Annual ‘Big Give’ awards transformational funding to expand bed delivery program; four other nonprofits also honored as finalists
Out of five finalists, St. Francis Prayer Center in Flint was awarded an $87,000 grant from Impact100 Genesee County.
The other finalists included ABC Youth, Crim Fitness Foundation, Ireland’s Dream, and Youth Arts: Unlocked. This was the second consecutive year that St. Francis Prayer Center was a finalist in Impact100 Genesee County’s Big Give.
This year’s Big Give event was held September 24 at the Sloan Museum of Discovery. During the event, finalists hosted booths to share information about their organizations with Impact100 members and guests. Later in the evening, each finalist had six minutes to “pitch” their project. After the presentations, members voted on which organization should receive this year’s grant.
“Founded in March 2023, Impact100 Genesee County brings together women from across the community to fund transformational grants for nonprofits in the region.”
It is a diverse group of women—of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds—united by a shared commitment to making meaningful change.
To learn more about the organization or how to join, search Impact100 Genesee County online.
“It’s a very emotional and exciting evening,” said Katie Kool, president of Impact100 Genesee County, speaking about the Big Give awards dinner.
“At Impact100 Genesee County, we empower women to transform lives in our community one grant at a time,” Kool said. “It truly brings us joy to know that by combining our resources, we’re enabling St. Francis Prayer Center to deliver even more beds and provide dignity to so many more people—giving them a comfortable night of sleep off the floor and in their own bed.”
The Impact100 model is simple: at least 100 women each donate $1,000 annually, and the combined funds are used to award at least one $100,000 grant to a local nonprofit doing transformational work.
Ted Zahrfeld, board member at St. Francis Prayer Center, expressed deep gratitude for the grant.
“St. Francis Prayer Center is a small nonprofit, comprised mainly of volunteers of many faiths,” Zahrfeld said. “It took two years of faith and persistence to receive the grant. Only this year was the award large enough to fully fund the building project. Faith and a higher, gracious power at work.”
He added, “It’s important for readers to realize SFPC is not in the construction or bed business. But 12 years ago, we realized thousands of people in Flint—especially children—were sleeping on the floor. Slowly, we came to understand that it’s not just about the bed, but about the good night’s sleep that restores self-esteem and dignity. That’s a gift, especially for a child struggling in school.”
He also emphasized the value of the new pole barn, which will protect trucks from vandalism and provide needed storage.
“Personally, when I delivered beds, a tiny child—smaller than the big bag of pillows, sheets, blanket, and her blue animal comforter—looked into my eyes and asked, ‘Is this all for me?’ She had never slept in a bed before. What more reward could you ask for?”
Debbie Hawley-Bailey, director of St. Francis Prayer Center, is equally grateful.
“On behalf of all of us here at St. Francis, we would like to publicly thank the Impact100 team for such a monumental gift,” Hawley-Bailey said.
“Most small nonprofits struggle with large projects, especially anything involving construction, facility moves, or launching costly new programs. These kinds of projects are usually out of reach without significant outside support.”
She added that St. Francis is now in its 51st year of serving the Flint area. Under her leadership and that of the current board over the last 13 years, the organization has expanded to include regular food giveaways and the delivery of thousands of beds to children and adults in need.
“It’s almost impossible to believe how many people in this day and age still don’t have the dignity of sleeping in a bed,” Hawley-Bailey said. “While our original buildings are well-maintained and functional, we’ve outgrown them. The need we see every week requires a larger, safer facility.”
She described the grant as a “dream come true.”
“To know that so many people believed in our mission—carefully vetted us, and trusted that we would be good stewards of this gift—means the world,” she said. “As director, that gives me hope. It shows me that they have faith in us to do what we’ve promised, to God and to our benefactors.”
The $87,000 grant will serve as seed funding to build a 40-by-60-foot pole barn that will provide secure parking for delivery trucks and protected storage for mattresses, box springs, and bed frames.
“To know that so many people believed in our mission—carefully vetted us, and trusted that we would be good stewards of this gift—means the world.”
– Debbie Hawley-Bailey
The project is expected to:
- Reduce theft and vandalism
- Improve operational efficiency
- Increase delivery capacity by 20%
Currently delivering around 500 beds per year, St. Francis hopes to increase that number to 600 annually. Since 2012, the organization has delivered more than 6,000 beds and bedding sets to Flint residents in need.
“Regardless of the economy or political climate,” said Hawley-Bailey, “St. Francis Prayer Center serves all people with dignity and respect. Thank you, Impact100—and to everyone who supports us with your prayers and your financial gifts, helping us care for all of God’s people.”
