Impact 100 Cincinnati Grant Program

Impact 100 Cincinnati Grant Program

Organization: IMPACT 100 INC (OH, US)
Website: impact100.org
Contact: info@impact100.org | Phone: 513-554-3065 | Address: 4010 Executive Park Drive, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45241

Overview

Impact 100 is a women-led philanthropic organization founded in Cincinnati in 2001 that uses a collective giving model to fund transformational grants to local nonprofit organizations. Since 2002, the organization has awarded more than $7 million to nonprofits across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Eastern Indiana.

Funding Details

• Annual Grant Awards: Four organizations receive $100,000 grants each; two organizations receive $10,000 awards (via "Extend Your Impact" fund, introduced in 2024)
• Total Annual Award: Approximately $420,000
• Membership Contribution Model: Members contribute $500 or $1,000; 100% of membership contributions go directly into grant funds
• Geographic Scope: Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Eastern Indiana (Southeastern Indiana)

Focus Areas (Five Key IMPACT Areas)

• Culture
• Education
• Environment, Preservation & Recreation
• Family Health & Wellness
• Other community transformation initiatives

Eligibility

• Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Organizations must serve Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, or Eastern Indiana
• Organizations must address transformational community needs
• Financial viability assessed by Community Investment Review Committee (CIRC)

Grant Selection Process

• Member-Driven: Impact 100 members (400+ members from 80+ ZIP codes, ages ranging from teens to 90s) vote on grant recipients
• Evaluation Teams: Volunteer members work in teams to evaluate grant applicants
• Transparency: All finalists present proposals and are announced publicly
• Advance Notification: As of 2025, finalists are notified of award status before public announcement to avoid public disappointment

Key Features

• All six finalist organizations receive recognition and support
• 2025 introduced "Extend Your Impact" campaign to raise additional funds for runner-up organizations
• Past award recipients are invited to attend celebration and share impact updates
• Member engagement through educational panels, social mixers, and community updates

Annual Timeline

• Letter of Intent Deadline: Mid-December (e.g., 2022 cycle: December 15)
• Meet the Finalists Event: June (public announcement of finalists)
• Member Voting Period: Mid-August to early September
• Annual Awards Celebration: Late September (e.g., September 25 for 2025 cycle; September 20 for 2022 cycle)
• Public Announcement of Winners: September

Historical Awards

• 2021: $415,000 awarded ($103,750 per grant x 4 recipients)
• 2022: $404,000 awarded ($101,000 per grant x 4 recipients)
• 2024: Awards announced for seven finalists
• 2025: $420,000 total ($100,000 x 4 major grants + $10,000 x 2 smaller awards)

What They Fund

• Transformational projects with measurable impact
• Staff hiring and professional fees
• Equipment, supplies, and materials
• Building renovations and facility improvements
• Program expansion and community outreach
• Technology and digital access initiatives

Membership Information

• Membership Eligibility: Women 18 and older
• Membership Cost: $500 or $1,000 annual contribution
• Payment Options: Monthly installments available
• Scholarships: Available for young professionals
• Volunteer Requirement: Not required for membership in good standing
• Diversity: Intentionally inclusive; no referral required

Organization Leadership

• Founded in 2001 by Wendy Steele
• National movement: Chapters in 50+ U.S. cities and two foreign countries
• Combined national Impact 100 network has awarded $55+ million
• Multiple volunteer board positions and leadership roles