Public voting opened Wednesday for the annual LA2050 Grants Challenge, a project designed to direct funding to organizations addressing issues prioritized by Los Angeles County residents.
A Voice for Los Angeles Priorities
The LA2050 Grants Challenge invites Angelenos to identify the most pressing issues facing the region. Voters will respond to five questions, and their responses will determine which nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and government agencies receive grants later this year.
Last year, the Goldhirsh Foundation, along with 11 philanthropic partners, distributed nearly $3 million in grants to 55 Los Angeles nonprofit organizations. This year’s participating foundations will be announced shortly.
Recurring Concerns
According to the foundation, housing and homelessness has been the most frequently selected issue by voters for the past four years. Other issues consistently ranked highly include health care access, community safety, and access to green spaces, parks, and trees.
“Los Angeles, whatever our challenges, is a magnificent and magical metropolis,” said Goldhirsh Foundation President Tara Roth in a statement. Voting is open through April 22 at la2050.org/vote/ and is available in 12 languages.
Organizations selected to receive funding will be announced in late September at the annual LA2050 Grantee Showcase. Winning organizations may receive up to $75,000 in funding, along with additional support and skills training.
The campaign similarly features artwork by Man One, the Goldhirsh Foundation’s first artist-in-residence. He is creating digital portraits of influential Angelenos from various fields, each accompanied by a statement on their chosen issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the LA2050 Grants Challenge begin?
The Goldhirsh Foundation began the initiative in 2013.
How many organizations received grants last year?
Last year, 55 Los Angeles nonprofit organizations received grants.
How much funding could winning organizations receive?
Winning organizations could receive up to $75,000 in funding.
As the voting period continues, it remains to be seen which issues will rise to the top and which organizations will be selected to receive funding, potentially shaping the landscape of community support in Los Angeles County.
