LA2050, in collaboration with its funding partners, is thrilled to announce that it will be granting an estimated $3 million to initiatives that resonate with the communities of Los Angeles. Non-profit, for-profit, fiscally-sponsored, or governmental organizations that serve Los Angeles County now have the opportunity to apply for funding up to $75,000 through this year’s LA2050 Grants Challenge.
The application period is open until June 6th at 5:00 pm (PT).
Since its inception in 2013, the LA2050 Grants Challenge has committed more than $20 million in grants to local impact organizations. This year’s challenge seeks dynamic ideas aimed at enhancing the best aspects of life in Los Angeles County – connecting, creating, learning, living, and playing.
Previously, the voting process saw over 21,000 Angelenos engage by casting nearly 140,000 votes on issues that matter most to them. With this new phase, LA2050 is encouraging the submission of proposals that align with the top-voted issues alongside those highlighted by funding partners.
Interested organizations are urged to explore the twelve issue areas open for grants this year and consider how their work might fit within these categories. Each issue area is defined expansively, inviting innovative ideas that may influence one or more domains.
One key area is Access to Tech and Creative Industry Employment, which has been selected by voters and sponsored by the Snap Foundation. This sector experiences a thriving atmosphere; however, many individuals from underrepresented groups such as women, BIPOC, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ Angelenos often find it challenging to secure employment.
Submissions aimed at increasing access to employment through internships, training, job placements, and educational opportunities are encouraged. Additionally, the Snap Foundation emphasizes the need for initiatives that specifically develop employment pathways in the creative economy for youth aged 6 to 24, encompassing fields such as arts, fashion, film, and design.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness remains a critical issue, having garnered more votes than any other area for four consecutive years. Project proposals aiming to enhance the quantity and quality of affordable housing or support vulnerable tenants and unhoused individuals are highly sought after.
Community Safety is another essential focus area. Proposals should aim to protect individuals from physical harm and foster emotional well-being, promoting belonging and inclusion within the community. Innovative strategies could include educational programs that teach healthy relationships or support systems for marginalized groups.
The fourth issue area addresses Green Space, Park Access, and Trees. Proposals should aim to improve the availability and equitable accessibility of green areas within Los Angeles while encouraging their use by all residents.
Moreover, Health Care Access remains vital to community well-being. Proposals that connect underserved populations, uninsured and underinsured individuals, to comprehensive health services and support are welcomed.
The Grants Challenge also seeks ideas focused on Immigrant and Refugee Support. Submissions that protect the rights of immigrants and refugees while providing holistic assistance in housing, education, and healthcare will be considered. Following its resurgence into the top ten list of issues for the second time, this area is gaining growing attention.
Income Inequality is another pressing issue. Projects that directly address economic disparities or provide resources to those in need, such as support for first-generation college students or job placement for formerly incarcerated individuals, are encouraged.
K-12 STEAM Education is key to youth development and success. Organizations proposing initiatives in school settings, after-school programs, or extracurricular activities that inspire and nurture students’ interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math are especially welcome.
Public Transit is pivotal for enhancing access in Los Angeles. Proposals should aim to improve the efficiency and quality of public transit options while considering multimodal access for all individuals. Despite being among the top ten issues, public transit has seen fewer applications in past cycles, opening the door for more involvement.
Support for Foster and Systems-Impacted Youth focuses on resources for those aged 24 and under who have been affected by various systems. Proposals can cover support in academic, professional, legal, or personal channels.
The project area of Wildfire Relief, sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, calls for proposals supporting youth and families directly impacted by wildfires in various regions, including Pasadena and Malibu.
Finally, Youth Economic Advancement is being pursued in partnership with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the R & S Kayne Foundation. Organizations working with young people to reduce income inequality, create quality job pathways, or support Opportunity Youth (ages 16-24) are encouraged to apply. There is particular interest in initiatives that prioritize the co-design of programs with youth to foster economic inclusion.
Organizations with innovative ideas targeting these issues are invited to register for one of the upcoming virtual Information Sessions. The sessions will take place on various dates, including April 28th, April 30th, May 6th, May 14th, May 22nd, and May 30th.
Participation in at least one session is mandatory for applicants, as this will grant access to the application link that will be sent following the information sessions. The application form will require organizations to identify their primary and secondary issue areas of focus.
This year’s LA2050 Grants Challenge serves as an opportunity for creative minds and community advocates to contribute to making Los Angeles County an even better place for all. Ideas addressing the core concerns of Angelenos can significantly impact the future of the region, and organizations are encouraged to apply now!
image source from：https://la2050.org/blog/2025-grants-challenge-issues-explainer
