Big Bets for America is a national convening platform designed to surface, accelerate, and scale the most ambitious solutions tackling the United States’ most pressing challenges.

Each convening is intentionally place-based, reflecting the economic, cultural, and civic realities of its host region, while remaining deeply connected to a shared national narrative. Together, these convenings form a coherent journey across America, demonstrating that innovation, leadership, and renewal are not concentrated in one geography, but alive across regions, systems, and communities.

Our goal with this platform is to celebrate American ingenuity, mobilize cross-sector leadership, and translate local progress into national momentum.

Where is Big Bets for America?

Big Bets for America moves across the country because America’s best ideas do too.

The convening series launched in November 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We chose the American Heartland because it’s a region often overlooked in national conversations, yet central to the country’s economic resilience and civic identity. Set in the Oklahoma City’s revitalized West Village District, the inaugural convening celebrated ingenuity rooted in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and community-led Renewal.

Next, the series went to Baltimore in April 2026. Baltimore represents a city at an inflection point, where long-standing challenges are being met with bold leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and a renewed sense of momentum. Set against a backdrop of downtown revitalization and community-driven investment, the convening highlighted how cities can align capital, policy, and local innovation to expand access to jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and unlock pathways to shared prosperity.

Check out the Oklahoma City recap

Check out the Baltimore recap

What's Next?

Our next convening is coming up June 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio — a city deeply connected to the Foundation’s origins and now leading a new chapter of American renewal, where industry, innovation, and civic leadership are coming together to drive inclusive economic growth.

Step Into Your Next Big Bet

The Big Bets Fellowship is a five-month leadership development program for emerging leaders at a pivotal moment, bringing together a diverse, interdisciplinary cohort to tackle the world’s toughest challenges and drive bold, system-level change.

explore Big Bets Fellowship