In September 2001, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wendy Steele founded Impact100 with the goal of building philanthropy in her community. The original notion: Impact100 would consist of at least 100 women members, each annually contributing $1,000. These funds would be pooled and donated as transformational grants of no less than $100,000 to non-profit organisations. By early 2002, Impact100, Inc. had acquired their non-profit status.

​

They made their first grant of $123,000 to CincySmiles, a dental clinic serving the homeless population of Cincinnati. In January 2003, People Magazine published a story about Impact100, highlighting their success in effective local philanthropy. After the article was featured, Wendy’s model began to flourish across the country and into Australia and the United Kingdom.  

​

The Global Day of Impact on 7 November will celebrate 23 years of Impact100 with more than 70 chapters worldwide and more than $US140 million that been donated to local community groups. 

 

Wakatipu is the first chapter in New Zealand, and about to enter its sixth year in 2025. At the end of our 2024 grant round we have donated $897,500 to the Wakatipu Community.

​