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Strong communities break cycles of poverty, bridge divides, and empower every person to realize their full potential.
Every person empowered
Each individual possesses unique gifts and talents they can share with the world — but millions of Americans face obstacles that keep them from flourishing and contributing.
Forth-three million Americans are experiencing poverty. Social division is increasing. Life expectancy is on the decline. Economic and social mobility have stagnated.
We believe the best way to tackle these challenges is by investing in communities, providing every person with an opportunity to overcome barriers and empower their neighbors.
![Men in conversation](/sites/default/files/2024-02/230215_LIFTRTC_DH01_0344%20%281%29%20%282%29.jpg)
Fostering social change from the bottom up
Today, the social sector predominantly treats people as problems to be solved. But finger-pointing and top-down interventions aren’t working. Instead, we see people as the source of our best solutions. That’s why we back innovations, initiatives, and collaborations that remove social barriers and enable community-driven change.
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Transformative approaches to social change
Tailored resources for social-sector leaders
Targeted partnerships to address social barriers across the country
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Get the latest stories, ideas, and advice from changemakers driving community-based solutions to our country’s biggest problems.
![Image of a person's hand placed on another person's shoulder](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_178_16x9_1440x810_1x/public/2024-07/ST-Second-Chances-Article.jpg?itok=j3xdDaLr)
Now in recovery, he’s teaching others how to deal with “life on life’s terms.”
![A man and two women hugging](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_178_16x9_1440x810_1x/public/2024-07/ST-Bonton-Farms-Article.jpg?itok=g6NyZcCI)
This South Dallas neighborhood is a food desert, but problems run deeper than limited food access.
![Simone Biles celebrates after winning](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_178_16x9_1440x810_1x/public/2024-07/ST-FOTC-Simone-Biles-Article.jpg?itok=AnGCqFGx)
The new org chapter Olympic star Simone Biles helped found is just getting started.
![A woman sitting in a low-lit bedroom looking at her phone](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_178_16x9_1440x810_1x/public/2024-07/ST-Trina%20Clayeux-Big%20Interview_YTShort-01_9x16_ORC_2023-01-22-1145.01_00_12_23.Still001%20%281%29.00_00_15_02.Still001.jpg?itok=CLaxIFpa)
Mental health care is too narrow, possibly worsening the crisis. These changemakers have a plan.