The Founders Fellowship

APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ARE NOW CLOSED

Impact 100 NYC’s Founders Fellowship empowers women under 35 to engage in philanthropy and collective giving. Fellows gain hands-on grantmaking experience addressing NYC’s most pressing needs. 

Application for 2026-27 will open June 13 - July 13, 2026

About Impact 100 NYC: We unite women to fund $100K grants for nonprofits serving underserved communities. Members give $1,000+ annually; dues are waived for Founders Fellows in their first year.

Questions? Email Aly and Autumn: 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 2026 Founders Fellows 

• Attend Membership Kick-off: October 8, 2025 (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