Impact 100 Cincinnati Grant Program

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

• 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

Application Process

Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)

• Submit LOI using Impact 100's online submission system
• Deadline: Mid-December (e.g., December 15 for 2023 cycle)
• Impact 100 provides LOI training to applicants
• Virtual nonprofit panel discussion held in mid-November to prepare applicants with tips from successful past recipients

Step 2: Grant Review

• Volunteer member teams evaluate applications
• Community Investment Review Committee (CIRC) confirms financial viability of finalist organizations and proposals
• Decision typically announced in late June

Step 3: Finalist Announcement

• Approximately 6-7 finalists selected from 100+ applications
• "Meet the Finalists" event held in June where finalists present to members and public
• Finalists provide 30+ minute presentations of transformational projects

Step 4: Member Voting

• Finalist videos and executive summaries distributed to members mid-August
• Voting conducted via OpaVote portal
• Voting period closes early September (e.g., September 4 at 6 p.m. for 2025)
• Members vote on which finalists receive awards

Step 5: Award Selection & Notification

• As of 2025: Finalists notified in advance of public announcement
• Four organizations selected for $100,000 grants
• Two organizations selected for $10,000 awards (via Extend Your Impact fund)
• Public announcement occurs at Annual Awards Celebration in late September

Required Materials

• Letter of Intent
• Full grant application (if LOI advances)
• Project narrative and description
• Budget and financial information
• Organizational capacity information
• Staff qualifications and commitments
• Evidence of fiscal responsibility and financial viability

Application Support

• Impact 100 provides LOI training sessions
• Virtual panels with successful past grant recipients
• Nonprofit outreach coordinator available for questions
• "Spread the Word" member events to discuss the process

Key Dates for 2025-2026 Cycle

• Letter of Intent Deadline: December 15, 2025 (projected)
• Meet the Finalists Event: June 2026 (projected)
• Member Voting: Mid-August to early September 2026 (projected)
• Annual Awards Celebration: Late September 2026 (projected)