Impact100 FAQs
What is Impact100 Global?
Impact100 Global is the nonprofit organization that supports, trains, and connects all Impact100 chapters around the world and helps new chapters launch. While each chapter operates independently and focuses on its local community, Impact100 Global provides the infrastructure, tools, and guidance that make the model possible.
How is Impact100 Global different from a local chapter?
Each Impact100 chapter raises funds and awards grants within its own community. Impact100 Global doesn’t collect member donations or make grants directly. Instead, we serve as the backbone of the movement — helping women launch chapters, offering leadership training, maintaining the Impact100 brand, and fostering collaboration across the network.
Who founded Impact100?
Wendy H. Steele founded Impact100 in 2001 with a simple but powerful idea: if 100 women each gave $1,000, they could collectively fund a transformational grant. That idea became a movement. Wendy later established Impact100 Global to expand the model and support the growing number of chapters around the world.
Is Impact100 Global a nonprofit organization?
Yes. Impact100 Global is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Unlike local chapters, we do not receive membership dues. Our work is funded entirely by charitable contributions, sponsorships, and support from individuals and chapters who believe in the power of collective giving.
How many people are on the Impact100 Global team?
We are a small but passionate team of three, serving a growing global network of thousands of women leaders and volunteers across more than 75 chapters and counting.
How can I support Impact100 Global?
If you believe in the power of women’s collective giving, we invite you to support our work through a tax-deductible donation.
Your support allows us to provide free training and resources to chapters around the world, launch new communities, and strengthen the global Impact100 network.
Where can I find an Impact100 chapter near me?
Visit our Chapters page to explore all of our active Impact100 chapters.
With new communities joining each year, there may be one near you — or you might be inspired to start the first in your area!
I want to start an Impact100 chapter. What’s the first step?
We’d love to hear from you! Just reach out to us through our website and we’ll guide you through the process. You’ll receive support every step of the way — including one-on-one coaching, a proven roadmap, and access to our Impact100 Academy training platform.
Is there a fee to start an Impact100 chapter?
No. There is no fee to start a chapter.
Impact100 Global provides personalized guidance and free access to our tools and resources. Once a chapter is established, some choose to “pay it forward” by making an annual contribution to Impact100 Global to help ensure we can continue offering our services free of charge — empowering women everywhere to launch and grow their chapters.
Do I need nonprofit or fundraising experience to start a chapter?
Not at all. Many of our founders are women who simply wanted to make a difference.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, and you’ll be part of a supportive community of chapter leaders who share ideas and encouragement.
Where can I learn more about the Impact100 model and grant process?
The core of the Impact100 model is simple: 100 women each contribute $1,000, then collectively award a $100,000 grant to a local nonprofit. Each chapter follows this model and tailors its grantmaking to the needs of its community.
Learn more about how the process works on the Impact100 Model page >
Why is it called Impact100? Does that mean only 100 members can join?
The name Impact100 honors our founding concept: to bring together100 women to fund one $100,000 grant. But most chapters grow well beyond that number. In fact, our goal is to reach 500 members, enabling us to award a $100,000 grant in each of our five focus areas. There’s no upper limit on membership — more women means more dollars, more grants, and more lives changed. As membership grows, so does a chapter’s ability to fund more transformational projects. Our biggest chapter in Pensacola, Florida has 1,000+ members – awarding over $1M each year!
What are the requirements or obligations to be a member?
All it takes to become a member is a tax-deductible membership donation during the membership cycle. From there, you get to design your own Impact100 experience. Some members jump into grant review or event planning, while others simply cast their vote and celebrate the collective impact. There are no required volunteer hours, meetings, or fundraising — just the opportunity to contribute in a way that works for you.
Why are there five focus areas?
To build a truly thriving community, we must invest in more than just one cause. That’s why Impact100 uses five focus areas — Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness. These categories ensure our funding reaches the full range of needs within a community and allow members to support causes they’re passionate about. It’s a model that invites broad participation and delivers well-rounded impact.
Who decides which nonprofits receive grants?
You do. One of the most powerful parts of the Impact100 model is that every member has an equal vote in deciding which nonprofits receive funding. Members volunteer to review applications through Focus Area Committees, conduct site visits, and select finalists. Then, every member votes and the finalist(s) with the most votes receive the grant. Our model is meant to democratize philanthropy and put decision-making power directly in the hands of women.
How does Impact100 ensure the grants are used effectively?
Each grant recipient signs a formal grant agreement and must report on their progress. Chapters maintain oversight through milestone check-ins, financial reporting, and site visits. Many chapters also build long-term relationships with grantees to stay connected to the impact of their funding.