About Us

Impact100 Cleveland is a diverse group of women committed to improving our community by collectively funding transformational grants to make a high impact and sustainable difference in Greater Cleveland. Although Impact100 is new to the Cleveland community, Impact100 Cleveland joins more than 70 sister chapters worldwide embracing the local collective giving model of Impact100.

The Impact100 Model

The Impact100 model was created by Wendy Steele in 2001 in Cincinnati in response to feeling as though women’s roles in philanthropy needed a new way to be expanded and encouraged. The model is designed to empower women to see themselves as philanthropists and overcome the barriers women have historically faced in this arena. The Impact100 model is designed for transformational grant-making within local communities, with a minimum grant size of $100,000. The concept is simple, but profound.

How it Works

The annual $1,000 donation of each Impact100 Cleveland member is pooled together with the donations of other members to create a grant fund to be given away to nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Cleveland area. Impact100 Cleveland has no paid staff, so 100% of each member’s annual contribution of $1,000 goes directly into the grant pool with no deductions for overhead or administrative costs.

The number and size of grants awarded each year are dependent on our membership, but our goal is to give incremental grants of $100,000 annually. Nonprofit finalists are chosen by grant committees through a competitive application process, and grants are awarded based on a membership vote at our annual meeting. Every woman who gives $1,000 or more has one vote.

Focus Areas

We provide nonprofit organizations with grants in increments of at least $100,000 across five broad Focus Areas:

  • Arts & Culture

  • Education

  • Family

  • Health & Wellness

  • Environment, Preservation & Recreation

Our History

The vision to establish Impact100 Cleveland began in January 2025, when Founding President Brooke Potrzeba was inspired by the success of her hometown’s Impact100 chapter in Pensacola, FL. Witnessing the power of collective giving, she saw an opportunity to bring this model of transformational philanthropy to Greater Cleveland.

On February 24, 2025, Impact100 Cleveland was officially founded. From the very beginning, Brooke worked alongside a dedicated group of women to build the infrastructure, establish a strong foundation, and cultivate a passionate Board of Directors. Together, they turned the vision into reality, creating a space where women from all ages, life stages, income levels, and backgrounds could unite to make a lasting impact.

Impact100 Cleveland is committed to funding transformational grants of $100,000 to nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Cleveland area. By harnessing the power of collective giving, the organization empowers local women to be changemakers in their community.

Founding Board of Directors

Brooke Potrzeba – President

Aparna Pillay – Vice President

Heather Edmunds - Secretary

Lisa Mayhugh – Treasurer

Jacqueline Hunter – Grants Director

Judith Matsko - Membership Director

Meena Ghaziasgar - Board Development Chair

Vicki Stouffer - Grant Focus Area Chair - Education

LeAirra Lacey - Grant Focus Area Chair - Family

Ricka Jelepis - Membership Engagement Chair

Shanette Buford-Brazzell - Events Chair

This dedicated team of visionary women set the foundation for Impact100 Cleveland’s legacy—one of empowerment, generosity, and community-driven change.

For more information about how Impact100 started, see our Global story.