Impact 100 Celebrates 25 Years of Giving Back

By Mary Casey-Sturk, IHL Editor

It all started with an idea. Indian Hill resident Wendy Steele wanted to give back to the community in a big way. Her powerful idea was to bring women together, combine resources and fund transformational change.  With the help of Steele’s close friends and business associates, she was able to achieve her goal of 100 members (Impact 100) as  they pooled their contributions of $1,000 each. Impact 100 was launched.  Its first grant was for $123,000 to the Greater Cincinnati Oral Health Council.

In its history, the organization has donated more than $7.7 million dollars via 65 grants to non-profits in the Greater Cincinnati area. This is investing in both the non-profits and the community.

This is accomplished by their members, who each donate $500-$1,500 annually to make this happen. In 2025, they were able to fund four $100,000 grants to Whole Again, Immigrant & Refugee Law Center, Ohio Valley Voices, and the Serenity Recovery Network. Two additional awards of $10,000 each went to Project Yoga and INTERalliance. 

Currently, over 420 women donate to Impact 100, and the organization is always welcoming new members. This women-driven non-profit has made an exceptional difference, and grants have funded non-profits in transformational ways for the last 25 years, with Steele’s vision continuing. Younger philanthropists are also encouraged to join and find support within the organization.

Since its founding in 2001, Impact 100 has grown into a global movement with over 70 chapters across the country and internationally. Like in Cincinnati, these chapters pool donations from at least 100 women to provide grants of $100,000 within their communities.

Apart from awarding grants, Impact 100 offers members opportunities to connect, work on committees, or simply give and watch the winning non-profits celebrate knowing you are part of their journey.

Members Share

Indian Hill Living Magazine met with members Sherry Holcomb and Margaret Pasquale recently to discuss their involvement and why other women should consider joining. 

Holcomb shares, “(Impact 100) formed in 2001 and gave the first grant in 2002. We had an event in Madeira recently (Girls Night Out), and we were surprised how many people hadn’t heard of us. We have over 400 members and we’re still a bit of a secret. On National Philanthropy Day, we were awarded Innovator of the Year.”  Adding, “They wanted to recognize the uniqueness of what we do in the community, so word is getting out. We’d love to raise awareness and give women the opportunity to participate.”

“This is a good way to get involved in the community, make charitable contributions and create connections.”

Pasquale shared her reasons for being part of Impact 100, “As a daughter of two generations of missionaries, I’ve always been interested in contributing to unmet needs in the Cincinnati region. Looking for a community of local Cincinnati women involved in philanthropy, I found Impact 100 and it became the perfect home for me.”

“I’ve gotten to know so many intelligent and caring women by participating in grant review teams and attending our signature and educational events. Over the last 10 years I’ve become more involved with Impact 100 and now lead one of our 5 grant review teams. It has been such an honor and a rewarding experience to learn from others sharing their insights through our process of evaluating applications and making grants. With over 400 members, we are giving four $100,000 grants annually, but wow, there are so many nonprofits doing such great work to meet the very important needs in our Cincinnati community, that I wish we could have more members to fund even more organizations. They are so worthy!”

“There’s a lot of need in the community and when we add members, it means we have more resources for nonprofit projects. We’re always open to new members.” Holcomb adds, “We have a model that allows each woman the opportunity to share their unique perspective and participate in our grantmaking – it’s been that way from the beginning. As a result, Impact 100 members feel connected to their giving, to our nonprofit partners, to each other, and to the community.”
 

Member Kim Prus also shared her motivation to be a part of Impact 100, “I’m grateful I took the step to engage with Impact 100. A few years ago, I was looking for an organization where I could be more involved in serving the nonprofit community, and Impact 100 was that place. I was especially drawn to the all-women, volunteer-driven model and the shared passion for making a meaningful difference.” 

“From the beginning, I’ve been impressed by the dedication of the women of Impact 100. They are hardworking, thoughtful, and deeply committed to strengthening our community. Through Impact 100, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the board and lead a grant review team—experiences that have been both meaningful and rewarding.”

“Impact 100 truly meets members where they are. Our membership includes women at every stage of life, all united by a common purpose. Whether your involvement is through your donation or through deeper engagement on grant teams, the board, or committees, there is a place for you at Impact 100.”

To learn more about Impact 100, visit www.impact100.org