News
Moving Beyond Words: Commitments that Make a Difference
We are undeniably in an era of rapid change. During these uncertain, complex times, when many are peacefully disrupting the status quo, we need to move forward differently, to be more innovative, more inclusive. We need to transform our thinking and acting in ways that will lead to justice and equity for all.
Answering the Challenge of our Times
Progress is possible, if our society is willing to make big investments that tackle inequity at scale and remove the impediments that systematically erode the gains we achieve. Our mission at Lever for Change is aligned with these goals.
MacKenzie Scott funds members of our Bold Solutions Network
Last week, MacKenzie Scott announced $1.67 billion in grants to 116 organizations, following up on her Giving Pledge commitment to give away her personal fortune during her lifetime.
Bold Solutions Network Curated Lists
Launched in February, the Bold Solutions Network is a searchable online collection of summaries of highly-rated, rigorously evaluated proposals, or “bold solutions,” that emerge from the competitions Lever for Change manages. The Bold Solutions Network helps donors find and fund highly-rated, vetted proposals on topics they care about.
Bold Solutions Network Member Update
Highly-ranked applicants in the competitions Lever for Change manages are eligible to become Bold Solutions Network (BSN) members. BSN members have access to ongoing learning opportunities offered through Lever for Change. These opportunities are designed to continue to help strengthen members' project design and plans, as well as to increase the impact of their work.
FINALISTS NAMED IN MACARTHUR COMPETITION FOR $100 MILLION GRANT
Six bold solutions to critical social challenges were named finalists today in 100&Change, a global competition for a single $100 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The proposals address diverse and systemic problems, such as ocean health, homelessness, oxygen therapy, health disparities, news deserts, and mosquito-borne disease.
Mayor Lightfoot Announces $11 Million Allocation in Grant Funding for Projects in INVEST South/West Community Areas
On June 29, 2020, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined Maurice Cox, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, to announce the recipients of $11 million in grant funding to support key INVEST South/West projects. The funding will help to close capital stack gaps for two critical developments in the Auburn Gresham and North Lawndale neighborhoods.
FIVE FINALISTS ADVANCE IN THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CHALLENGE, A NATIONAL AWARD FOR A $10 MILLION GRANT TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC HEALTH OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
Columbia Business School Students, in Collaboration with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Select Innovative Fintech Solution for Small Farms Facing Climate Change to Receive $100,000 Award
In a unique Global Philanthropy course at Columbia Business School, graduate students analyzed the “Top 100” proposals from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change competition and, based on criteria developed by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, selected one to receive a special grant.
Building the Expertise of the Next Generation of Philanthropic Leaders Through Competitive Evaluation
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and Columbia Business School partnered to create an educational opportunity for students to assess the 100&Change Top 100 and select one proposal for a $100,000 award.