Dear Impact100 DC Members,

Happy Spring! This season always feels like a fresh start, and as our days grow longer and brighter, I’m reminded of the renewed sense of energy that comes from being together in person.

Our two recent happy hours offered a welcome opportunity to connect and, coming right on the heels of completing the first part of our grant review cycle, a well‑earned moment to celebrate. We were fortunate to hear from three of our former grantees – Open City Advocates, BEST Kids, and Tenants and Workers United – who shared meaningful updates about their work and the impact our collective giving makes possible. We’re grateful to them for taking the time to be with us and for the inspiring work they continue to lead in our community.

Events like these, and all of our in‑person gatherings, affirm the power of coming together. The lively, curious, and warm conversations that unfold when we meet in person allow us to get to know one another, learn together, and inspire one another. These gatherings strengthen the collective energy that drives our mission forward.

And there is much more ahead! You’ll find information about upcoming in‑person gatherings in the “Mark Your Calendar” section of this newsletter, including a hands‑on volunteer event with our grantee Free Minds Book Club. I hope you’ll join us whenever you can.

One of my favorite parts of serving as President is the chance to meet and connect with so many of you – hearing your stories, your ideas, and your passion for making a difference in our community. Each interaction reinforces why this community means so much. I look forward to seeing you soon and sharing the energy, purpose, and joy that comes from being together.

All my best,

Francine

Impact100 DC President

Mark Your Calendar

We have several exciting events ahead! Please watch out for additional details and registration links for the June events, will be shared by email soon.

Thursday, May 14, 6-7:30 p.m.: Join 2025 Impact Grantee Free Minds Book Club for “Write Night,” an evening of poetry, community, and conversation with Free Minds Poet Ambassadors. You’ll also have the opportunity to read and respond to poems from members currently incarcerated. Register here to attend.

Wednesday, June 17, 6-8 p.m.: Our Annual Grant Awards Celebration! Impact100 DC’s signature, can’t-miss event to be held on Capitol Hill. Join members and friends as we announce this year’s grantees and celebrate the 2026 grantmaking year. 

Tuesday, June 23: Join Impact100 DC members for our Theater Night Out to see “Suffs” at the National Theatre in DC – the Tony Award winning musical about “the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote.” Tickets will include a pre-show reception with light dinner at 11:Eleven Gallery in the National Press Club. 

Grant Cycle Update

All Focus Area Committees (FAC) have completed their grant application reviews, and three semifinalists from each FAC have advanced to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee conducts a comprehensive assessment of these 15 semifinalists to ensure they meet our sustainability and eligibility requirements.

We are incredibly grateful for the record number of members who have contributed their time and expertise to supporting this process – strengthening our membership and our impact with fresh ideas and perspectives.

In the coming weeks, FAC members will conduct site visits, engaging more deeply with the organizations. Many members consider these visits one of the most meaningful parts of the process, providing a firsthand view of impact in action.



Stay tuned as we move toward final selection of finalists the vote for of our next Impact100 DC grant awardees.

Impact100 DC Grantee Updates

2024 Mission Grantee: DC Greens

The Well at Oxon Run has reopened for the 2026 growing season with a week of free events, including a Coffee & Farm Walk, Fig Tree Workshop, volunteer planting shifts, and the first Wellness Market Day. Sign up for Volunteer Days this spring (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.) to support field prep, light landscaping, and event setup.

2025 Mission Grantee: Grassroots Health

On April 22, “Grassroots Grad” will honor the volunteer student-athletes who showed up week after week throughout their college years to mentor younger students and lead conversations around health and well-being. Join them to celebrate these dedicated volunteers as they take their next steps. Please RSVP here.

Volunteers are invited to “Grassroots Connect,” a high-energy health fair serving nearly 1,000 students. Held at GW’s Smith Center on May 1, 7, and 8 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), this event combines games, movement, and connections to trusted health providers. Volunteer roles include: event setup and cleanup, greeting students and distributing materials, supporting activity tables and health provider stations, and assisting with lunch and general event flow.

2024 Mission Grantee: BEST Kids

Join the 15th Annual Superhero 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, May 9, 8:30 a.m., at Fort Hunt Park. Volunteers, runners, and walkers are all welcome for a fun and meaningful event supporting youth in foster care.

Thank you to Our Members for Getting Involved!

Impact100 DC is powered by our members, and there are many ways to contribute based on your interests and availability. A special thank you to the 131 members who are serving on our grant review committees. We appreciate your time, energy, and thoughtful work. Thanks also to members who have volunteered for and are stepping into roles across the organization.

We have a few high-priority volunteer needs, particularly in Events, including support for our Annual Celebration on June 17. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to Francine. Members who have expressed interest in fundraising and corporate partnerships will hear from Francine soon about an upcoming organizational meeting.

Thank you to our sponsors!