Community Impact Program 2026-2028

“The U.S. Semiquincentennial (America 250) demonstrates that meaningful national change begins at the grassroots. By highlighting localized historic preservation, neighborhood volunteerism, and individual storytelling, the commemoration proves that small, community-driven projects organically scale into transformative shifts in our civic identity.” (The celebration of the US 250th birthday as described by AI)

No project is too large or too small if the need and ultimate impact will have a lasting effect in your community. Where do you begin to determine what your project will entail?

ORGANIZE AND IDENTIFY A COMMUNITY NEED

Identify a project that would appeal to members of your community in addition to your club members. A successful project requires the collaboration of community organizations, funding sources, media, and community volunteers.

It is essential that club members are all on board for undertaking a CIP Project. Not all members need to be active members of the steering committee, but all should be included in the initial discussions.

If a project is not easily identified, a valuable resource is a Unity Project from Special Program Areas and/or the Community Service Programs listed in the GFWC Club Manual. Solicit input from community organizations (schools, churches, business leaders and local

officials). The more support you garner from the beginning, the more successful your project will be.

CREATE A PLAN OF ACTION

It would be helpful to have the members of the committee become familiar with the Community Impact Program Award Entry Form. Knowing what will be expected and how the project will be judged will keep everyone focused as they make plans and form timelines.

• Set clear, realistic goals.
• Form definitive committees to avoid duplication of effort.
• Create a workable timeline

REMEMBER this is a project for your community. DO NOT compare your project to any you have read about in the past. Even if you have a similar focus, how you implement the project will be uniquely yours. When the project is done and the reporting begins, PLEASE make sure you enter the contest.

Do not be judge and jury of your project, let the judges decide how well you executed your project.

Once you have done the work, let everyone share in your accomplishment.

Each Community Impact Program Award Entry Form can feature one project based on community need or a Unity Project from one of the Special Program Areas and/or Community Service Programs.

The selected project must be undertaken by a club and accomplished during the award period of

January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact this Chairman at gfwccip@gmail.com or call her at 732-687-3443.