Lever for Change, a nonprofit affiliate of the MacArthur Foundation, is committed to reshaping the philanthropic landscape by fostering equitable access for underrepresented organizations. With a mission to expand the boundaries of traditional giving, Lever for Change connects visionary donors with high-impact organizations capable of driving transformative change. By organizing open and transparent competitions, it encourages innovation and inclusion, allowing communities and initiatives that are often overlooked to gain visibility and resources. The organization particularly emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that philanthropic investments reach those closest to the issues and most capable of delivering lasting solutions. Through its partnerships and initiatives, Lever for Change catalyzes systemic change by supporting community-led efforts around the world. With a history of managing large-scale challenges, it works to amplify grassroots voices, elevate impactful solutions, and build a more just and sustainable future. Lever for Change believes that sustainable impact requires both collaboration and courage—from funders and changemakers alike. By providing donors with vetted pipelines of outstanding organizations, the nonprofit bridges the gap between ambition and action. Through such catalytic initiatives, it aims to democratize access to funding and accelerate social change in critical areas such as climate action, racial equity, and economic empowerment.

Launched on June 26, 2025, the Emerging Climate Champions Award is a global initiative spearheaded by the Enlight Foundation, The Patchwork Collective, and Lever for Change. With a total commitment of $25 million, the award aims to recognize and support youth-led organizations advancing innovative and community-rooted climate solutions. Selected grantees will receive flexible funding of $1 million each, distributed over a period ranging from one to five years. This grant is designed to address the pressing need for youth inclusion in climate action, acknowledging that young people, who will face the brunt of the climate crisis, often receive minimal support. Despite the global philanthropic community allocating around $16 billion annually to climate-related causes, only a small fraction—less than 2%—reaches youth-led initiatives. Even more concerning, only $14.2 million in annual grants are directed to youth-led climate efforts. The Emerging Climate Champions Award is guided by insights gathered directly from young climate leaders worldwide, ensuring that funding decisions reflect real challenges, cultural nuances, and localized strategies. Through this initiative, the funders aim to elevate the voices of young changemakers and provide them with the resources to create lasting environmental impact within their communities and beyond.