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I hope you survived (and even enjoyed) the holidays with family and friends. Now, it’s time to start those New Year’s resolutions. What will it be this year? Weight loss, building strength, mental health, world travel, “me time”, more family time, or even increased community involvement? Whatever your new and different is, we are grateful you have stayed connected to Impact 100. The greater Cincinnati community needs us – and you – more than ever.
As we reflect on Impact 100 in 2025, I’d like to start by sharing some highlights from Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2 2025. Consider the hardship for a child experiencing homelessness – and to have an organization like Upspring helping them feel normal, getting good nutrition and academic help. With our funds, they’ve been able to expand into 2 additional counties, giving these kids an opportunity to change the cycle for themselves and their future.
Cornerstone Renter’s Equity is working similarly to change the outcome for families in Over the Rhine. To empower someone with the ability to save money and be ready when things happen gives a sense of comfort and control over their own destiny. This could change the outcome for a family for generations. Our funds have enabled them to nearly double the number of families served. To do this work, Cornerstone relies on partnership organizations who themselves are struggling, making their work even more challenging.
Let’s take a moment to thank all the organizations doing hero work who share their stories as part of our grant application process. Reading LOI’s and grant applications and discussing problems and solutions among peers has to be one of the most rewarding and inspirational experiences at Impact 100.
Now on to 2026. It’ll be a big year for Impact 100! It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since 123 generous women organized around a strong desire to make a difference in their community. In 2002, one large grant started it all. Fast forward, this year we will celebrate 25 years of collectively funding transformative projects, catalyzing these organizations to make an even bigger impact for those they serve. In total, Impact 100 Cincinnati has awarded 71 grants totaling more than $7.7 million, all staying right here in our community.
As many of you know, Impact 100 started right here in Cincinnati in 2001. Now, more than 80 Impact 100 chapters all across the US and in 3 countries have collectively funded over $178 million worth of transformational projects impacting many local communities.
While our chapter has evolved significantly since the beginning, a few fundamental principles remain the same:
– 100% of membership dues go directly into the grant pool
– We fund large transformational projects
– Our members make the decisions through GRT participation and the annual selection process.
I’m so excited to announce that Jenny Berg, Past President (2010 – 2011) and previous Board Member (2006 – 2012 and 2016 – 2022), will be chairing our 25th Anniversary Committee. We owe a lot of our growth and success to Jenny, who recruited many of you, including myself, and continues to be the biggest Impact cheerleader in town. In a few weeks, she’ll be sharing all the exciting opportunities to get involved. If you are interested in serving on the 25th anniversary committee, please reach out to Jenny at Jberg@impact100.org. Our goal is to be around for many more 25+ year anniversaries, making an IMPACT.
In addition to celebrating 25 years, our focus in 2026 remains on how to be the best partner to the nonprofits doing the work. We continue to listen and strive to improve the equity of our processes in order to honor, respect and advance all participating organizations. Our record number of Letters of Intent is likely a result of new challenges faced by many of these organizations in 2025. That alone should fuel us to continue to grow our membership and improve grant-making practices. With our lofty vision of being a significant catalyst for creating an equitable thriving community for all, there’s still much work to be done.
We can only make progress toward our vision if we are well-organized and supported. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all past and current Board Members who selflessly give of their time and talents to keep things operating smoothly. With 100% of dues going into the grant pool, we also need financial means to support operating the organization. Quick shout out to our sponsors and 110% members. MH Equipment, Cincinnati Magazine, Pro Bono Partners, Foster & Motley, Mitchell Foundation, Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation, Cohatch, and several others who provide the dollars to support a strong foundation for us to do this important work.
Please join me in celebrating what’s to come for Impact 100 in 2026!
In gratitude,
Janet Collins
