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 June 16, 2020, the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge will award $30 million to help expand women’s power and influence in the United States by 2030. Hosted by Pivotal Ventures, the investment and incubation company created by Melinda Gates, the Challenge seeks to accelerate the pace of progress for more women of all backgrounds to be in positions to make decisions, control resources, and shape policies and perspectives in their homes, workplaces, and communities – because equality can’t wait. Applicants must register online by Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
On April 29, 2020, the 2030 Climate Challenge launched, awarding $10 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the buildings, industry, and/or transportation sectors in the U.S. by 2030. Applicants must register online by Thursday, July 23, 2020.
Launched on March 31, 2020, the Lone Star Prize will award $10 million to an innovative, proven solution that improves the quality of life for Texans. The registration period is now closed.
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.
Launched on October 15, 2019, the Economic Opportunity Challenge will award $10 million to scale a game-changing solution to improve the economic health of low-income families in the U.S. The application period is now closed, and finalists have been selected.
Launched on April 30, 2019, the second round of MacArthur's $100 million global competition will fund a single proposal that will make measurable progress toward solving a significant problem. The application period is closed.
On April 16, 2019, the Pritzker Traubert Foundation launched the Chicago Prize to award $10 million to a community-led, investment-ready initiative that will create a better economic future for residents on Chicago’s South and/or West Side. The application period is closed, and finalists have been selected.