FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ranit Schmelzer, rschmelzer@impact100dc.org
Women’s philanthropy group Impact100 DC celebrates five years and new chapter
WASHINGTON (Oct. 9, 2025) – The women’s philanthropic organization Impact100 DC announced today that Founding President Ann Vaughn will transition to immediate past president, effective January 1, 2026. Francine Lamoriello, who has served as vice president since January 2025, will assume the role of president at that time.
Impact100 DC, an all-volunteer women’s philanthropic community dedicated to improving lives in the greater Washington, D.C., area by collectively funding high-impact grants to local nonprofit organizations, is celebrating its fifth year. Grants are awarded annually based on the size of the Impact100 DC membership in five focus areas: arts and culture; education; environment, preservation and recreation; family; and health and wellness. Each member’s $1,000 membership contribution goes into a pool of money to create high-impact, $100,000 grants.
Since its inception in 2021, Impact100 DC has awarded 20 grants totaling $782,000 to nonprofit organizations on the front lines of change in the Washington, DC area. A list of Impact100 DC grantees is available here.
In a letter to the Impact100 DC community announcing the transition, Vaughn said:
“The mission and vision statements we drafted during our first meeting [in early fall, 2019] reflected our belief that the organization’s success would rest on the strength of its community. To identify the proposals with the greatest potential for change, to partner effectively with nonprofits advancing that change and to steward each $1,000 membership contribution wisely, we would need a membership community as rich and varied as the region we serve—diverse in age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, economic resources and geography. We envisioned a community able to bridge divides and work across differences for common goals.
“Looking at the Impact100 DC community today, I am profoundly proud of what has grown from that vision—and even more excited for how it continues to expand.
“Over the past year, I have had the privilege of working closely with Vice President Francine Lamoriello to ensure a smooth transition as she assumes the role of president on January 1. Francine is exactly the right leader to carry forward Impact100 DC’s mission. Her energy, creativity and wisdom will guide the organization into its next chapter, building on all that we have accomplished together.”
Lamoriello has been an integral part of the Impact100 DC Board since 2023, serving as Family Focus Area Committee co-chair for two years, and stepping into the vice president role in January 2025. She brings a wealth of experience, a collaborative spirit and a deep belief in the power of women’s collective giving.
The Board of Directors shared in a letter that:
“First and foremost, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ann. Her vision, energy and dedication have guided Impact100 DC from its very first meeting to the vibrant, engaged community we are today. Her leadership has left an indelible mark, and we are fortunate that she will continue to serve on the Board as immediate past president, sharing her wisdom and passion with us in this new chapter.
“We also could not imagine a more fitting way to celebrate our fifth anniversary than with this thoughtful succession plan, honoring Ann’s legacy while welcoming Francine as our new president. Over the past year, Francine has partnered closely with Ann to ensure a seamless transition, and we are confident her steady leadership, creativity and commitment will guide Impact100 DC into an exciting future.”
Bios for Vaughn and Lamoriello are available on the Impact100 DC website.
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