Impact 100, a women's organization with chapters throughout the United States, is currently halfway through its 2026 membership drive. There are several opportunities for those interested in joining this incredible group to meet its members and learn more about the impact they are having on our communities throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area.

For those who are not familiar with the Impact 100 organization, we wrote an article on the Baldwin County chapter in 2023, republished here, highlighting the organization's history, the process for grant consideration, and monitoring the impact each grant has on the community. We have updated information regarding this year’s membership drive event dates and times below.

Susie Cerf, who moved to Fairhope with her husband, Larry, three years ago, joined the Baldwin County Impact 100 chapter at the urging of her cousins, Belle Bear in Pensacola and Ann Miller in Fairhope. Belle is one of the founding members and an active board member of the Impact 100 Pensacola Bay Area chapter, which is the largest in the United States. Belle is passionate about the impact they are making in Pensacola, and Susie shared her personal experiences since she joined Baldwin County Impact 100.

“I truly feel Impact 100 has helped me feel more a part of this special community that we are blessed to live in. Larry and I moved here only 3+ years ago, and the “impact” of joining Impact 100 was felt immediately. Belle Bear’s sister, the late Ann Miller, of Fairhope, who is also a cousin, was a founding member of Baldwin County Impact 100, so she and Belle are both my Impact inspiration.”

She goes on to say that her experiences may very well help other gals, especially those new to the community, as well as those currently living here, who are not familiar with Impact 100.  Joining the group will help them find a way of getting involved in a wonderful organization that truly makes a difference today, and most especially for our future. 

“Along the way, in addition to the positive impact we are making in the community, Impact 100 opens doors and makes it easy to meet and make new, like-minded, lasting friendships. It’s a win-win all the way around.”

Since we last wrote about Impact 100, Baldwin County membership has grown significantly. Kathryn Ward, Impact 100 Baldwin County, tells me the organization is hoping to reach a record “new member” high this year. The current membership drive, which began in November 2025, ends on March 31, 2026, and there are still two “Meet and Mingle” events for those interested to learn more about the organization:

“This year's membership drive kicked off in November with a wonderful turnout at The Hope Farm in Fairhope. We’ve held other recruitment events in Gulf Shores, Daphne, and Foley during our membership drive. We have steadily grown our membership and impact since the last article was written, growing from 471 members in 2023 to 512 in 2024 to 554 in 2025. This year, we hope to have another record-setting year!” says Kathryn.

Since 2008, Impact 100 Baldwin County has awarded $6.5 million in grants to 67 non-profit organizations. “We are a large county,” says Kathryn, “and we feel there is plenty of room to grow so we can make even a bigger impact!” 2025 was the first year Impact 100 awarded a 6th grant. The 2026 Big Reveal for Impact 100 of Baldwin County will be announced on April 21.

Here is the link to learn more about Impact 100 Baldwin County and which organizations received grants. Make plans to attend the upcoming Meet and Mingle events to meet the members and learn more about how you can join this dynamic group of local women making a difference in our community.