The company Pivotal Ventures, which is funded through donations from Melinda Gates, MacKenzie Scott, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies and others, has announced the finalists for its ”Equality Can’t Wait Challenge” — a project aimed at awarding $40 million to organizations that are helping to expand women’s power and influence throughout the United States to accelerate “the pace of progress toward gender equality in America.”
According to Maggie May of Philanthropy Women, “In the summer of 2021, the Challenge will grant three $10 million awards, with an additional $10 million to be allocated among finalists, bringing the total to $40 million. The Challenge will provide funding for innovative, women-led solutions that enable more women, particularly Black, Indigenous and other women of color, to be in positions to make decisions, control resources and shape policies and perspectives in their homes, workplaces and communities.”
“Gender inequality isn’t inevitable,” said Pivotal Ventures founder Melinda Gates. “Solutions exist, but scaling them requires investment. The Equality Can’t Wait Challenge has proven there’s no shortage of actionable ideas to drive progress for women and that donors are willing to meet bold ideas with big resources. Our hope is that this Challenge serves as a source of connection between innovators and funders, so promising ideas can get the support they need to create change.”
