IMPACT 100 WILL AWARD $430,000: SEVEN FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Women-led Philanthropic Group to Award Four $100,000 Grants and Three $10,000 Awards in Cincinnati Region

After evaluating 146 applications for grants, the women of Impact 100 have selected the seven outstanding local nonprofits that will be eligible for one of four $100,000 grants and three $10,000 awards to be presented at a gala celebration in September

For 25 years, the women of Impact 100 have awarded transformational grants to local nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati region totaling nearly $8 million. Impact 100 grants support innovative projects and nonprofit organizations with their commitment to improving lives and transforming local communities. 

On June 18, 2026, this women’s collective giving organization announced the seven nonprofits selected to be the 2026 Impact 100 Grant Finalists at its Meet the Finalist event.  The popular event was held at The Cincinnati Woman’s Club where Impact 100 members and guests engaged with each other and the finalists regarding their respective transformational projects.

All seven finalists will present their proposals to the Impact 100 membership of over 450 women. After member selections are tabulated, four nonprofits will each receive a $100,000 grant to implement their projects. The selections will be announced and nonprofits recognized on September 15^th at the Impact 100 Annual Awards Celebration at Cincinnati Music Hall.

“This was the largest number of grant applications we have ever received, which indicates the significant amount of transformational work going on in our community,” stated Rose Palmieri, Vice President of the Nonprofit Hub for Impact 100. “The decision to choose these finalists was very difficult but well thought out.  All seven nonprofits make passionate cases for addressing critical needs in our community.”

The 2026 Impact 100 Grant Finalists are:

The Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation

CABS: Cincinnati Adaptive Bike Share

Create the region’s first adaptive bike share program, providing free access to adaptive cycles that enable individuals with disabilities to experience the health, freedom, and connection that come from cycling in Cincinnati’s parks and trail systems.

The Hillside Trust

Goltra Preserve Trail Project

Develop a multi-use trail loop on the 67-acre Goltra Preserve in East Westwood that will connect students, residents, and the broader community to wooded green space while strengthening stewardship through an established volunteer network.

Mary Magdalen House

Mary Magdalen House (MMH) Goes Mobile

Advance dignity and access by investing in Greater Cincinnati’s first mobile shower and laundry trailer to bring essential hygiene services and resource connection directly to people experiencing homelessness.

Cincinnati ToolBank

Driving Impact: Expanding Access Through Transportation

Purchase two passenger/cargo vans to increase tool and equipment delivery for nonprofits and neighborhood groups while providing transportation for youth participating in ToolBank Academy workforce development and community leadership programs.

Women Helping Women

Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT) in Adams County

Launch a DVERT Team in Adams County through which DVERT Advocates, in partnership with law enforcement will respond on scene to 911 domestic violence calls to ensure survivors and their children receive crisis support, safety planning, and pathways to stability, 24/7.

Mercy Neighborhood Ministries

Expanding Access to Healthcare Careers Through Hybrid Certified Nurse Aide Training

Support the development and launch of an innovative hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program that combines flexible, virtual online coursework with practical, in-person skills labs and competency development, thereby expanding access to workforce education and employment in healthcare settings. 

Giving Voice Foundation

Scaling Connections: A Vital Lifeline for Tri-State Families Facing Dementia

Expand the Creative Connections program so no family facing dementia has to navigate the journey alone, providing consistent, weekly support that transforms isolation into connection, confidence, and joy while strengthening quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

To learn more about Impact 100, or for information about the upcoming 2027 grant application process, visit www.Impact100.org.
 

Photo provided.