FAQ

What is 100WWCALBANY?

100 Women Who Care Albany is an organization of women who share a common desire to give back to their local community. Individually, each member commits to donate $100 per quarter ($400 annually) to support non-profit groups in our community. The original 100 Women Who Care  was started in Jackson, Michigan in 2006. More than 350 chapters have spread throughout communities in the United States and across the globe.

Which organizations may be considered by 100WWCALBANY?

Nominations must have 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt status and be willing to designate the funds for use locally.  Recipients must agree not to solicit members or share names or other information about 100 Women Who Care Albany members. Organizations may not be a religious or political entity. We do not fund projects related to partisan politics or elections nor do we fund religious organizations however donations may be made to support non-religious programs provided through these organizations. National organization are only eligible if the funds will be used exclusively in the Capital District (Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer counties). Learn more here.

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.  A local project associated with a national charity may be considered if 100% of the donated funds stay in the Capital District (Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer counties). Learn more here.

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 advisor or visit the IRS Website for further information. Tax receipts will be issued to you directly by the charity, which is why you need to have a current address on or attached to your check.

How do I nominate a charity?

Once you join our chapter you may nominate a charity. You will need to email your name and the name of the charity you are nominating to 100wwcalbany@gmail.org no later than the Monday night before the meeting. Any charity not submitted in advance of the meeting will not be eligible for selection that evening. Before submitting your nomination, please complete our nomination form to ensure you have all of the information you need about your charity. Learn more here.

All charitable organizations up for consideration must be local.  A local project associated with a national charity may be considered if 100% of the donated funds stay in the Capital District (Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer counties).

View charities that have already been recipients here.

 How do I become a member?

It couldn’t be easier!  Attend our next meeting and sign a commitment form to register as a member.   We meet quarterly on the second Thursday of February, May, August and November at the Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Ave., Delmar.

Can I bring a friend to the meeting? 

Of course you can! However, in order to vote she will need to sign a commitment form and become a member before voting at the meeting.  She is, of course, welcome to donate to the selected charity if she chooses to do so.

What commitment am I making by becoming a member?

Membership in 100 WWC ALBANY includes making an annual tax deductible donation of $400 ($100 per quarter) to local charities serving the Capital District.  Attendance at meetings is not mandatory but the donation is.

Membership is for a one (1) year period of time and will renew automatically unless notice is given.  Members may withdraw at any time.  Should you wish to discontinue membership, please contact us indicating your withdrawal from 100WWCALBANY.

Members who have not paid their quarterly commitment forfeit their right to vote or submit a charity for nomination until they have caught-up with their outstanding commitment(s).

What if I can’t  attend a meeting?

If you cannot attend a quarterly meeting you should do one of the following:

  • Give your blank $100 check and your proxy vote to a friend who is attending the meeting. She can vote your proxy and fill in the name of the selected charity and turn it in for you.
  • Mail your $100 check before the meeting or immediately after the meeting to 100WWC Albany, PO Box 472, Delmar, NY 12054. Absent members will receive an email with the pertinent details.

Do I have to nominate a charity?

No. Many women like to just show up and make a donation. While all members have the opportunity to nominate a charity, it is not a requirement of membership.

 Can a charity nominate itself?

No, a charity must be nominated by a member.

Can I send the donation to the charity myself?

The goal of the 100 Women Who Care organizations 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.

What if I don’t care for the charity that has been selected?

Each member commits to donating $100 per quarter ($400/ annually) even if they are unable to attend the meetings or do not care for the selected non-profit.

How long do the meetings last?

Meetings will take no more than an hour. We plan to start promptly at 5:30 pm. If you wish to stay later, there are restaurants, a wine bar and a coffee shop nearby for socializing.

What happens at a 100WWC ALBANY meeting?

Generally, our meetings will go as follows:

5:00 to 5:30 pm – Check-in and mingling
5:30 pm – Meeting begins

  • Opening remarks by 100WWC member.
  • The charity that received the funds from the previous meeting will be asked to tell the group how their donations were/will be used within the organization.
  • Three (3) nominated charities will be selected at random from the basket.
  • The members who nominated those three (3) charities will each have five (5) minutes to present their charity to the group (no PowerPoint or collateral materials, please). A brief Q&A will follow each presenter.
  • Members will submit their anonymous ballot and the votes are tabulated.
  • The charity with the most votes is announced.
  • Checks are written by each member to the selected charity.
  • A simple concept.  A big impact.

6:30 pm – Meeting is adjourned.

What do you do with my personal information?

100WWCALBANY collects your personal information (including name, email address, phone number, and mailing address) strictly for the purpose of keeping in contact with our members.  100WWCALBANY will not sell, give, or otherwise share your personal information with any third party.  Ever.  We may occasionally recognize our members via social media and other media or take group photos.  If you want to remain anonymous you must let us know at the time of joining.

How much of my donation goes to the administration costs of 100WWCALBANY?

Absolutely zero! 100WWCALBANY is organized and operated entirely by women who volunteer their time.  We do not collect any money for administration.   100% of funds donated at a meeting go directly to the selected charity!