The Nonprofit Exchange Podcast

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Philanthropy – How Giving Local Sparked a Global Movement

Interview with Impact 100 Global Founder, Wendy Steele.

If you have trouble asking board members, friends, and acquaintances to support your work financially, this podcast episode is for you! Please listen in as we unpack the benefits of generosity and reframe philanthropy as an honor and responsibility for all – not just the wealthy.

Wendy Steele

Recognized by Forbes in 2021 as one of 50 women over 50 leading the world in impact, Wendy H. Steele is the Founder of Impact100, a grassroots global movement in women’s philanthropy. Since its inception in 2001, Impact100 chapters have invested more than $120 million in local nonprofits across more than 65 cities and four countries. Steele’s work in philanthropy is noted in several books including, The Transformative Power of Women’s Philanthropy; Women, Wealth and Giving; Women’s Giving Circles; and The Right Sisters – Modern Women Inventors. PBS Television created an hour-long documentary entitled, Impact 100: Changing Lives, Strengthening Communities, which highlights the work of Impact100 Pensacola Bay Area, the world’s largest Impact100 organization. In 2020, Wendy was named a Distinguished Honoree of the Jones Prize in Philanthropy, which “honors someone who demonstrates the willingness to volunteer time, resources, and talents to improve the human condition, beyond themselves.” Considered the Nobel Prize for community service, Steele was awarded the 2014 Jefferson Award for Public Service for her work with Impact100. The importance of giving back with the intent to leave the world a little better than she found it was instilled in her from a young age, leading her to see that each of us has something important to give. She observes that there are two kinds of people: those who see the problems in the world and realize they can be a part of the solution and those who still need to be invited to the party.