Who we are
What if everyone had power to influence the decisions affecting their lives?
Luminate's mission
Our mission is to ensure that everyone – especially those who are underrepresented – has the information, rights, and power to influence the decisions that affect their lives.
Luminate was established in 2018 by philanthropists Pierre and Pam Omidyar. For over a decade before this, the team worked on governance and citizen engagement issues as part of Omidyar Network.
The context for our work
Around the world, democracy is under threat, with power increasingly concentrated in the hands of the few. Those with power use it to advance their own aims and clamp down on opposition.
Press freedom and freedom of expression are being restricted and undermined. Big Tech companies and social media platforms are fuelling polarisation across societies. And information is being weaponised, with the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and the amplification of harmful content.
In many countries, online and offline spaces where people can engage, participate, and challenge power are being curtailed. People from historically underrepresented groups – including women, youth, and LGBTQIA+ people – face barriers to accessing power and fully participating in civic and political life.
Yet, there is hope. People continue to mobilise and challenge power. In particular, many young people are protesting for the first time, rallying around topics such as climate change, systemic racism, and police brutality.
