News
Empowering MBA Students to Change the World
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.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
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.
2021 Swift Grants Update: New Energy Nexus & Power For All
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!
Shaking Up the Status Quo
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.
Celebrating Black History Month with Outstanding, Black-Led Projects
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.
2021 Swift Grants Update: Himalayan Cataract Project & Helen Keller International
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 powerful ripple effect of playful learning
Five years ago, a plan to help children cope with the distress of the Syrian war received $100 million. Today, the program has supported over 23 million children and parents across the Middle East and North Africa with healthy development and early learning toward a resilient and thriving future.
Impacting Millions of Young Lives: Ahlan Simsim Five Years On
Five years ago on a snowy Chicago day, the International Rescue Committee and Sesame Workshop made a pitch for the MacArthur Foundation’s inaugural 100&Change award. The competition would provide a historic $100 million to a project striving for measurable progress against solving a critical problem of our time: the impact of the war in Syria on children’s futures.
A Big Year for Lever for Change
This was a big year for Lever for Change, capped off by our announcement that we exceeded our goal of driving $1 billion in funding to outstanding organizations with inspiring ideas. Since our launch in 2019, we have helped more than 145 organizations accelerate social impact. As we celebrated this milestone, we met many amazing people, virtually and in person, and, not surprisingly, the question we were asked most is, “How did you do it?”
The LEGO Foundation Announces Awardees for 900 Million Danish Kroner $117 Million Global Challenge
Selected from over 600 applications, the LEGO Foundation’s Build a World of Play Challenge will fund five ground-breaking projects that will ensure children globally reach their full potential through play.