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We’re getting prepared to launch the 2026 LA2050 Grants Challenge, and we’re inviting organizations across Los Angeles County to begin Part 1 of this year’s application process.

Each year, the Grants Challenge supports organizations with bold, community-driven ideas for improving Los Angeles County. In 2025, 55 organizations received funding to bring their visions to life – and in 2026, we’ll continue awarding grants of up to $75,000 to help power impact.

This year, we’re also introducing an important update to how organizations apply for grants.

What’s new for 2026? A two-part application process!

For the first time, the LA2050 Grants Challenge application is structured in two distinct parts. This change is designed to help us better understand organizations before reviewing specific funding proposals.

Part 1: Organization Screening

Open now through April 22nd, 2026

Part 1 is a competitive first stage focused on learning about your organization as a whole. Rather than submitting a program proposal right away, applicants will share key information about their organization, including:

• Mission and core activities
• Administrative structure
• Budget and financial context
• Overall alignment with LA2050’s goals

This stage allows us to assess organizational eligibility and alignment, before moving into proposal review.

Part 2: Funding Proposal

By invitation only | Open April 29th to June 5th, 2026

Organizations selected through Part 1 will be invited to advance to Part 2, where they’ll submit a specific program, project, or initiative for funding consideration. These proposals will align with the issue areas identified through public voting (more on that below).

Why We Made This Change:

We introduced a two-part application process to create a clearer, more focused experience for applicants and to better respect the time and effort required to submit a full funding proposal.

Interest in the LA2050 Grants Challenge continues to grow each year. Last year, we received 1,182 applications, a record number that reflects the breadth of work happening across Los Angeles County. As participation has increased, so has the need to be more thoughtful about how and when organizations are asked to invest time in developing full proposals.

This new structure allows us to keep the process accessible to all eligible organizations through Part 1, while ensuring that those invited to submit a full proposal in Part 2 are well-aligned and positioned to compete. Our goal is a process that is more transparent, efficient, and respectful of applicants’ time – without losing the openness that defines the LA2050 Grants Challenge.

Next Steps:

If you represent a nonprofit, social enterprise, or government agency serving Los Angeles County and are interested in applying, register now for a mandatory virtual Information Session.

• Webinar #1 - Friday, January 30th from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Webinar #2 - Wednesday, February 11th from 1:00 - 2:00 pm
• Webinar #3 - Thursday, February 26th from 10:00 - 11:00 am
• Webinar #4 - Tuesday, March 10th from 2:00 - 3:00 pm
• Webinar #5 - Wednesday, March 25th from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Webinar #6 - Tuesday, April 7th from 2:00 - 3:00 pm
• Webinar #7 - Monday, April 20th from 2:00 - 3:00 pm

At least one representative from each organization must attend an Information Session before submitting Part 1 of the application. These sessions walk through the updated process, timelines, and expectations, and provide space for questions.

Key Dates:

• Part 1: Organization Screening
  • Open now through April 22nd, 2026
• Public Voting
  • March 18th through April 22nd, 2026
• Part 2: Funding Proposal
  • April 29th through June 5th, 2026
    

Public voting will take place before Part 2 opens, and will determine which issue areas are eligible for specific funding proposals this year.

We’re looking forward to learning more about the organizations shaping LA’s future – and to another year of bold, transformative ideas.