Boundless, $150M challenge has opened a global call for proposals aimed at improving life in San Francisco. Created by Crankstart with Lever for Change, the competition could provide up to $50 million to each of as many as three selected projects. The process includes registration, peer review, expert evaluation and final awards planned for fall 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Crankstart has committed up to $150 million to Boundless San Francisco.
- Up to three selected projects may receive between $10 million and $50 million each.
- Organizations must register by September 11, 2026, with completed applications due October 9.
- Three to seven finalists are expected to receive development support and grants before final selections.
- Final awardees are scheduled to be announced in fall 2027.
The Boundless, $150M challenge is inviting organizations from San Francisco and beyond to submit large-scale ideas intended to produce measurable benefits for the city.
Crankstart, the San Francisco-based family foundation associated with Michael Moritz and Harriet Heyman, launched Boundless San Francisco with Lever for Change. Unlike programs limited to a single issue, the competition accepts proposals across subject areas as long as the primary benefits are directed toward San Francisco.
That broad scope could bring proposals involving housing, public health, technology, climate resilience, the arts, neighborhood services and other areas. Organizers have not identified one category as the preferred route to an award.
Up to $50M Could Go to Each Selected Project
Crankstart has committed up to $150 million to the competition, placing the size of the potential awards among its most notable features.
Under the announced structure, up to three final awardees may receive between $10 million and $50 million each to carry out their proposals. The exact amount available to each selected project will depend on the competition process and final decisions.
The program also includes an earlier development stage. Three to seven finalists are expected to receive technical support along with grants ranging from about $250,000 to $500,000 each. The overall development grant pool is expected to range from $1 million to $3.5 million.
That stage is designed to give finalists an opportunity to strengthen their proposals before final selections. Teams may use the period to refine implementation plans, budgets, timelines, partnerships and evidence supporting their proposed approach.
The competition therefore separates an initial proposal from the larger award decision. Applicants must first demonstrate that an idea is significant enough to merit consideration and detailed enough to undergo further review.
Boundless, $150M Challenge Leaves the Subject Area Open
One of the more unusual elements of the Boundless, $150M Challenge is the absence of a narrowly prescribed subject category.
Organizations may submit proposals from different fields, provided the project is primarily intended to benefit San Francisco. The open format also allows organizations based outside the city to participate.
Applicants will still need to connect broad concepts to practical implementation. Organizers are seeking proposals that combine an ambitious objective with a credible plan, supporting evidence and an approach that can remain viable after the initial rollout.
The range of potential subjects reflects challenges and projects already receiving attention across the city. Housing, for example, remains connected with initiatives such as artist-focused housing programs, which combine residential affordability with space for creative work.
Commercial corridors present another possible area of interest. San Francisco has also seen new businesses entering previously vacant properties through developments connected with Mid-Market business activity.
Peer Review and Expert Scoring Will Narrow the Field
The Boundless San Francisco selection process is expected to use several layers of evaluation rather than a single review.
Applicants are scheduled to participate in a peer-review stage during November and December 2026. Participating organizations will evaluate several other proposals, adding an initial comparative stage to the selection process.
Higher-ranking submissions are then expected to move to an expert evaluation panel.
The published review framework identifies four principal areas: Transformative Ambition, Viability, Evidence of Results and Durability.
Transformative Ambition considers the scale of the proposed outcome. Viability addresses whether the idea can realistically be carried out. Evidence of Results examines the support behind the approach, while Durability considers whether the benefits can continue over time.
These standards place emphasis on more than the size of an idea. Applicants will need to explain how a proposal could work in practice, who would benefit, what supports the proposed approach and how the project could continue after its initial implementation.
Lever for Change is overseeing the open competition process.
September Deadlines Set the Next Milestones
Potential applicants have two immediate dates to track. Registration closes September 11, 2026, while completed proposals must be submitted by October 9.
Organizers are also scheduled to hold an informational webinar on August 18 featuring a platform demonstration and question-and-answer session for prospective applicants.
After submissions close, the process moves into peer review during November and December, followed by expert evaluation and finalist selection. Finalists will then enter the development phase before final awards are scheduled for fall 2027.
For organizations considering the Boundless, $150M challenge, the competition’s next stage is defined by those deadlines and published evaluation standards. The open subject format provides considerable room for different ideas, but applicants will still need to translate those ideas into detailed proposals that can be assessed for feasibility, evidence, durability and potential benefit to San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Boundless, $150M Challenge?
The Boundless, $150M challenge, formally known as Boundless San Francisco, is an open competition created by Crankstart with Lever for Change. It invites organizations to propose projects intended to produce substantial benefits for San Francisco.
How Much Can Selected Projects Receive?
Up to three final awardees may receive between $10 million and $50 million each. Before that stage, three to seven finalists are expected to receive smaller development grants and technical support to refine their proposals.
Who Can Submit a Proposal?
The competition is open to organizations from San Francisco and elsewhere. Proposals may cover different subject areas, but their primary intended benefit must be connected to San Francisco.
When Are Applications Due?
Organizations must register by September 11, 2026. Completed applications are due October 9, 2026, followed by peer review and additional evaluation stages.
When Will Final Awardees Be Announced?
Final awardees are expected to be announced in fall 2027. Before that decision, selected finalists will have time to develop and strengthen their proposals.
