When it comes to philanthropy, it’s usually universities, museums, and hospitals that get major donations. But there’s a Chicago organization shaking up that paradigm.

Happy Women's History Month! This special time is set aside to celebrate women's immeasurable contributions and unwavering strength throughout history. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by generations before us, we recognize that women have always been at the forefront of progress, driving change and shaping the world we live in today.

As you wake up and get ready for your day, you may not realize the countless caregivers out there who are already up and working hard to care for the most vulnerable members of our society. These incredible individuals are the backbone of our communities, delivering essential care to those who need it most. On Caregiver Appreciation Day, we want to honor and appreciate caregivers for their tireless efforts.

A couple of years ago, I wrote an article about “the Power of Partnership.” Recently, I’ve been thinking about our partners and how we collaborate for greater impact. Many of the ideas I explored previously still hold true.

In the world of philanthropy, the 100&Change competition stands out for its potential to catalyze meaningful solutions for some of the biggest problems of our time. Among the 1,904 impressive projects submitted in the inaugural round of the competition, four finalists stood out for their unique approach, strong partnerships, and vision for achieving impact. This series provides an update on these initiatives and their achievements over the past five years.

The world of philanthropy can seem mysterious and inaccessible to many, but a unique partnership between Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Columbia Business School's Tamer Center for Social Enterprise, and Lever for Change is bringing it into the classroom. MBA students are applying their learning to award over $100,000 to a nonprofit organization, gaining real-world experience in philanthropy and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the experiences and struggles that have shaped the lives of African Americans throughout history. For our CEO, who grew up in segregated Texas during the Civil Rights Movement, these experiences were especially significant. In her blog post, she shares her journey and the challenges she faced as a young African American woman navigating a society still grappling with race and equality issues.

Welcome to our blog series updates on Lever for Change's 2021 Swift Grants! In May 2021, Lever for Change introduced this Award to provide small grants to members of the Bold Solutions Network for collaborative projects. These grants allow some of the world's top problem solvers to leverage their expertise and work together to find innovative solutions in their respective fields. We are excited to share updates on the progress and impact of these projects as they unfold. Stay tuned for more information on the 2021 Swift Grants and the work being done by the Bold Solutions Network!

The Larsen Lam ICONIQ Impact Award was designed as a $10 million competition to fund refugee initiatives. It ended up drawing $24.25 million, funding five programs and sparking a movement.

To honor and celebrate Black History Month, Lever for Change is highlighting outstanding U.S.-based projects in our Bold Solutions Network that are Black-led or support aspiring Black leaders. Join us in our celebration by learning more about and investing in one or more of the projects rigorously evaluated for impact and featured below.