Ripple Impact NW, a new nonprofit aimed at expanding the breadth and depth of philanthropy in Clark County, officially launched this month.
Founded by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Heidi Johnson Bixby and based in downtown Vancouver, Ripple Impact NW was created to connect local nonprofits with people looking to give.
“Ripple Impact NW helps people better understand community needs, how nonprofits work, and their own values and motivations, so they can make more informed decisions to create or develop further their own practice of philanthropy,” Jeanne Kojis, Ripple Impact NW board chair and consultant, said in a news release.
As a philanthropist, giving can be a challenge, Kojis said. How do you find out what the greatest needs are in the community? Why does it sometimes look like two groups are doing the same thing? And how do you know if an organization is legitimate?
These are the kinds of questions Ripple Impact NW wants to help local philanthropists answer. To do that, consultants with the organization provide resources to create giving plans for individuals, families and businesses, whether they have $100 or $1 million to donate.
A small, dedicated team was brought together by Bixby to help launch Ripple Impact NW, and the organization’s five board members bring a wide range of nonprofit experience to the table.
Consultants do not offer financial or tax advice, nor do they hold investments for donors. Instead, they meet each prospective donor where they are on their giving journey and help to connect them with local nonprofits aligned with their goals, Kojis said.
This is accomplished through three core programs: Legacy Giving consultations, Discovery Sessions and Giving Circles.
Legacy Giving consultations are available for individuals, families and businesses wanting to increase their engagement and impact in the community. A consult form is available online at rippleimpactnw.org/consult-form.
Discovery Sessions are interactive, half-day educational events that cover a variety of philanthropy basics, from understanding nonprofits to the tax implications of giving. Guest speakers cover a wide range of topics, and each participant leaves the event with a personal plan for giving. Anyone who wants to learn more about philanthropy is encouraged to attend. The next Discovery Session will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 30 at Ripple Impact NW’s headquarters, 275 W. Third St., Suite 400. People interested in attending must complete a Discovery Sessions inquiry at rippleimpactnw.org/discovery-workshop-inquiry.
Giving Circles bring philanthropists together to pool their resources for greater financial impact on community issues. There will be multiple Giving Circles per year, and each will address one community issue. Participants in each Giving Circle meet for five to six sessions to discuss the topic and to learn more from guest speakers. This year’s topics include children’s mental health, the natural world, homelessness and more. To learn more about Giving Circles, visit rippleimpactnw.org.
“Working with donors, sponsors, and the nonprofit community, Ripple Impact NW generates positive change for Clark County,” Kojis said. “Collectively, we grow in knowledge, understanding, skills and — I believe — compassion. That’s the secret sauce of philanthropy.”