Applying for a Grant

Transform your vision into reality.

Fund your unique solutions to complex community problems with a $100,000 grant.
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About Our Grants

Each year, we award transformational grants to nonprofit organizations serving Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Eastern Indiana. Whether your organization is new, small or an established nonprofit, our goal is to help fund programs and projects that make a tangible, sustainable difference in our region. We welcome applications from nonprofits of all sizes with bold, community-centered ideas.

Eligibility Considerations

501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations that apply to Impact 100 must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to be considered for an award.

“We’re not going to get a handle on the problem of incarceration if we don’t specifically acknowledge the over-incarceration of women.”
Gabe Davis
Ohio Justice and Policy Center

Grant Timeline and Process

Letter of Intent Information Session (Zoom) Nov. 3, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Letter of Intent Form Released Nov. 3, 2025
Nonprofit Panel for 2026 Applicants (Zoom) Nov. 10, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
Letter of Intent Deadline Dec. 10, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Notification of Grant Eligibility Feb. 6, 2026
Grant Application Deadline Feb. 27, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Notification of Site Visits April 2026
Meet the Finalists June 2026
Annual Awards Celebration Sept. 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the grant application deadline?

Deadlines vary each year. Please check our Grants Calendar for current key dates.

Can we apply again if we aren’t selected this year?

Yes! We encourage nonprofits to reapply in future years.

What if we’ve already received a grant?

Organizations that receive a grant must wait three years before reapplying. The wait begins the year the grant is awarded. For example, Nonprofit X received a grant in 2025. Nonprofit X would be able to re-apply for the 2029 grant cycle. Year 1 = 26, Year 2 = 27, Year 3 = 28).

Can we apply if we’re a new or small nonprofit?

Yes. As long as you meet eligibility requirements, we welcome applications from nonprofits of all sizes—including startups.

Can we apply if we’re a local branch of a national nonprofit?

Yes, but you must submit financial details for the national organization. Include local information to help us understand your operations.

What areas must the project serve?

Eligible projects must serve at least one of the following counties:

Ohio: Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, Warren, Brown, Adams

Kentucky: Boone, Campbell, Kenton

Indiana: Dearborn

Can we submit more than one application?

No. Each organization may submit only one application per year.

Do you fund existing programs?

Only if the program will grow or expand significantly over the grant period. We fund transformational change, not maintenance of existing work.

What does "transformational" mean to Impact 100?

Projects should:

  • Deliver services in a new or innovative way
  • Expand services to a new audience or in a new location
  • Deepen impact for those already served
  • Involve capital improvements that transform delivery

Grants cannot support general operating expenses or sustain current programs without growth.

Can the $100,000 grant be used over multiple years?

Yes. Funds are disbursed in at least two installments aligned to your project timeline. All funds must be used within three years.

Can we include indirect costs in our budget?

Yes. Indirect costs tied to the proposed project may be included.

Do you fund capital projects?

 Yes. We’ve supported many “bricks and mortar” initiatives. Visit See Our Impact for examples.

Are collaborative proposals accepted?

Yes. All collaborating organizations should meet the eligibility requirements with one acting as the lead fiscal agent.  Letters of support for the collaboration are required at the Grant Application stage.

What are you looking for in the evaluation section?

Clear, measurable outcomes. Tell us:

  • How you define success
  • What metrics you'll use
  • How you'll track and share results
  • How those served will be part of the evaluation process

Why might an application be declined

Common reasons include:

  • Requesting less than $100,000
  • Submitting multiple applications
  • Duplicating services already offered locally
  • Lacking clarity, viability, or transformational scope
  • Stronger applications within the applicant pool were submitted

Can I talk with a grant reviewer about past submissions

Impact 100 prides itself on its ability to maintain a level playing field amongst all applicants. Due to the ever-changing makeup of membership and team involvement, any advice given might actually be invalid and misleading into the next year. Therefore we do not offer subjective feedback. Nonprofits are invited to attend information sessions hosted at the beginning of each grant cycle.

Can I submit extra materials like brochures or videos?

No. We only review the materials requested during each grant phase. You’ll have opportunities to share more during site visits

How are faith-based proposals considered?

Faith-based organizations are eligible, but grants may not fund religious activities. Projects must focus on addressing social issues.

Who can I contact for more information?

Any questions or comments regarding the grant application process are welcome. Please contact us at grants@impact100.org.

Applicant Resources

View and download various resources related to the grant application process.
Download 2026 Impact 100 LOI Template (Coming Nov. 2025)
Download 2026 Impact 100 LOI Information Session Slides (Coming Nov. 2025)
2026 Impact 100 LOI Information Session Recording (Coming Nov. 2025)
2026 Impact 100 Nonprofit Panel Recording (Coming Nov. 2025)
2026 Impact 100 Grant Application Template (Coming Feb. 2026)
Grants Plus Clear Ask Worksheet
Best Practices for Writing a Compelling Proposal (Presentation)
Webinar Recording: Strengthening Nonprofit Financials (Jan 2025)