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Making LA better, together!
The LA2050 Grants Challenge is an open call for ideas to make Los Angeles County the best place to connect, create, learn, live, and play. Since 2013, we’ve given $20+ million in grants to local impact organizations and supported hundreds of winning ideas to make our region better for all.
We take a unique, participatory approach to our grantmaking: we ask Angelenos determine the issue areas that will be funded – from homelessness and income inequality to park access – through voting. Over the past 11 cycles, the people of LA have cast more than 800,000 votes.
Key Dates
March 12 - April 18, 2025
Issue area voting – OPEN NOW!
April 28, 2025
Results announced
April 28 - June 6, 2025
Grant applications open
June 9 - September 26, 2025
Submission evaluation
October 2025
Grant recipients announced
About the LA2050 Grants Challenge
LA2050 is a community-guided initiative, operated by the Goldhirsh Foundation, driving and tracking progress toward a shared vision for the future of LA.
Our most significant program is the LA2050 Grants Challenge – an annual call for ideas to make LA the best place to connect, learn, live, play, and create. Since 2013, we have launched 11 cycles of the Grants Challenge, giving more than $20 million to hundreds of local impact organizations, with the help of hundreds of thousands of people casting votes in support.
Now, we are excited launch our 2025 LA2050 Grants Challenge, which will award a projected $3 million to dozens of impact organizations in Los Angeles County – $1 million from the Goldhirsh Foundation, for the issues chosen during the voting period by the people, plus additional dollars come from a coalition of philanthropic funding partners.
LA2050 Goals
Together with the LA2050 community, we developed five goals for Los Angeles in the year 2050 – to make Los Angeles the best place to connect, create, learn, live, and play.
The goals were shaped through the engagement of tens of thousands of Angelenos and input from experts, advisors, and partners. Each of the goals is supported by a set of metrics that, taken together, define what it will mean for us to achieve success.
LEARN
By the year 2050, the education system in Los Angeles will be well-resourced and culturally-responsive. All children will have access to early education programs and all families will be engaged in their student’s learning. Students will graduate college- and career-ready, equipped to thrive in the workforce of the future. Our higher education facilities will advance research and spur innovation.
CREATE
By the year 2050, Los Angeles will be an international leader in innovation across sectors. We will play host to the largest concentration of working artists and high-quality arts establishments. We will be a center for entrepreneurial activity, creating jobs and generating wealth for a flexible, talented, and inclusive workforce. Our business community will reflect the diversity of our region, enhancing our national and international opportunities.
PLAY
By the year 2050, people from across Los Angeles will live in close proximity to vibrant park space and have easy access to high-quality, sustainable spaces for recreation. We will get active, explore the outdoors, and appreciate our natural environment. All residents will feel a sense of safety and belonging in their communities.
CONNECT
By the year 2050, Los Angeles will be the most civically engaged region in the United States, with abundant platforms for residents to voice their opinions and influence elected officials and other decision-makers. Our region’s voting rates and volunteerism will lead the nation. An expanded, accessible transportation network will facilitate the easy flow of people and ideas.
LIVE
By the year 2050, Los Angeles will have the nation’s lowest poverty rate and income inequality. All families will have access to fresh and healthy food, high-quality health care, and safe housing, no matter where they live or how much money they make. Our communities will enjoy the benefits of a sustainable environment, from clear skies to clean water.
LA2050 Grantees
Since 2013, we’ve supported hundreds of ideas moving LA toward a brighter future.
Funding Partners
The Goldhirsh Foundation, founder and organizer of the LA2050 Grants Challenge, providing $1 million in grant funds to organizations working on the top-voted issue areas.
Evaluation Partner
Social Justice Partners Los Angeles (SJP), serving as our external evaluation partner. SJP is a membership organization that connects community leaders to nonprofits to tackle Los Angeles’ toughest challenges. All proposals are reviewed, scored, and evaluated by members of SJP.