Impact100 DC Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Philanthropy Fellowship for Women Ages 21–39 in the Washington, DC Region

The Impact100 DC Fellowship 2026 offers an opportunity for women between the ages of 21 and 39 who are interested in philanthropy and community impact but may not have the financial resources to become full members of Impact100 DC.

The fellowship allows participants to experience collective giving firsthand, take part in the organization’s grant review process, contribute to community activities, and develop their leadership and philanthropic skills. Fellows become full members from the beginning of the fellowship at no cost, allowing them to participate alongside other Impact100 DC members without having to pay the standard membership contribution.

Applications for the fellowship are currently open, with applications due October 15, 2026.

What Is the Impact100 DC Fellowship?

The Impact100 DC Fellowship is designed for women who want to learn about philanthropy through direct participation rather than simply observing from the sidelines.

The program gives Fellows the opportunity to become actively involved in how philanthropic resources are distributed and how grants can contribute to positive change in the community.

Through the fellowship, participants experience the process of collective giving and help shape how Impact100 DC grants affect the community.

Rather than requiring Fellows to make the standard financial contribution associated with membership, the fellowship provides qualifying participants with full membership at no cost.

This creates an opportunity for women who are interested in philanthropy but may not have the financial resources to join Impact100 DC through the regular membership route.

Experience Collective Giving Firsthand

One of the central features of the Impact100 DC Fellowship is the opportunity to experience collective giving directly.

Collective giving involves people coming together to pool resources and participate collectively in decisions about how those resources are distributed through grants.

For Fellows, this means gaining practical exposure to the grantmaking process and understanding how philanthropic decisions can influence organizations and communities.

Fellows are not passive participants. They are expected to become involved in the organization’s activities and contribute to the grant review process.

Full Membership From Day One at No Cost

A major feature of the fellowship is that Fellows become full members from the beginning of the fellowship at no cost.

The program emphasizes that Fellows do not simply observe Impact100 DC’s activities. Instead, they participate as members and contribute to the organization’s work.

Fellows are expected to:

• Serve on at least one grant review committee.
• Contribute their skills to outreach, events, or communications.
• Connect with Impact100 DC members.
• Attend events and member activities.
• Participate actively in the community.
• Develop their leadership experience through involvement in the organization.

This structure allows Fellows to gain practical experience while also contributing their own skills and perspectives.

Grant Review Committee Participation

Participation in the grant review process is a required component of the fellowship.

Each Fellow must serve on at least one grant review committee.

This gives Fellows direct experience with an important aspect of philanthropy: reviewing grant opportunities and participating in the process through which philanthropic resources can support community organizations.

For women interested in nonprofit organizations, social impact, community development, charitable giving, or philanthropy, this experience can provide an opportunity to better understand how grantmaking works in practice.

Opportunities to Contribute Skills

Fellows can also contribute their individual skills to areas such as:

• Outreach
• Events
• Communications

This means the fellowship is not limited to grant review. Fellows can also become involved in activities that help build and maintain the Impact100 DC community.

Participants can use their existing professional, academic, creative, organizational, communication, or community-building skills while gaining new experience through their involvement.

Networking and Community Building

Another component of the fellowship is the opportunity to connect with existing Impact100 DC members.

Fellows are encouraged to:

• Connect with members.
• Attend organizational events.
• Participate in member activities.
• Build relationships within the Impact100 DC community.
• Develop their leadership abilities.

This provides an environment in which Fellows can learn from other members while developing connections around philanthropy and community impact.

Who Should Apply?

The Impact100 DC Fellowship is intended for women who meet the program’s geographic and age requirements and who are genuinely interested in participating in philanthropy.

The program identifies several characteristics of women who should apply.

1. Women Living or Working in the Eligible Washington, DC Region

Applicants must live or work in one of the locations specified by Impact100 DC.

Eligible locations include:

• Washington, DC
• Montgomery County, Maryland
• Prince George’s County, Maryland
• Arlington County, Virginia
• Fairfax County, Virginia
• City of Alexandria, Virginia
• City of Falls Church, Virginia
• City of Fairfax, Virginia

2. Applicants Between 21 and 39

Applicants must be between 21 and 39 years old.

The fellowship is specifically designed for women in this age range who are interested in becoming more actively involved in philanthropy.

3. Interest in Philanthropy

Applicants should have a passion for making an impact through philanthropy.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to women who want to understand how collective giving can contribute to community change and who are interested in participating directly in philanthropic activities.

4. Willingness to Participate Actively

The fellowship requires active participation.

Applicants should be excited about participating in:

• Committees
• Events
• Member activities
• Grant review
• Community-building activities

The program is therefore intended for participants who are prepared to contribute time, skills, ideas, and energy to the Impact100 DC community.

Fellowship Funding and Membership Support

The Impact100 DC Fellowship is made possible through financial support from the organization’s existing members and other supporters.

According to the program information, fellowships are funded through the generosity of members who contribute above the $1,000 membership level, as well as through donations from corporate sponsors and other Impact100 DC supporters.

This support allows Fellows to participate as full members without paying the standard membership cost.

What Fellows Can Gain

Although the fellowship is primarily centered on participation in philanthropy and community giving, the program can provide several forms of practical experience.

Practical Philanthropy Experience

Fellows participate directly in the grant review process, providing firsthand exposure to philanthropic decision-making.

Leadership Development

By participating in committees, events, outreach, communications, and member activities, Fellows can develop leadership and organizational experience.

Community Connections

Participants have opportunities to connect with Impact100 DC members and become part of a wider philanthropic community.

Understanding Grantmaking

Serving on a grant review committee can help Fellows understand how grantmaking processes operate and how philanthropic resources can be directed toward community needs.

Professional and Personal Growth

The fellowship provides an environment in which participants can contribute their existing skills while developing new knowledge, relationships, and leadership experience.

Impact100 DC Fellowship Application Timeline

The fellowship follows a multi-stage annual application process.

September: Applications Become Available

Applications become available for the following fellowship year in September.

October 15: Applications Due

The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

Applicants should submit their applications by the stated deadline.

November: Finalist Interviews

Finalists are asked to participate in a brief interview in November.

December: Fellows Selected

Fellows are expected to be selected by the end of December.

January: Fellowship Begins

The one-year fellowship begins in January.

The fellowship can be renewed for a second year, providing selected participants with the possibility of continuing their involvement beyond the initial fellowship year.

Fellowship Duration

The initial fellowship lasts one year.

The program states that the fellowship is renewable for a second year, allowing Fellows who continue to meet the program’s expectations to potentially extend their participation.

The fellowship therefore provides an opportunity for sustained involvement in Impact100 DC rather than being limited to a short-term event or workshop.

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How to Apply

Women interested in the Impact100 DC Fellowship can submit their application through the official application form.

Application deadline: October 15, 2026

Apply for the Impact100 DC Fellowship

Applicants should review the program requirements carefully and make sure they meet the geographic and age criteria before applying.

Preparing a Strong Application

Prospective applicants can consider several areas when preparing their application.

Demonstrate Your Interest in Philanthropy

Explain why philanthropy and community impact matter to you and what motivates you to become involved in collective giving.

Show Your Willingness to Participate

Because Fellows are expected to participate actively, applicants should demonstrate their enthusiasm for committees, events, member activities, and grant review.

Highlight Relevant Skills

Consider highlighting skills that could contribute to Impact100 DC’s activities, particularly skills related to:

• Outreach
• Communications
• Event organization
• Community engagement
• Leadership
• Teamwork

Explain Your Interest in Community Impact

Applicants should communicate their interest in contributing to positive change through philanthropy and explain what they hope to learn from participating in the fellowship.

Conclusion

The Impact100 DC Fellowship 2026 provides women ages 21–39 in the Washington, DC metropolitan area with an opportunity to participate directly in philanthropy without paying the standard membership cost.

Fellows become full members from day one and are expected to participate actively in the organization’s work, including serving on at least one grant review committee, contributing skills to outreach, events, or communications, attending activities, connecting with members, and developing as leaders.

The fellowship begins in January, lasts one year, and can be renewed for a second year. Applications are due October 15, 2026, making it important for interested applicants to review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications ahead of the deadline.

For women interested in philanthropy, collective giving, community engagement, and leadership development, the program provides a structured opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to Impact100 DC’s grantmaking and community activities.

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