Explore Competitions
Lever for Change is committed to openness and transparency in its competitions as well as providing value to each participant. We do this is by publicly sharing information about the competition process, including the timeline, evaluation criteria, and judges. We also ensure that as many applicants as possible receive feedback on their proposals. During Lever for Change competitions, all valid proposals move through a process of increasing levels of review, feedback, and diligence. You can explore current and upcoming competitions below and learn more about our Competition Process here.
Launched on March 25, 2021, the $12 million Stronger Democracy Award will fund bold solutions to strengthen democracy in the U.S. Sponsored by Additional Ventures, with support from philanthropists Cipora and Vlado Herman, the Award will drive structural reforms to help improve political representation and increase participation of all citizens in the United States democratic process. The registration period is now open.
On April 7, 2021, the MacArthur Foundation announced a $100 million grant to Community Solutions to accelerate an end homelessness in 75 U.S. communities in five years. MacArthur’s Board selected Community Solutions from the six finalists in 100&Change, the Foundation's global competition to fund a single proposal that promises real and measurable progress in solving a critical problem of our time.
Launched on October 13, 2020, Racial Equity 2030 will award $90 million to fund bold solutions to drive an equitable future for children, families, and communities across the globe. Hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the challenge will invite, build and scale ideas for transformative change in the social, economic, political and institutional systems that uphold inequities. The registration period is now open.
Launched on June 16, 2020, the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge will award $40 million to help expand women’s power and influence in the United States by 2030.
Launched on April 29, 2020, the 2030 Climate Challenge will award $10 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the buildings, industry, and/or transportation sectors in the U.S. by 2030.
Launched on March 31, 2020, the Lone Star Prize will award $10 million to an innovative, bold solution that improves the quality of life for Texans.
Launched on January 29, 2020, the Larsen Lam ICONIQ Impact Award is a $12 million global competition to fund a solution that secures a brighter, more durable future for refugees. The registration period is now closed, and finalists have been selected.
On December 15, 2020, premier technology workforce development organization Per Scholas was announced as the awardee of the $10 million Economic Opportunity Challenge. The “Proven Pathways to Transformative Careers in Tech” project will improve economic opportunities for low-income individuals within the United States.
On August 6, 2020, the Pritzker Traubert Foundation (PTF) announced that Always Growing, Auburn Gresham was awarded the Chicago Prize, PTF’s $10 million grant competition that sought to invest in collaborative initiatives using physical development to spur economic activity, strengthen civic infrastructure, and improve the safety, well-being, and economic mobility of residents in the city’s South and/or West sides. PTF also committed an additional $2.5 million in development funds accessible to the other finalist teams.
In 2017, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced the recipients of the inaugural 100&Change competition. This $100 million grant funded a single proposal that promised real and measurable progress in solving a critical problem of our time.