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Member Spotlight: Valeria Galarza

Valeria Galarza is a new member to Impact100 SJ, having joined for the 2020 Grant Year. She learned about Impact100 South Jersey from a colleague at a meeting where they were discussing local fundraising efforts and ideas. She was impressed with this local movement of women making a difference towards a common goal and wanted to contribute to further support our communities and nonprofits that do such important work.

Val is a Principal Consultant at ALTA Impact Partners. She has been in the nonprofit sector for 20 years, most recently with Cooper’s Ferry Partnership in Camden, before founding ALTA.

Val feels that the most rewarding aspect of being a member is being able to think strategically about how and where to invest funding where it is most needed. She shared that,

“Although I am still new, I’ve learned about the extensive process that takes place in trying to understand the needs in our communities while ensuring funds are directed responsibly.”  

She participated on the Grant Finance Committee which she feels is a thorough and impressive process. This committee ensures applicants have the required financials and are in good financial standing.

Val’s membership is a personal commitment to the South Jersey region.  When asked if Impact100 SJ is part of her legacy, Val responded,

“Yes, I hope this opportunity allows me to build on what seems to be my legacy thus far. I have approximately 20 years of nonprofit and public health experience in SJ. I have been a recipient of many grants throughout my career and consider my membership an opportunity to share this experience about the receiving side of philanthropy. I believe funders and grantees can establish relationships that go beyond the check and a mid/end of year reports. Nonprofits play such critical roles in communities when given the resources but only get to share a fraction in grant reports. Funders and grantees should be thought partners. Being an active funder towards one common goal alongside community partners helps move “the work” forward. That collective connection opens the door for strategic alignment towards true impact.”

Val is also a wife, mom of two boys, and a proud Jersey girl who cares deeply about positive social and community change.