Impact100 DC is an all-volunteer women’s philanthropic community dedicated to improving lives in the greater Washington, DC area by collectively funding high-impact grants to local nonprofit organizations:

  • To address unmet needs in the region, prioritizing those that result from systemic racism and structural inequity;
  • To create and sustain a diverse community of dynamic women committed to building bridges across the wide demographic divides in the Washington, DC area; and
  • To empower women as philanthropists and leaders.
Our Story

Founded in fall 2019, beginning with a gathering at Tenley-Friendship Library, Impact100 DC was created by a group of women committed to weaving inclusion, community, and measurable impact into a shared vision. Impact100 DC is based on the visionary model by Wendy Steele, who formed the first chapter in Cincinnati in 2001. 

Since Impact100 DC’s inception, we have successfully completed four grant cycles and awarded 20 grants totaling $782,000 to local nonprofit organizations.

How It Works

The Impact100 model is readily available to all communities who wish to implement it. The model is designed to empower women to see themselves as philanthropists and overcome the barriers women have historically faced in this arena. The model is designed for transformational grant-making within local communities, with a minimum grant size of $100,000.

At Least 100 Women
Come Together

Each Woman
Donates $1,000

$100,000
is donated to a
Local Charity

Why it Works
  • Amplified Philanthropic Power: $1,000 individual contributions are pooled to become high-impact community investments
  • Transparency and Trust: Member donations go directly to grants; operating costs are funded separately through optional “Member-Plus” contributions
  • Volunteer Leadership: Every stage—from grant evaluation to selection—is governed by member volunteers. Members can join the Finance Committee and the Focus Area Committees (FACs)—Arts & Culture; Education; Environment, Preservation & Recreation; Family; or Health & Wellness—where they review proposals, conduct site visits and recommend finalists to ensure our grantmaking is collaborative, transparent, and deeply informed by local priorities.