Wendy H. Steele, founder of Impact100 and giving circle innovator

Meet Wendy H. Steele

A dedicated philanthropist, passionate entrepreneur, and inspiring speaker, Wendy H. Steele is the author of Invitation to Impact and the founder of Impact100, a nonprofit that streamlined the giving circle model to transform communities worldwide.

A Lifetime of Giving

From a young age, Wendy’s family instilled in her the value of giving back with the intention of leaving the world a little better than she found it. Wendy believes strongly in the power of generosity, and her creation of Impact100 brought a powerful model to the giving circle movement that has since given away more than $140 million to worthy causes throughout the world. 

Since the founding of Impact100 in 2001, Wendy has worked tirelessly to share her philanthropy expertise through speaking engagements, volunteer work, and her forthcoming book Invitation to Impact. Recognized by Forbes in 2021 as one of 50 women over 50 who are leading the world in impact, Wendy is a truly inspirational philanthropist and a role model for women everywhere.

Awards & Recognitions

See Wendy’s latest distinctions and achievements

Forbes 50 over 50

Issued to 50 women over 50 who are changing their communities and the world through social entrepreneurship, law, advocacy, philanthropy, and education.

The Jones Prize in Philanthropy Distinguished Honoree

This award “honors someone who demonstrates the willingness to volunteer time, resources, and talents to improve the human condition, beyond themselves.”

Jefferson Award for Public Service

Considered the Nobel Prize of community service, this award is presented to volunteers who have performed outstanding volunteer service in their communities.

Forbes 50 over 50

Issued to 50 women over 50 who are changing their communities and the world through social entrepreneurship, law, advocacy, philanthropy, and education.

The Jones Prize in Philanthropy Distinguished Honoree

This award “honors someone who demonstrates the willingness to volunteer time, resources, and talents to improve the human condition, beyond themselves.”

Forbes 50 over 50

Issued to 50 women over 50 who are changing their communities and the world through social entrepreneurship, law, advocacy, philanthropy, and education.

SPEAKING

Your Next
Event Speaker

As a speaker, Wendy H. Steele is dynamic, relatable, and ready to inspire action among every member of your audience. Whether you need a keynote address or an inspirational speech, Wendy will transform your event into an unforgettable experience that will energize your organization.

Harnessing the Power of Generosity - Wendy Steele - TEDxCherry Creek Women
Impact100 logo

Wendy H. Steele founded Impact100 in 2001 to encourage and expand women’s roles in the field of philanthropy. Since then, the organization’s powerful giving circle model has sparked a movement of collective community transformation, with more than 65 chapters located across the globe.

Since 2001, Impact100’s chapters have collectively put more than $140 million toward improving and transforming their communities.

members of Impact100, an innovative giving circle style nonprofit