Solving society’s biggest problems is not easy, but it can be done. 100&Change is a MacArthur Foundation competition for a $100 million grant to fund a single proposal that will make measurable progress toward solving a significant problem. 100&Change will select a bold proposal that promises real progress toward solving a critical problem of our time. And it will award a $100 million grant to help make that solution a reality. Proposals focused on any critical issue are welcome.
- No single field or problem area is designated – proposals from any sector are encouraged.
- Proposals should articulate both the problem and the proposed solution and must have a charitable purpose.
- Competitive proposals will be impactful, evidence-based, feasible, durable, and just.
Overview
Some problems cannot be solved by grants of the size that foundations typically provide. By funding at a level far above what is typical in philanthropy, we can address problems and support solutions that are radically different in scale, scope, and complexity. $100 million is a large enough sum to focus on a serious problem and its solution in a meaningful and lasting way. We hope that 100&Change can inspire a conversation about how we can solve some of our most significant problems.
The Problem the Challenge is Solving
The openness of 100&Change is a counterbalance to the Foundation’s Big Bets, which strive for transformational impact in areas identified by the Foundation’s Board and Staff. In contrast, we designed 100&Change to be agnostic with respect to the field or problem area.
We seek proposals that articulate both a problem and its solution. Competitive proposals will address a significant problem and provide a solution that is impactful, evidence-based, feasible, durable, and just.
About the Process
We designed a selection process that is fair, open, and transparent. Once the application period closes, we will review each 100&Change submission to ensure it meets the requirements and rules before advancing to the next stage. During the participatory review process, applicants will score and provide feedback on each other’s proposals using our established criteria outlined in the scoring rubric. Our Wise Head Panel of external judges will then review and score submissions using the same criteria and trait scoring rubric.
MacArthur's Board of Directors will then select up to five finalists. Over the next several months, the finalists will work with an expert team to strengthen their proposals, present a preliminary plan for monitoring, evaluation, and learning, and show authentic engagement with communities of interest before submitting revised project plans.
The selection of the final award recipient rests with MacArthur’s Board.
