Voting has begun for the 10th annual LA2050 Grants Challenge, which will award more than $2 million to at least 15 organizations addressing issues most important to Los Angeles, as voted on by the residents and stakeholders of Los Angeles. LA2050 is conducting widespread in-person voting for the first time, in addition to online voting, at sites throughout the city including the Los Angeles Zoo. The zoo will host a LA2050 Grants Challenge polling station on Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Visitors can cast votes on issues that are most pressing to them.

Participants can select green space and park access, K-12 STEAM education and climate and environment, among more than 30 options. Following the conclusion of online and in-person voting on May 8, and the review of proposals between May 15 and June 23, LA2050 and its funding partners will award more than $2 million to at least 15 organizations addressing the issues deemed most important to Los Angeles.

The zoo will hold the polling during Wild for the Planet, an Earth Month celebration on weekends in April. Wild for the Planet raises awareness about issues that affect the Earth through fun and engaging programs including animal demonstrations and feedings, nature-inspired performances and book readings, hands-on activities and a community-focused Earth Expo. The LA2050 Grants Challenge voting booths will be located at the Earth Expo.

“Wild for the Planet’s Earth Expo brings together community and conservation organizations, city departments and nonprofits that are all vested in making Los Angeles a better, more sustainable place to live,” said Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association president Tom Jacobson. “This year’s polling is built around the theme ‘Join the Movement: Vote for a Better L.A.’, and the zoo is thrilled to be part of this important campaign to gather public input on issues facing our community.”

Voting will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 15. For information, visit la2050.org and lazoo.org.