Yield Giving, the recently launched charitable giving organisation of philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, has announced a $250 million initiative to support organisations working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need.

Scott’s giving has largely been decided behind the scenes by her and a small team, with no way for grantees themselves to apply for funding. So, the open call signals a new era in her grantmaking.

Managed by Lever for Change, the open call aims to support community-led and community-focused organisations across the US that have an explicit purpose to advance the voices and opportunities of individuals and families of meagre or modest means, as well as groups experiencing discrimination and other systemic obstacles.

Organisations applying for funding should enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources, such as providing access to health care, stable and affordable housing, education and job training, support for sustained employment, asset ownership, and civic engagement. In addition, the open call will support those engaged in data collection and communication to amplify the voices of those struggling against inequities.

The open call is aimed at organisations with an annual operating budget of at least $1 million, though smaller than $5 million. In early 2024, 250 winners will be announced, each receiving an unrestricted operating gift of $1 million.

‘We are excited to be partnering with Lever for Change to create this new pathway to support for organizations making positive change in their communities,’ said Scott. ‘Teams on the front lines of challenges have insights no one else can offer, so there are three big headlines here in my heart: Community changemakers can nominate themselves; community changemakers get feedback from their peers; community changemakers have a powerful role in funding decisions.’