To celebrate 15 years of transforming lives, Lead2Change is bringing back DreamBig! DreamBig! is a youth-led grant opportunity through Lead2Change that awards three $5,000 grants to Milwaukee youth organizations who can best answer the question: “What would you do with $5,000 to make Milwaukee better?” Young people design and present real projects that create measurable impact across the city. Lead2Change DreamBuilders will interview applicants and choose two of the grant recipients, while the community will have an opportunity to choose the third. This year’s winners will be announced at an event at the Grace Center in downtown Milwaukee on July 30th. 

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Who Can Apply?

Applicants must live in Milwaukee, be 19 years old or younger, and be connected to a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Adults may guide, but they cannot complete the application or participate in the interview process.

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What Kind of Projects Qualify?

Projects must take place in the City of Milwaukee and must clearly state how it will make Milwaukee better. The project must fit into one of the following categories: Health & Wellness, STEM, Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship.

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What are the Funding Guidelines?

The $5,000 grant must be used to execute the project and cannot be used for fundraisers, paying debt, starting a business or hiring staff. The project must be completed by December 1, 2026. Religious organizations may apply, but funds cannot be used for religious purposes. Grantees must create a social media video about their project and tag Lead2Change.

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To apply: Fill out the application below. Download and complete the forms below. Email completed forms to: info@lead2changeinc.org with the subject line: "DreamBig! Application." The application deadline is July 6, 2026. 

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