Dear Impact100 DC Community,

There is a wonderful sense of anticipation in the air at Impact100 DC! We are looking forward to an exciting month ahead as our focus turns to one of the most rewarding parts of our work: meeting our finalists, casting our votes, and celebrating the impact we will create together.

As our membership prepares to review proposals from our five incredible finalists, I’d like to highlight the role of trust-based philanthropy as a guiding principle in our efforts. This approach to grantmaking is rooted in partnership over rigid oversight, streamlining the grant process and trusting applicants’ strategic vision. 

Over the past several years, Impact100 DC has intentionally incorporated trust-based principles into our grantmaking by prioritizing equity, reducing administrative burdens, and building deeper partnerships with local nonprofits. We trust our applicants to know how best to make their impact. This does not mean stepping back from knowing how our funds would be used; instead, it means trusting our applicants to direct resources where they are most needed.

Our tremendous growth in membership this year has brought us to an exciting moment: for the first time, we will award grants to three out of our five exceptional finalists. While choosing among them will still be difficult—and we only wish we had funds for all five—reaching this milestone is a testament to the power of our collective giving. It is also a reminder of what will continue to be possible as our membership, resources, and collective impact grow. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission and your investment in our community. I am deeply inspired by what we have accomplished together!

Warmly,

Francine

Francine Lamoriello

President, Impact100 DC

Grant Cycle Update

The Grants Committee congratulates our dedicated Focus Area Committee (FAC) members and Finance Committee on the outstanding work throughout this year’s grants cycle. Together, these teams reviewed a record-breaking number of grant applications.



Over the past six weeks, committee members met regularly, conducted site visits, and selected 15 semi-finalists to advance to the Finance Committee for an in-depth financial review. Following that process, each FAC selected one finalist, resulting in five finalists who will present to the full membership for a vote.

With approximately 21 members serving on each FAC, selecting a single finalist was no easy task. The process was highly collaborative and carried out by an exceptionally collegial and cooperative group of women.

Grants Co-Chairs Dorothy Durden and K ate Rodgers are deeply grateful for the tremendous effort and dedication contributed throughout this year’s process. They now look forward to the full membership vote to select our three $100,000 grant recipients.

Impact100 DC Grantee Updates

Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop

Impact in Action: "Write Night" with Free Minds Book Club

On May 14, Impact100 DC members joined representatives from 2025 Impact Grant Awardee Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop for an inspiring "Write Night."

During the event, attendees learned more about the organization's vital work and heard directly from Poet Ambassadors, who shared personal stories about the power of free expression. Participants also read poetry written by current Free Minds members—incarcerated youth and adults from DC—and provided written feedback and messages of encouragement.

Thank you to the staff and members of Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop, and to everyone who participated in this meaningful evening. 

Grassroots Health

Join 2025 Mission Grantee Grassroots Health on a 5K & Fun Run on June 27, 2026 on the C&O Canal towpath. Run so more young people in DC have the support and health education they need for their health and well-being. Get more information or register here.

Open City Advocates

Congratulations to 2023 Impact Grantee Open City Advocates on celebrating its 21st anniversary of standing beside young people in the juvenile justice system, showing up with fierce advocacy, deep care, and the belief that every young person deserves a real chance.

Thank you to our sponsors!