FAIRHOPE, Alabama—Impact 100 Baldwin County, a nonprofit group of South Alabama women that started in 2008, will award two $106,000 grants from among five finalists at its annual meeting next weekend.

When the group meets Nov. 6 at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, five area nonprofits will present summaries of their projects, with selections of the two grantees to be announced at the meeting, following a vote of the membership.

From among 25 proposals, the applicants were narrowed to five, with the following groups vying for two grants in five categories: Eastern Shore Art Association (Arts and Culture); Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation (Education); The Nature Conservancy (Environment); Family Promise of Baldwin County (Family); and Prodisee Pantry (Health and Wellness).

“Congratulations, and thank you for the important work you do in Baldwin County,” Nancy Corte, the group’s president, told representatives of the finalist groups recently, when learning they had made the final round.

Now completing its fourth year, Impact 100 will award two grants for the first time this year.

“As our membership grows we are able to add more grants,” said Cindy McBrearty, membership chairperson. “One hundred percent of the members’ dollars comprise the awards. We are continually working to find women who want to truly impact Baldwin County nonprofits, and who will join us in this effort by contributing $1,000 each year to Impact 100.”

The Impact 100 concept started in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2001, with 14 groups now working nationwide, according to local organizers. Initiated by Irene Meehan, the Baldwin County group started with 82 members and now has nearly 200, according to a group spokesperson.

The organization identifies its mission as “a community of women seeking to transform the lives in Baldwin County by awarding high-impact grants to nonprofits” in the five subject areas.

Impact 100 Baldwin County has increased its grants awards from single grants of $82,000 in 2008, to $150,000 last year, with the two $106,000 awards to be announced next Sunday in Point Clear.

“Wouldn’t it be great if we could award five grants next year, with one in each category? said Jerry Graham, grant coordinator. ”It is truly heartbreaking to select only two of these well-deserving agencies.”

For membership information and how to submit a grant proposal next year, go to www.impact100baldwincounty.org.