On May 22, 2024, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation launched a new round of its 100&Change competition, offering a single $100 million grant to address one of the world’s most critical social challenges. The registration period is now open.
About the Competition
Some issues cannot be effectively addressed by typical grant sizes provided by foundations. By offering a grant at a significantly higher level, 100&Change tackles problems and supports solutions that are radically different in scale, scope, and complexity.
Inaugural Round Success
In the inaugural round of 100&Change, Sesame Workshop and the International Rescue Committee were awarded $100 million to educate young children displaced by conflict and persecution in the Syrian response region. They created “Ahlan Simsim,” the largest early childhood intervention in the history of humanitarian response. This transformational program combines on-the-ground services for families in crisis with engaging educational media. Nine seasons of the television show “Ahlan Simsim” have reached over 27 million children across the Middle East and North Africa.
Second Round Achievements
In 2021, the second round of 100&Change saw the MacArthur Foundation award a $100 million grant to Community Solutions to accelerate the end of homelessness in 75 U.S. communities within five years. Through the “Built for Zero” initiative, Community Solutions supports 105 communities working to make homelessness rare and brief. Sixty-four Built for Zero communities have achieved quality data to understand who is experiencing homelessness and what strategies are effective in reducing it. Improved coordination, repurposed properties, and social impact finance are enhancing access to affordable housing. By 2026, the goal is to have cities and counties of all types solve homelessness, making ending homelessness an expected outcome rather than an exceptional one.
Third Round Vision
In 2024, the third round of 100&Change continues to be global and athematic. The MacArthur Foundation has updated the application criteria to include “just” as a criterion, aligning with the foundation’s “Just Imperative.” This new focus emphasizes advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. No topic is exempt from these commitments.
Carrot’s Role
Carrot has played a crucial role in creating and managing all three rounds of 100&Change, ensuring the competition’s success and impact on a global scale.
View the 2017 Case Study
