Winning large-scale philanthropic grants: Inside Lever for Change’s model

With shrinking budgets and growing uncertainty in global development funding, many organizations are eyeing philanthropy to fill critical gaps. But landing a large philanthropic grant — especially through competitive open calls — can feel like a black box. At a recent Devex Pro event, Jenna Schornack, managing director for awards and social impact at Lever for Change, shed light on how her organization is working to change that. Since its launch in 2019, Lever for Change has helped channel $2.5 billion to organizations worldwide. Its ambitious goal: to reach $10 billion in funding mobilized by 2030. What sets Lever for Change apart is its focus on large-scale philanthropic capital. Through its open competitions, the organization deploys multimillion-dollar grants — sometimes up to $100 million, as seen in the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change competition — to bold, high-impact projects. Here are the key takeaways and actionable advice for applicants that Jenna shared during the conversation: Expect a demanding but rewarding process Lever for Change is known for running transparent, open competitions that award multimillion-dollar grants — but these come with rigorous application requirements. “We understand it takes a lot of time and effort, and we do not take that lightly,” Schornack explained. The organization requires full proposals upfront — not just concept notes — because, according to their research, this levels the playing field, allowing lesser-known organizations to stand out alongside big-name players. Applicants should be prepared to invest significant effort into a comprehensive application. Schornack emphasized the importance of reviewing all eligibility criteria carefully before getting started, noting that it is heartbreaking to receive strong proposals that must be disqualified for not meeting the basic requirements. Learn from peer review One hallmark of Lever for Change’s model is its participatory review process. Each applicant reviews at least four other proposals, providing feedback and receiving constructive comments in return. Schornack highlighted that this is often cited as the most valuable part of the process: “People are so generous and helpful in their feedback”. This unique model lets applicants sharpen their own proposals by reviewing peers’ work, often cited as the most valuable part of the process. To stand out, Schornack advised writing in clear, jargon-free language. Reviewers come from diverse backgrounds, and the language must be understood by everybody. Prioritize partnerships Partnerships can be a major asset in strengthening a proposal. Lever for Change frequently sees lead applicants collaborating with other organizations — whether through formal consortia or sub-granting arrangements. Schornack underscored that these collaborations often play a critical role in executing complex, large-scale projects successfully. She advised that organizations should clearly articulate their role within the broader ecosystem and explain how their partnerships enhance both capacity and impact. Demonstrating a strong network and an understanding of how to work collaboratively can significantly boost an application’s competitiveness. Even if you don’t win, there’s value in participating Not every applicant wins funding, but many still benefit by joining Lever for Change’s Bold Solutions Network. This network gives top applicants who didn’t win funding a second chance — boosting their visibility and connecting them with other funders who aren’t running open competitions. In fact, nearly half of the total $2.5 billion Lever for Change has helped deploy has come from these secondary matches. Impact matters — but flexibility is key Funders are increasingly realizing that general operating support, multiyear funding, and flexibility are critical for sustainable impact. Schornack cited the recent Center for Effective Philanthropy study of MacKenzie Scott’s grantees as evidence that large, unrestricted grants can empower organizations to achieve meaningful, long-term results. She noted that funders increasingly look for organizations that combine systems-level thinking with deep roots in the communities they serve. The bottom line? Lever for Change’s model is designed to deploy large-scale philanthropic capital through a transparent, competitive process. For organizations considering this route, understanding its demands — especially the intensive application and peer review components — is essential preparation. Want more insights on funding trends? Stay updated with Devex Pro Funding for the latest intelligence on funding opportunities, donor trends, and innovative financing models.