volunteers and help with many aspects of the organization.