Impact100, a global nonprofit, began a new chapter in Northeast Ohio headed by Avon Lake resident Brooke Potrzeba.
Impact100 Cleveland was founded in February by Potrzeba.
Potrzeba said she was inspired to start the chapter after moving to Avon Lake from Pensacola, Fla., where the organization has over 1,200 members.
“I saw firsthand the impact it created in Pensacola and how nonprofits really thrive and are able to go above and beyond because of impact grants,” she said. “When I moved to Avon Lake, it felt like something I wanted to build and to be able to bring women together in this community.”
Impact100 Cleveland is comprised of a group of women, local or non local, who each contribute $1,000 annually.
The money is combined to make $100,000, which is donated to a nonprofit of the group’s choosing.
Nonprofits are selected from seven Northeast Ohio counties, including Lorain County.
“The only membership requirement is to pay that $1,000, and then everyone has an equal vote in selecting that recipient,” Potrzeba said.
Impact100 Cleveland focuses on five grant areas: education; family; health and wellness; environment; and arts and culture, she said.
“Any nonprofit that has a project or a mission within any of those five categories, are welcome to apply,” Potrzeba said.
Impact100 Cleveland wants to have 100 members by December, she said.
“Membership is open to anyone who identifies as a woman, is 18 and older and cares about the Greater Cleveland area,” Potrzeba said.
The chapter will pick its first nonprofit in September 2026, she said.
Potrzeba said she is hopeful for the future and ready to leave an impact on the place she now calls home.
“I’ve never just written a $1,000 check; that’s definitely not a small gift by any means, but it’s so powerful when we all can put it together and have a direct voice,” she said. “I know there’s a lot of philanthropic-minded women in the area, and I think we’re all ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
For more information on Impact100 Cleveland and to become a member, visit https://impact100cleveland.org/.
