Founded by Melinda French Gates, Pivotal Ventures accelerates social progress in the United States by removing barriers that hold people back.

©$year Pivotal Ventures, A Melinda French Gates Company

Advocacy

We are advancing an ambitious policy agenda.

Public policy can be a powerful tool that helps break down barriers to progress. We work with our partners to build support for policies that will improve people’s lives.

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Key Principles
& Tactics

Seeking Informed Perspectives

Our agenda is driven by the people who are closest to the issues, including people with lived experience, advocates, policy experts, and leaders who know how to work with decisionmakers to get things done.

Strengthening Collaboration

We support a wide range of people and organizations working together to secure policy wins. When individuals with diverse perspectives and skills unite around common goals, they can drive unprecedented progress.

Amplifying Partners

We use our resources, our platform, and our networks to help our partners expand their reach and bring more attention to their critical work. We believe in the change our partners can make in the world.

  • Mental Health for Young People

    Young people deserve a mental health system that meets their needs.

    We partner with organizations that support youth mental health and well-being. Inseparable, for example, works to advance public policies that expand access to care for young people.

    Learn More
    A young girl in a denim jacket holds her hand to her mouth while laughing.
  • Women’s Political Power

    Government works better when it includes women at every level.

    That’s why we partner with organizations working to reduce barriers to serving in public office that disproportionately affect women. For example, Vote Mama Lobby is advocating for reforms like child care and paid leave for elected officials.

    Learn More
    A mom holds her young son at an event to help mothers running for office.
  • Policy & Advocacy

    Our public policies should reflect the needs of U.S. families.

    MomsRising Together is an on-the-ground and online movement of people working to increase family economic security, end discrimination against women and mothers, and build a nation in which businesses and families can thrive.

    A woman speaks into a bullhorn at a rally next to a mom holding her young child.

"Public policy is ultimately about people. When you’re advocating for better policies, you’re advocating for the people whose lives will change because of them."

Portrait of Nicole Sawran
Nicole Sawran
Senior Director, Program Strategy, Advocacy & Public Affairs