The funding will allow Women Helping Women to expand its DVERT program in Adams County, connecting survivors with specially trained advocates immediately after a domestic violence incident and linking them to safety planning and support services.
The finalists will present their proposals to Impact 100’s membership in September. Members will vote on the projects, with the top four recipients each receiving a $100,000 grant. The others will each receive $10,000.
Philanos named Berg the 2026 recipient of the Willoughby Award, the organization’s highest honor recognizing visionary leadership in women-led philanthropy. The Willoughby Award honors leaders who’ve used the collective giving model in innovative ways to strengthen communities and expand philanthropic opportunities for others.
Impact 100 was born in Cincinnati in 2001, when local philanthropist Wendy H. Steele rallied a handful of women to pool their resources for bigger impact. There are now 75 chapters worldwide. The Cincinnati chapter has grown to about 420 members who have awarded more than $7.7M to 64 nonprofits.
Funding will go toward community projects that span legal services, supportive housing, accessible playgrounds and summer enrichment programs.
