Empower LA: The LA2050 Grants Challenge

The 2025 LA2050 Grants Challenge invites organizations to become outreach partners and help mobilize Angelenos to vote on how $1 million in grants will be allocated to address key local issues like homelessness, income inequality, and park access.

2 minute read

March 11, 2025, 10:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Downtown Los Angeles, California skyline at sunset.

frank peters / Adobe Stock

The 2025 LA2050 Grants Challenge is an opportunity for Angelenos to help shape the future of Los Angeles by deciding how $1 million in grants will be allocated to address critical local issues such as homelessness, income inequality, and park access. The initiative, led by LA2050 and the Goldhirsh Foundation, takes a community-driven approach by inviting residents to vote on the issues they care about most. To maximize engagement and ensure broad representation, LA2050 is seeking Outreach Partners — organizations and groups that can help spread the word and encourage participation in the online voting process, which runs from March 12 to April 18, 2025.

Outreach Partners play a key role in mobilizing their communities by sharing information through social media, newsletters, and other creative means. There are no strict requirements to participate—partners are encouraged to engage in ways that best suit their organization and audience. To support their efforts, LA2050 provides a comprehensive communications kit, paper voting forms upon request, and promotional recognition for participating organizations. In addition, the organization that engages the most voters will receive a special prize: a sponsored lunch for up to 20 staff members.

LA2050 welcomes participation from nonprofits, social enterprises, and government entities that are committed to improving the region. With past partners including community groups, advocacy organizations, and local government offices, this initiative aims to reach a diverse and representative group of voters. By joining as an Outreach Partner, organizations can amplify their voices, advocate for pressing issues, and contribute to shaping a more equitable and thriving Los Angeles.

Thursday, February 27, 2025 in LA2050

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 4, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

An arched bridge over a pond in a Japanese garden surrounded by bright red and yellow foliage.

‘Quiet Parks’ Highlight Importance of Silence for Public Health

The initiative recognizes parks and other areas that preserve natural quiet in a world full of noise pollution.

15 minutes ago - Reasons to Be Cheerful

Close-up of laptop with real estate listings shown on map.

Jersey City Latest to Ban Rent-Setting Algorithm

Officials say the software offered by RealPage ‘magnifies’ the potential for price gouging.

1 hour ago - Governing

Group of five people sitting on blanket in park on sunny day having picnic.

Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment

Even during times of budget constraint, continued investment in parks is critical, as they provide proven benefits to public health, safety, climate resilience, and community well-being — particularly for under-resourced communities.

June 10 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog