President’s Letter – September 2026
By Peg Regan, President

 

Every new season is the beginning of another journey.

Last season, we spoke often about the journey of transformation—the idea that while our grants transform our community, they also transform us. Every community partner we meet, every grant we evaluate, every conversation we have, and every story we hear broadens our understanding of the community we serve and reminds us why thoughtful philanthropy matters.

This season, I’d like to continue that journey by looking beyond the grants themselves. I hope we become even more curious about the people behind the organizations, the needs they are working to address, and the remarkable impact that continues long after an Impact 100 grant has been awarded.

One of the things that has always impressed me about our community partners is that they never view an Impact 100 grant as the finish line. They see it as the beginning. They build upon it, strengthen it, and sustain it through vision, determination, and the support of many others. Those stories deserve to be told—not simply because they reflect the success of our grants, but because they remind us what is possible when a community comes together around a common purpose.

Throughout this season, you’ll notice that our newsletters and events will continue to educate us about the Impact 100 model, while also introducing us to the extraordinary organizations and people who make our community stronger every day. My hope is that each month you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of our community, a greater appreciation for the power of collective philanthropy, and perhaps even a new perspective on your own journey as a member of Impact 100.

I’d also like these letters to become a conversation. Along the way, I’ll share reflections inspired by the people I meet, places I visit, books I read, and experiences that remind me of the many ways lives can be changed through generosity, leadership, and service. I hope you’ll share your own stories as well. Some of the greatest lessons come from one another.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. I look forward to discovering what we’ll learn together in the season ahead.