Lever for Change
Karen Minkel serves as the Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy Director at Lever for Change, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on innovative philanthropic approaches that drive equity, activating over $1.5 billion for global change since April 2022. Concurrently, Karen is the Founder and Principal of KLB Advisory Services, LLC, providing strategic planning and program evaluation for foundations and nonprofits. Previous experience includes the role of Home Region Program Director at the Walton Family Foundation, where over $50 million in grants supported quality of life initiatives in Northwest Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta. Additionally, Karen led strategic planning for the City of Fayetteville, winning a prestigious award for sustainability efforts. Academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from Northwestern University and a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley.
Lever for Change
Lever for Change connects donors with bold solutions to the world’s biggest problems—including issues like racial inequity, gender inequality, lack of access to economic opportunity, and climate change. Using an inclusive, equitable model and due diligence process, Lever for Change creates customized challenges and other tailored funding opportunities. Top-ranked teams and challenge finalists become members of the Bold Solutions Network—a growing global network that helps secure additional funding, amplify members’ impact, and accelerate social change. Founded in 2019 as a nonprofit affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Lever for Change has influenced over $1.7 billion in grants to date and provided support to more than 175 organizations. To learn more, visit www.leverforchange.org.