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Lwala Community Alliance Announced as Lead Recipient of $12 Million Maternal & Infant Health Award
October 10, 2023
Lwala Community Alliance is recognized for its pioneering, community-led health model in rural Kenya. Babies and Mothers Alive Foundation and Maya Health Alliance | Wuqu’ Kawoq also receive grant funding for their work to support maternal and infant health.
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How Challenges Are Reshaping Donor Engagement
By: Jeff Ubois | October 4, 2023
Many donors find giving away money effectively to be difficult. As a result, the wealthiest Americans are sitting on $4.5 trillion. Although individual wealth has increased, donations have dropped sharply (by 60%) since the height of the pandemic. Most of this money remains on the sidelines despite the urgency of local, national, and global social and economic challenges because would-be donors have no accessible, trusted, and reliable way to choose with confidence among charitable causes, organizations, and projects.
Carla Thompson Payton, Dr. Cecilia Conrad and T.H. Henrietta Fore speak onstage during the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit at Sheraton New York on September 20, 2023 in New York City.
Reflections: Impactful Moments at UNGA 78
By: Muhsin Hassan | September 26, 2023
Blog
The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York was not just a gathering of diplomats and world leaders; it was a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit of those working diligently to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the key stakeholders driving progress towards these global objectives, philanthropy played a prominent role, and Lever for Change was there to represent its bold network and ideas.
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Curated Collection
September 13, 2023
Embark on a journey of hope and change with Lever for Change as we delve into the inspiring initiatives of 17 exceptional organizations. Guided by the visionary objectives of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) in 2023, these organizations are part of Lever for Change's Bold Solutions Network. Together, they are driving remarkable progress towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing issues from hunger and health to environmental sustainability. Explore their impactful work and discover how your support can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
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Competition As a Tool for Equitable Grantmaking
By: Dr. Cecilia Conrad | June 6, 2023
Newsletter Article
We’ve had a busy past few months at Lever for Change. In March, we launched MacKenzie Scott’s $250 million Yield Giving Open Call. While there has been some pushback on the eligibility requirements, which require organizations to have budgets between $1-5 million, I’m happy to share that we’ve received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from around the country.
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2021 Swift Grants Update: Talent Beyond Boundaries & Global Education Movement (GEM) at Southern New Hampshire University
By: Vernon Smith | June 1, 2023
Grantee Update
Bold Solutions Network
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.
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Collaborative Solutions in Action: Inspiring Stories from the Swift Grants
By: Vernon Smith | June 1, 2023
Grantee Update
Bold Solutions Network
In the world of philanthropy, it's often the small projects that have the potential to create significant change. Lever for Change Swift Grants embody this spirit, allowing problem solvers to unite, leverage their expertise, and make a tangible difference in the world. We look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of these projects and the lessons they will continue to teach us along the way.
BetterMagazine Chicago Most Powerful Women 2023
Chicago’s Most Powerful Women 2023: Cecilia Conrad
May 26, 2023
Blog
Congratulations to Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change, for being recognized in Better Magazine's list of Most Powerful Women in Chicago.
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Transforming Lives Through Ahlan Simsim
By: Kristen Molyneaux Ph.D. | May 24, 2023
Competition Update
Blog
In 2017, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation unveiled the recipient of the inaugural 100&Change challenge. Sesame Workshop and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) were awarded a momentous $100 million grant to support their joint program Ahlan Simsim, which focused on providing support to the youngest children affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Syrian response region.
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Lever for Change is Launching a New Service
By: Dr. Cecilia Conrad | May 18, 2023
Blog
Since our launch in 2019, Lever for Change has managed 11 philanthropic grant challenges that were designed to help donors find and fund solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, including issues like racial inequity, gender inequality, lack of access to economic opportunity, and climate change.

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