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Community Highlight: IMPACT 100

March 26, 2026 | Lisa Gibbs

IMPACT 100 members

A key mission of UWF Leisure Learning is connecting individuals with their community. From local businesses that shape our city to nonprofits that create meaningful change, Pensacola is home to many people dedicated to making a positive impact. One notable example is IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a philanthropic nonprofit that supports local organizations with grants to help advance their initiatives. 

IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area began in 2003 when Debbie Ritchie, a founding member of the Pensacola chapter, discovered the IMPACT 100 model developed by Wendy Steele. Inspired by their meaningful philanthropic work, Debbie made it her mission to bring IMPACT 100 to Pensacola. She gathered a group of individuals to form the founding board and brought together 233 women to officially launch their chapter. 

Many IMPACT 100 members are also part of UWF Leisure Learning, and you can join a class today to connect with the people and organizations making a real impact in our community. UWF Leisure Learning also offers classes to several local organizations that have worked with IMPACT 100, giving you the opportunity to visit them and learn more about their missions. 

“When I first retired to Pensacola nearly eight years ago, I was eager to learn about Pensacola and get actively involved,” says Leisure Learning and IMPACT 100 member Linda Sampson. “Leisure Learning has introduced me to a broad range of local activities and organizations, many of which I’ve come to know through my involvement with IMPACT 100 as well. Through both programs, I find that I know more about Pensacola than those who have lived here all their lives!” 

As of 2024, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has invested $17,504,849 in 108 nonprofit organizations across the local area, including the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, Pensacola Little Theatre, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. The organization recruits 100 new members each year, with each donating $1,000 to collectively fund a $100,000 grant that supports a charitable initiative that demonstrates strong potential for community impact. 

Learn more about IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area.

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