Crankstart and Lever for Change launch $150 million San Francisco competition

Crankstart and Lever for Change have launched Boundless San Francisco, a global competition that will award up to $150 million to ideas aimed at improving life in the city. Applications open worldwide now, with registrations due Sept. 11 and completed submissions due Oct. 9.

Why it matters: - Boundless San Francisco could send up to $150 million into projects aimed at improving quality of life in the city. - The competition is open to organizations anywhere in the world, widening the pool of ideas beyond local applicants. - Up to three awardees can receive as much as $50 million each, giving selected projects room to scale.

What happened: - Crankstart and Lever for Change announced Boundless San Francisco, a competition for ideas that make San Francisco a better place to live. - The announcement was made Aug. 5, 2026. - Applications are open to organizations globally, and projects must primarily benefit San Francisco. - More information and applications are available at the competition site.

The details: - Successful proposals must pair an ambitious vision for San Francisco with a credible plan to deliver and sustain the work. - Applicants may request flexible, below-market capital in addition to grant funding, including a low-interest loan. - Crankstart is funding the competition. - Crankstart is a San Francisco family foundation that says it has contributed nearly $1 billion to the local community. - Crankstart’s giving has supported education, economic mobility, housing affordability, parks, community spaces and other causes. - Lever for Change will manage the competition. - Lever for Change has run 18 global and domestic open calls and says it has influenced more than $2.6 billion in philanthropic giving.

Between the lines: - The structure signals a bet that major civic solutions may come from outside San Francisco, not just from local institutions. - Allowing both grant money and below-market capital suggests the program is designed for projects that need more than philanthropy alone. - The competition also extends Crankstart’s long-standing Bay Area focus into a highly visible citywide initiative.

What's next: - Registration closes Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. Pacific time. - Completed applications are due Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. Pacific time. - Lever for Change will review submissions and select up to three awardees. - Selected organizations will use the funding to bring their proposals to life.

The bottom line: - Crankstart and Lever for Change are using a large, open-call model to search globally for big ideas that can shape San Francisco’s future.