LA2050 Grants Challenge

The LA2050 Grants Challenge is a competitive grant opportunity organized by the Goldhirsh Foundation to support innovative, community-driven solutions that make Los Angeles County the best place to connect, create, learn, live, and play. Operating since 2013, this initiative has awarded over $20 million to local organizations addressing critical regional issues. LA2050 leverages a unique participatory grantmaking model, inviting Angelenos to vote on the most pressing issues the region faces, including homelessness, income inequality, and access to parks. The results of this public vote determine the focus areas for the year’s funding cycle. The 2025 LA2050 Grants Challenge will award approximately $3 million in grants to local impact organizations. This includes $1 million directly from the Goldhirsh Foundation, with additional support from a coalition of philanthropic partners such as the Annenberg Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and others. The grants will be awarded to projects aligned with the five LA2050 goals: Connect, Create, Learn, Live, and Play, which collectively define a vision for a vibrant and equitable Los Angeles by 2050. Organizations can apply for grants of up to $75,000. However, this year, attending an information session is a mandatory step in the application process. Only attendees will receive the application link, ensuring all applicants are informed about the expectations and evaluation criteria. The information sessions serve as the entry point for the application, fostering a more engaged and prepared applicant pool. The timeline for the 2025 Grants Challenge includes several key dates: issue area voting occurred from March 12 to April 18, 2025, with results announced on April 28. Applications are accepted from April 28 through June 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Evaluation of submissions will take place from June 9 to October 8, 2025, with grant recipients announced in October 2025. These milestones are critical for applicants to track as they prepare and submit their proposals. Applications are reviewed and scored by Social Justice Partners Los Angeles (SJP), an external evaluation partner that connects community leaders to nonprofits. This independent review process ensures transparency and equity in the grantmaking process. The grant challenge welcomes a diverse range of organizations, though specific eligibility requirements are outlined through participation in the info session. For further information or assistance, applicants are encouraged to participate in the scheduled information sessions and follow updates on the LA2050 website. These sessions are the primary channel through which the application form and detailed guidelines are shared, ensuring all prospective applicants have equal access to support and resources.