Impact 100 Seattle brings women together for local change

What you probably already know: We’ve previously reported on the current state of philanthropic giving and how it’s evolving. Where donors once focused on treating the symptoms of social issues from afar, today they’re focused on addressing their root causes in innovative ways while promoting collaboration and community within the process. One shining example of modern philanthropy is Impact 100 Seattle, a women’s collective giving organization that supports small, local, community-led nonprofits with unrestricted grants and resources beyond the check. Women contribute at least $1,000 annually to a grant pool, which is divided into at least three grants that are distributed after a vote.

Why? Impact 100 Seattle is rooted in “trust-based philanthropy,” a concept co-founder and co-president Anna Graves said is more important now than ever as local organizations face unprecedented challenges, including economic pressure, political uncertainty, and increasing demand for services. “By offering unrestricted funding and centering relationships over rigid requirements, we empower organizations to adapt, lead, and focus on serving their communities,” Graves said. “More funders are realizing that lasting change happens through partnership, not control, and we believe this approach is the future of philanthropy.” The collective’s diverse network of women also offers unique skills and resources to local nonprofits to help “amplify their messages, share their stories, and open doors to new connections.”

What it means: Since launching in 2019, the collective has awarded nearly $1 million to 17 nonprofits. Graves said Impact 100 Seattle received a record number of grant applications this year, and organizations are expressing an urgent need for flexible funding that allows them to respond quickly and efficiently. In response, Impact 100 Seattle tapped its reserve funds to grant $230,000 this year — its largest pool to date. The largest grant went to Dignity for Divas, a women-led organization that supports unhoused and recently housed women of color. Grants were also awarded to a program empowering Afghan women through literacy and life-skills training, a group offering apprenticeship and training to underrepresented individuals in the automotive industry, and an organization focused on closing the racial wealth gap by providing financial tools and advocacy to BIPOC and Indigenous homeowners.

How to get involved: Impact 100 Seattle seeks members who are interested in shaping the future of democratized philanthropic giving, connecting with like-minded women, and transforming their communities in meaningful ways. “Whether you’re new to philanthropy or have been giving for years, you’ll find space to learn, connect, and support transformational change, together,” Graves said. “When it comes to the member experience, we often say, ‘Come as you are. Give what you can.’ You can dive into volunteer work, attend social and educational events, or simply stay connected through newsletters and social media. There’s no pressure, just opportunities to engage meaningfully at your own pace.”

— Story by Cambrie Juarez
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