LA2050 Grants Challenge Opens Public Voting on Key Issues Facing Los Angeles County
Public voting opened Wednesday in the LA2050 Grants Challenge, an annual project that invites Los Angeles County residents to choose the issues that matter most to them. The initiative then directs funding to organizations working on those priorities. Voting is open through April 22nd at la2050.org/vote and is available in 12 languages.
How the LA2050 Grants Challenge Works
The LA2050 Grants Challenge, operated by the Goldhirsh Foundation, is unique in that it places the power of grantmaking in the hands of Angelenos through public voting. Participants will answer five questions about the issues they believe are most important for the region. These selections will determine the areas eligible for funding, with dozens of grants awarded to nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and government agencies later this year.
Significant Funding for Local Organizations
Since its launch in 2013, the LA2050 Grants Challenge has directed more than $23 million to local social impact organizations. This includes $12 million from the Goldhirsh Foundation and over $11 million in additional support from Funding Partners. Last year, the foundation and 11 philanthropic funding partners provided nearly $3 million in grants to 55 Los Angeles nonprofit organizations. LA2050 aims to provide over $1 million in grant funding through this challenge.
Recurring Priority Areas
In the past four years, housing and homelessness has consistently been the issue most frequently selected by voters. Other recurring high-ranking issue areas include health care access, community safety, and green space, park access, and trees.
Grantee Showcase and Artist Collaboration
Winning organizations will be announced in late September during the annual LA2050 Grantee Showcase. Grantees will each receive up to $75,000 in funding, along with ongoing social capital support and skills training. As part of the campaign, Man One, the Goldhirsh Foundation’s first artist-in-residence, is creating digital portraits of impactful Angelenos, highlighting why specific issues matter most to them. These portraits will debut this week on the campaign’s Instagram and TikTok accounts.
About LA2050
LA2050 is a community-guided initiative driving and tracking progress toward a shared vision for the future of Los Angeles. The initiative is operated by the Goldhirsh Foundation. More information about the LA2050 Grants Challenge can be found on their website.