A Nonprofit Startup
In May of 2016, I was invited to a luncheon to hear three nonprofits make a presentation with the hope of winning a high-impact grant. For me, it was just another “calendar event” where I needed to show up. To my surprise, the event was emotionally moving, highly inspiring, and made a significant impact in the lives of people where I live. I was hooked, wanted to be a part, and soon was recruited to serve on the Board of Directors.
That was the Impact100 Metro Detroit’s first event. After a few years — and over $377,000 donated to local nonprofits — the Board recognized that no one was using the brand language that had been set out in the original strategic plan.
A Workshop Uncovers the Heart of the Brand
Words like “growing” and “cultivating transformation” had gone dormant and incoming board president, Amy Bouque, suggested having a brand strategy workshop to clarify our message. During the workshop, we looked back to the founding members for their motivation and vision for starting the chapter.
Words like “challenge,” “nonprofit heroes,” and “fueling” came to the surface. “Together” had been the central theme and brand essence: that had not changed.
Impact100 Metro Detroit’s Updated Brand Blueprint
The workshop helped clarify the organization’s purpose, mission, vision, core values, brand promise, and a clear brand strategy.
The Need to Rebrand
Once the language came together, people recognized that the leaf motif, which had served the organization in its startup phase, no longer captured the mission of the organization.
The decision to rebrand was made and in March of 2019, at an all-member meeting, Impact100 Metro Detroit (I100MD) revealed it’s new brand identity — their RECHARGED brand — with a clear purpose, mission, and vision.
The Meaning Behind the Logo
The symbol in the new logo represents the challenge that is accepted every year by women working together to “recharge” their grant pool.
Every year their grant pool “empties” as they award a high impact grant. The grants are awarded to local nonprofit heroes who are doing the hard work of transforming lives in our community. Then, each year I100MD re-fuels via new and renewing memberships. The grant pool returns to “Full” so they can award more high-impact grants.
Here’s the Before and After:
Before: Impact100 Metro Detroit’s old logo
After: Impact100 Metro Detroit’s recharged brand identity
Impact100 Metro Detroit’s success is possible because they do it TOGETHER. Who they are and what they do has not changed, but their recharged brand reflects their core purpose: fueling transformation by funding the work of local nonprofit heroes.
From the Impact100 Metro Detroit Website
Our Purpose: Impact Lives in Metro Detroit
Our Mission: To fuel transformation in Metro Detroit by uniting women to support local nonprofit heroes and award high impact grants.
Our Vision: Lives in Metro Detroit are transformed!
Each year, after every grant is awarded, they start from scratch and fuel up for another year of giving; encouraging early membership renewals, recruiting new members and volunteering with nonprofits.
Nonprofit Heroes
Recognizing that the people who make up our local nonprofits are doing the hard work. They’re in the trenches and they need resources to fuel the transformative work they do.
Through the power of collective giving. I100MD enables individual women to do something BIG for the local nonprofits who are transforming lives throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. The people working in our local nonprofit organizations are true heroes.
Bringing Women Together to Give BIG
I100MD promises every member that they are a part of something BIG – impacting lives in Metro Detroit for generations to come. Every member’s commitment and contribution–whether time, talent or financial–is valuable.
While recharging their brand, their all-volunteer team is working hard to maximize every member’s experience. Members will see updates to their membership dashboard, RSVP process for events, and payment system.
I100MD invites all women to share in the challenge to do something BIG!
The work of I100MD is three-fold. They are able to Fuel Transformation in Metro Detroit because of the time, talents and generosity of the caring women that join the organization.
The local nonprofit heroes who do the heavy lifting and work tirelessly day after day in our communities, including the recipients who receive their high-impact grants.
Lives are changed because of the work they do, and Impact100 Metro Detroit is proud to contribute to support these heroes.
Rebranded, Recharged, and Re-fueling
Year over year, I100MD’s membership has grown. Members are united with like-minded women and have an opportunity to teach AND learn, leaning in as little or as much as they want — from sending in a donation to serving on the board. It’s what they do TOGETHER is that makes the difference.
With a clarified brand and mission, they are recharged to move the needle and Fuel transformation in Metro Detroit!
For women who want to join other compassionate women in fueling transformation, visit Impact100MetroDetroit.org.
