President's Message Happy New Year! |
Welcome to 2026 – the 25th Anniversary of Impact 100. It’s going to be a great year of giving and growth. |
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But first, let’s recap Giving Tuesday, our annual opportunity to share gratitude. Pictured above are Rose Palmieri (VP nonprofit hub), myself, Reagan Smith (former VP nonprofit hub), and Char Kemp (signature events chair).
On December 2, we gathered to share gratitude for the many community organizations that work tirelessly for those in need. Their stories should make us all pause and remember the larger purpose and impact of our work. Hearing the successes and challenges firsthand from two of our recent awardees – Upspring and Cornerstone Renter’s Equity – reminds us of the remarkable opportunity to make a difference.
Read on to see highlights from Giving Tuesday and plans for 2026!
- Janet Collins |
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Membership 2026 Update: We Have Reached Four Grants! |
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Big News: we have raised more than $400,000 for transformational grants. Our administrative team continues to process final payments through early January 2026. A Final Invitation to Join – or to Donate
Please join us for this historic year!
• If you haven’t renewed your membership, we will accept electronic payments through Friday, January 9. RENEW via our website.
• To make a direct contribution to the grant pool, whether or not you are a member, go to Donate and select Grant Pool Donation, then enter your gift amount. |
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| As of 12/31/2025, our 2026 Membership Campaign has recorded:
• 73 New Members
• 350 Renewed Members • $391,700 Membership Dues • $9,140 Additional Grant Pool Donations
• $400,840 Total Dues + Grant Pool Donations! |
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Get Ready for Grant Reviews |
It is not too late to register for the 2026 Grant Review Kickoff Event. New and returning GRT members, join us! Have questions? Learn more here. |
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| GRT Kickoff Wednesday, January 7 5:30 - 8 PM Great Oaks Career Campuses 300 Scarlet Oaks Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 |
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Welcome to Our New Board Members! |
As we begin 2026, we’re pleased to welcome three board members: Rose Palmieri and Jenny Berg, who are returning to the board, and Kim Howland, joining for the first time. |
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We also extend our sincere thanks to outgoing board members Laura Fidler, Portia Dryenforth, Stacy Gendelman, Rachel Rasmussen, Reagan Smith, and Peggy Zink for their dedicated service and continued support. |
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Attention New Members You’re Invited to Special Events in January |
If you joined Impact 100 in 2024 or 2025, you are invited to attend one or both of these new member events to meet other members and learn more about being a member of Impact 100: |
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Virtual Welcome/Orientation for New Members Tuesday, January 13 7 - 8 PM - Zoom Meet Impact leaders and members, and learn more about our grant review process, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. |
| New Member Social Tuesday, January 27
5:30 - 8 PM - PNC Bank Lobby 501 E. 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Meet other new members and board members, and hear from an Impact grant recipient. |
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Introducing Our
Young Philanthropist Class of ‘26 |
Impact 100 welcomes eight Young Philanthropists for 2026. These women under 40 have demonstrated a heart for philanthropy and will receive scholarship support for partial membership payment over three years, working up to paying their own way in the fourth year. Members of the Class of 2026 include: |
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Tess Akgunduz
Mamta Bajgain Abby Dinardo Allison Koenig |
| Lilly Pinhas Sally Quilligan Molly Scruta Erin Shibley |
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Learn More about Impact 100's Young Philanthropist Program. |
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Member Spotlight: Jenny Berg |
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One of Impact 100 Cincinnati’s biggest cheerleaders, Jenny Berg has been passionate about our collective giving circle since Tender Mercies won a $183,000 grant in 2003 while she served as their board chair.
She joined Impact the next week and has been a major force in propelling Impact 100’s growth over the years - as president, recruiter, nominating chair and more. |
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As Janet mentioned in her President’s Message, Jenny is set to lead Impact’s 25th anniversary celebration and returns to the board of directors in 2026 as president-elect.
Read more about Jenny and her passion for our mission. |
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Make an Impact through Volunteering |
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Want to get more involved with Making an Impact? We are expanding our volunteer opportunities and would love to have you join a committee! Learn more about each committee. |
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Start the New Year Connected |
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Take a moment to visit the Member Portal and keep your profile current. Verify your contact information, upload a photo, update your password, and connect with fellow members through the directory. |
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| Event | When | Where |
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GRT Kickoff
Register Here | January 7
5:30 - 8 PM | Great Oaks Career Campuses
300 Scarlet Oaks Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45241 | | Virtual Welcome / Orientation for New Members | January 13
7 - 8 PM | Zoom
| | New Member Social | January 27
5 - 7 PM | PNC Bank
501 E. 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | | Member Connect | March 3
5:30 - 8 PM |
MadTree Parks & Rec 4321 Glendale Milford Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242 |
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Sign up for text messages, text IMPACT to 855-743-1644 |
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