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The Founders Fellowship


 Applications for the 2026 Grant Cycle will open in June, 2025!

Check back then for the application link and more details on how to apply.

Impact 100 NYC sponsors the Founders Fellowship to engage women under 35 in philanthropy and collective giving. Fellows gain hands-on experience addressing NYC’s critical needs through grantmaking. Preference is given to those without familial ties to Impact 100 NYC and with financial need. Applications open in June each year.


About Impact 100 NYC: Impact 100 NYC unites women in philanthropy to fund $100,000 grants for nonprofits serving underserved communities. Members contribute $1,000+ annually, with first-year dues waived for Founders Fellows. 

Questions? Email fellowship@impact100nyc.org.

Founders Fellows …

  • Enjoy full membership benefits, including the opportunity to learn how to evaluate grant proposals and award grants. 
  • Dedicated support from a member through the Grant Review process
  • Learn about the work of New York City area nonprofits and the challenges they face. 
  • Become part of the global collective giving grantmaking movement. 
  • Network with and be mentored by a diverse group of women, including Impact 100 NYC adult and nextgen members, young professionals, and previous Founders Fellows.

Criteria for Founders Fellows Applicants: 

  • Must be women under the age of 35 who have demonstrated a commitment to improving lives in their communities through work, volunteerism, or study. 
  • Must complete and submit the Founders Fellowship application and a copy of their resume.
  • Must be available for an interview with Impact 100 Founders Fellowship Committee members. 
  • Must reside in one of the five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island.

Responsibilities of Founders Fellows 

      • Attend Membership Kick-off: Date TBD (2 hrs, Midtown)
      • Schedule Monthly check-ins:to be scheduled at a time/date that is convenient for both Committee chair and Fellow (September - May)
      • Participate in the grant making process by serving on a Grant Review  Committee (“GRC”). Tentative schedule(from February – May)
      • Grant Review Orientation: February 2026, Zoom (1.5 hrs.)
      • On your own, read 10 – 12 grant proposals(4-5 hrs.)
      • First Grant Review Team meeting: February/ March 2026, Zoom ( 2 -3 hrs.evening and day time options available)
      • Second Grant Review Team meeting : April/ May 2026 (2 -3 hrs.evening and day time options available)
      • Attend or ReviewVirtual Site Visits: (3 hrs.)
      • Vote and Attend “Big Give” Event: May 2026 (1.5 - 2 hrs. evening)
      • Attend Fellowship Year End Lunch: June 2026

            **Approximate Time Commitment during Fellowship Year: 20 – 25 hours 

            The 2026 application will open in June, 2025



            Impact 100 NYC, Inc. is incorporated in the state of New York and is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal taxes under U.S. Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax deductible. Impact 100 NYC is registered with the New York State Attorney General’s Office to solicit charitable contributions and hold charitable assets in New York State.

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