The Ahlan Simsim initiative has transformed the lives of children and families through early childhood development services in its fifth year.

Steeped in technology solutions to climate change, the Renewable Thermal Collaborative is building a community to transform industry. The Renewable Thermal Collaborative (RTC), which in 2021 received $10 million in the Lever for Change 2030 Climate Challenge, has used the funding to step into a particularly daunting area of the climate change landscape.

The past year has tested the resilience of women worldwide. Half of our global population continues to grapple with unequal access to opportunities, an injustice that persists even in nations like America, where women secured the right to vote just a century ago. We recognize that the path ahead is steep, but we remain steadfast in our determination to build a more equitable world for all.

Unconscious bias is a powerful, subtle force shaping our lives, from daily choices to life-changing decisions. It stems from our brain's need for rapid information processing. It affects everything from restaurant choices, to hiring decisions, to friendships, trust, and so much more. While bias can't be entirely eliminated, awareness and conscious decision-making can help us make higher-quality choices. In this interview between Chicago Beyond and Lever for Change, we explore how to combat unconscious bias in decision-making and a tool developed to help in the philanthropic funding process.

Lwala Community Alliance is recognized for its pioneering, community-led health model in rural Kenya. Babies and Mothers Alive Foundation and Maya Health Alliance | Wuqu’ Kawoq also receive grant funding for their work to support maternal and infant health.

Today, we are delighted to celebrate the three awardees of the Maternal & Infant Health Award, an initiative we launched last year in partnership with The Patchwork Collective and ICONIQ Impact (ICONIQ Capital’s platform for collaborative philanthropy). The award was designed to aid innovative, community-led organizations in providing women with access to safe, equitable, and quality maternal healthcare, with the goal of reducing maternal and infant mortality worldwide.

Many donors find giving away money effectively to be difficult. As a result, the wealthiest Americans are sitting on $4.5 trillion. Although individual wealth has increased, donations have dropped sharply (by 60%) since the height of the pandemic. Most of this money remains on the sidelines despite the urgency of local, national, and global social and economic challenges because would-be donors have no accessible, trusted, and reliable way to choose with confidence among charitable causes, organizations, and projects.

The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York was not just a gathering of diplomats and world leaders; it was a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit of those working diligently to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the key stakeholders driving progress towards these global objectives, philanthropy played a prominent role, and Lever for Change was there to represent its bold network and ideas.

Embark on a journey of hope and change with Lever for Change as we delve into the inspiring initiatives of 17 exceptional organizations. Guided by the visionary objectives of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) in 2023, these organizations are part of Lever for Change's Bold Solutions Network. Together, they are driving remarkable progress towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing issues from hunger and health to environmental sustainability. Explore their impactful work and discover how your support can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

We’ve had a busy past few months at Lever for Change. In March, we launched MacKenzie Scott’s $250 million Yield Giving Open Call. While there has been some pushback on the eligibility requirements, which require organizations to have budgets between $1-5 million, I’m happy to share that we’ve received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from around the country.