Impact 100 announces it will award four $101,500 grants in 2016

Impact 100 will award four $101,500 in grants in 2016 thanks to record-breaking member enrollment.

Started in Cincinnati in 2001 by Wendy Steele, Impact 100 was created with the idea of promoting philanthropy among women — if 100 women each donated $1,000, a grant of $100,000 could be awarded to a nonprofit community organization. Since its inception, Impact 100 has expanded to 18 chapters across the U.S. and two international chapters.

“These grants can really make a difference for a nonprofit organization,” says Becki Meyer, marketing and public relations chair. “Because of the size of the grant(s), nonprofits get to carry out projects they might otherwise just dream about.”

Impact’s philanthropic investments come mostly on behalf of its members. Membership proceeds go directly to the annual grant pool, which has supported numerous nonprofit organizations over the past 15 years.

Organizations that seek funding can submit a proposal for a dream project that will extend or improve their mission. A judging committee looks at each proposal and nominates winners, who will be announced at Impact’s annual awards celebration in September.

“We can really see the transformation and impact a grant can have on a non-profit,” Becki says. “It’s exciting to watch it make a difference in people’ lives."

Do Good:

• Become a member of Impact 100.

• Donate to help Impact support local organizations.

• Take a look at previous grant recipients.