Join the 365 Founders Circle
Launched June 2025 • Seed Funding Stage • Civic Innovation Lab • Nonprofit
The Change Lab is a civic innovation lab. We design tools and experiences that help people move from feeling unsure about civic life to feeling connected and confident. Belonging is where it starts, and we build pathways that make civic life easier to step into.
Your Founding Investment
Help turn confusion into action by supporting the tools and resources that help people find their place in civic life.
What you commit
- $1,000/year or $90/month
- Recommended: a 3-year pledge for stable growth
- Optional: share resources or connections we should know about
What we build together
- Clear dashboard of 100+ focus areas
- Action kits and learning resources
- Programs that help people connect and take action together
Founders Circle Levels
Three investment levels that power different aspects of our work:
The Microscope
Funds deep research that maps where people need support in civic life.
The Generator
Builds the tech, design, and tools that power our platform.
The Reactor
Supports large-scale programs that turn interest into sustained action.
The Problem We're Solving
Many Americans feel confused about what to do, disconnected from their communities, and unsure where their voice matters. The overwhelm is real.
Our Solution: StepUP
We organize what's already working across the country into clear pathways that help people move from confusion to confident action.
StepUP: From Curiosity to Action
StepUP is The Change Lab's main tool. It gives people a simple way to learn, connect, and act on the issues that matter most to them:
A short quiz points people to one of six starting pathways. Most platforms assume you already know how to get involved. StepUP is built for people who just want to know where to start.
Our Goals
- Reach 25,000 Houstonians in the first year (about 0.5% of the area's population)
- Grow across Texas, then share the platform with nonprofits across the country
- Track impact through completed activities, use of pathways, and real community actions
The Ask
We are raising $75,000 as our first benchmark toward our full $350,000 goal to grow both StepUP and The Change Lab's capacity. Your support will help us:
- Grow our team to handle programs, partnerships, and tech
- Push the StepUP beta live and keep improving it
- Add games and interactive features that keep people engaged
- Use AI to offer personal recommendations that meet people where they are
- Make sure the content stays clear, welcoming, and easy to use for everyone
- Build strong partnerships in Houston and beyond
This isn't just about one tool. It's about giving The Change Lab the strength to deliver on its mission for years to come.
How It Works
We focus on human connection first, then layer in information and tools. Start where you are, and we'll show you the next step.
Focus Areas (8)
100+ Specific Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Change Lab is a nonprofit public benefit organization. Request a receipt at: hello@thechangelab.net
Stability: Multi-year support lets us hire and keep core team members. Momentum: 36 months to build, test, and improve our tools. Leverage: Your pledge helps unlock matching funds and partnerships.