About the Founder, Wendy H. Steele
A dedicated philanthropist, passionate entrepreneur, and inspiring speaker, Wendy Steele is the founder of Impact100, a grassroots global movement that has given away nearly $160 million since its inception in 2001. From a young age, her family instilled in her the value of giving back with the intention of leaving the world a little better than she found it, leading Steele to dedicate much of her adult life encouraging generosity in all its forms.
Before focusing exclusively on philanthropic work, Wendy enjoyed a successful career in banking that culminated in a Senior Vice President role. Even her decision to pursue this profession was inspired by a desire to give back, after witnessing her grandfather help countless members of his community through his own work as a banker.
In 2023, Wendy released her bestselling book, Invitation to Impact: Lighting the Path to Community Transformation. Filled with personal stories and expert guidance, she shares the origin story of Impact100, including the problem-solving rationale behind this innovative philanthropy model, and why she was ultimately compelled to pivot from a successful banking career into full-time work at Impact100 Global. 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. Today, she continues her work with Impact100 Global to invite women across the globe to the party and to empower them to create transformational change in their local communities.
Wendy has received numerous awards for her work in philanthropy, including the honor of being named a 2024 USA TODAY Woman of the Year. Also in 2024, Steele received an Anthem Award for Humanitarian Action & Services, Best Local Community Engagement for her work with Impact100 Global. In 2021, she was named by Forbes as one of fifty women over fifty who are leading the world in impact. In 2020, Wendy was named a Distinguished Honoree of the Jones Prize in Philanthropy, an award 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.
Her work in philanthropy has been featured in several books, including The Transformative Power of Women’s Philanthropy; Women, Wealth and Giving; Creating a Women’s Giving Circle; and The Right Sisters—Women Inventors Tell Their Stories. Steele remains deeply committed to giving back to her community and wholeheartedly believes that each of us has something important to give.
Bestselling Author of Invitation to Impact: Lighting the Path to Community Transformation
Wendy Steele posed a simple question in 2001. Where are the women givers? She asked the women around her in Cincinnati about their roadblocks and listed them out in a spiral notebook. An idea emerged: what if each woman gave what she could, while harnessing the power of collective action? The Impact100 model was born. One hundred women would each give a $1,000 check to create a $100,000 transformational grant in their community. Women are empowered to give what works for them, be it time, treasure, or talent.
Invitation to Impact: Lighting the Path to Community Transformation is the story of how Wendy launched one of today’s most successful collective giving movements. Long before she was the leader of a global movement, Wendy was navigating through her teen years and the unexpected loss of her mother. The parents, teachers, and family that rallied around her not only gave Wendy first-hand experience with the power of community, but they instilled the belief that coming together through generosity is how humans thrive. From humble beginnings, Wendy and the volunteer-led chapters of Impact100 have created a ripple effect of grassroots giving around the world. Today, Impact100 chapters span more than 60 cities and have invested over $100,000,000 to their local communities.
In her approachable and authentic style, Wendy Steele shares the path that led her to Impact100 Global’s helm and her vision for a generous, resilient, community-driven future. Wherever you are and whatever you have to give, this book is your invitation to join the giving movement.
Welcome to Generosity Matters
~Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THINK AGAIN and host of the TED podcast WorkLi
“A personal, practical guide to mobilizing local solutions to global problems.”
~Shawn Achor, NYTimes best-selling author of Big Potential and The Happiness Advantage
"Wendy Steele is one of the bright lights attempting to tip this world away from negativity and division to a world that sees a viable path to optimism and positive change. Importantly, in Invitation to Impact she demonstrates how we can move connection and meaning from a longing to a lifelong practice. A positive and connected brain is the greatest advantage in the modern world, but it is something we do with one another instead of alone. This book provides a practical and clear path to light the way."
~Doug Stanton, #1 New York Times bestselling author of In Harm’s Way and 12 Strong
“Wendy has created dramatic change in the world. Impact100—her brainchild—has awarded $105 million in grants to nonprofits that are transforming communities. Her own personal story of how she came to inspire and empower women to give so generously is no less amazing.”
Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker Founder of Susan G. Komen and Promise Fund of Florida Global Cancer Advo
“They say that innovation is born from necessity. Few understand this – live this – with stronger qualifications than Wendy Steele who shares invaluable lessons which led to her standing as a philanthropic groundbreaker. The reach of Wendy’s work has changed lives and her illuminating insights will empower more women to share in her success and give back with greater impact inside their local communities.”
Dr. Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace
"Invitation to Impact is a reminder that by working together we make a much bigger impact than we can alone. As I say in all of my lectures, the small ethical decisions we make each day may seem unimportant, but if millions make the same ethical decisions this will lead to change. The time has come for global cooperation on a large scale, and Steele's book provides many stories that illustrate that such cooperation is our only hope of survival."
Angie Morgan, Entrepreneur and New York Times Best Selling author of SPARK, Leading from the Front,
“Wendy’s life story is not just a powerful tale of resilience. It’s an inspiration to all who wonder “What can I do to make a difference?” Buy this book, read this book, and share this book. Then, together with your friends, marvel at all the ways you can affect transformative change.”
Sondra Shaw Hardy Co-founder of the Women's Philanthropy Institute at the Lilly Center on Philanthro
“Reading this book will introduce you to an amazing woman, Wendy Steele. Her heartfelt journey while developing a unique and overwhelmingly successful way for women to express their gratitude, while helping to solve their community’s issues, is a story not to be missed. Wendy’s shared experiences will help women all over the globe realize they can be a powerful force for change. This is a “must read.”
Susan Spencer, Former Editor-in-Chief of Woman’s Day Magazine
“Drawing on a deep understanding of how and why women give, Impact100 founder Wendy Steele shares the tools and actions we need to create meaningful change across our communities. Both inspiring and practical, Invitation to Impact is a must-have guide to transformative philanthropy rooted in empathy and service.”
Michael Chatman, President & CEO The Community Foundation, Global Center for Generosity
“With an unparalleled depth of insight and clarity of voice, Wendy Steele is the voice of the generosity movement. Her speaking abilities, writing skills, and servant leadership touch a place in the hearts of generous givers on a global scale. She is a generous woman who has enriched many lives, including my own. Don’t miss her wisdom and insight!”
Kris Putnam-Walkerly, Philanthropy Advisor and Author, Delusional Altruism.
“Wendy Steele brings her visionary gift of grassroots, women-powered philanthropy to the world in Invitation to Impact. It’s a must-read for anyone who knows they have more to give but needs a guide on their philanthropic journey. This inspiring book will change the way you think about your impact on the world.”
Gloria Dittus, Chair, Story Partners
“Whether you are a seasoned philanthropist or just finding your way, Invitation to Impact will encourage you to do more, give more, and make your community stronger for all. I highly recommend it.”