Impact 100 Awards $400,000 in Grants to Regional Nonprofits
Impact 100, a leading women’s philanthropic organization focused on improving the communities of Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Eastern Indiana, celebrated its 19th consecutive year of awarding transformational grants at its annual awards celebration September 10.
“Amid the pandemic and remaining steadfast to the mission of Impact 100, we had to pivot quickly to bring the Annual Awards Celebration to life in a new landscape for our members and the nonprofit community,” said Fran Bitzer, Chief Party Officer. “Learning how to put on a virtual event was certainly challenging at times, but we had an awesome committee working tirelessly to bring it all together. As the marquee event of Impact 100, I’m excited that we were able to successfully transition to a virtual event and continue to inspire as well as award four grants to our nonprofit recipients!”
After virtually presenting to membership and guests, the following four out of eight nonprofit grant finalists received the highest number of votes, each securing a grant of $100,000. The four grant recipients will transform our community with these projects:
Changing Gears
Bridge Program
Build a fleet of additional leased vehicles to CityLink training graduates starting new jobs, to solve the transportation dilemma of how to get a job without a car, and how to get a car without a job. (36)
The Gateway Community and Technical College Foundation
Food for Thought Pantry
Expand Food for Thought Pantry to three campus locations which will include fresh, nutrient-rich food options by adding storage and refrigeration removing barriers to academic success such as food insecurity and economic instability. (33)
New Life Furniture Bank
Turning Empty Houses into Livable Homes
Expanding capacity to turn empty houses into homes by purchasing new and gently used trucks to furnish more homes for families, thereby increasing dignity, supporting productive lives, and enhancing mental and physical development of children (33)
Women Helping Women
DVERT – Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team
Ensure survivors in Hamilton County receive immediate trauma-informed care on-scene, disrupting typical barriers and strengthening support to survivors to access services and develop a plan for safety to reduce re-victimization and, ultimately, prevent domestic violence homicide. (36)
“We had many passionate nonprofits submit applications this year. Every single one is making great strides to address important issues in our community all the while managing the constant change the pandemic has brought. We’ve seen more resiliency and determination this year than ever before”, said Sarah Grace Mohr, Impact 100 President. “On behalf of our entire membership, I want to sincerely congratulate this year’s grant recipients and thank them for their tenacity and dreams of transformation. We are thrilled to partner with each of these organizations to make sustainable change within our communities.”
Since 2001, Impact 100 has empowered women to be philanthropic decision-makers, donating 100% of membership dollars to award transformational grants to local nonprofits. Beyond donating grants of more than $100,000, Impact 100 collaborates with area nonprofits to showcase volunteer and additional gift opportunities to members and partner organizations.