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Based in San Francisco, California, Change.org operates a for-profit online petition platform that enables global users to organize digital advocacy campaigns and influence international public policy. The company facilitates civic engagement across 196 countries, accumulating a user base of more than 500 million individuals who start or support various global social causes. Operating with a workforce of approximately 300 employees, the enterprise generates revenue primarily through sponsored campaigns and advertised petitions from aligned organizations. The organization has secured financial backing from prominent institutional investors including the Omidyar Network, which previously led a $15 million funding round, while attracting notable technology executives such as Jennifer Dulski, Adam Cheyer, and Darren Haas. Change.org was originally established as a social network and blogging platform before pivoting to its current model, and was founded in 2007 by Ben Rattray.
Change.org has raised $100.0M across 4 funding rounds.
Change.org has raised $100.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Change.org is a US-based for-profit technology company that operates the world's largest online petition platform, enabling users globally to create and sign petitions aimed at driving social change and influencing decision-makers. It serves over 565 million users as of 2025, supporting causes across justice, human rights, environment, education, and more. The platform empowers individuals, organizations, and decision-makers to mobilize support and achieve real-world impact through petitions and campaigns, with a growing focus on evolving from petitions into sustained social movements[1][3][4][5].
Founded in 2007 by Stanford classmates Ben Rattray (CEO) and Mark Dimas (CTO), Change.org initially started as a nonprofit crowdfunding platform connecting donors to charities. It pivoted multiple times—from a social blogging network in 2008 to a petition-centric model in 2010—before becoming profitable by 2011. This evolution reflected a sharpened mission to empower people to create change by influencing laws, policies, and corporate practices. Early traction included rapid user growth and high petition volumes, with pivotal moments such as acquiring PetitionOnline.com in 2011 and expanding internationally[1][2][3].
Change.org rides the global trend of digital civic engagement and democratization of activism, leveraging technology to lower barriers to political and social participation. Its timing aligns with increasing public demand for transparency, accountability, and direct influence over governance and corporate behavior. Market forces such as widespread internet access, social media proliferation, and growing social consciousness favor its growth. The platform influences the broader ecosystem by enabling grassroots movements to scale rapidly, shaping policy debates, and inspiring new models of participatory democracy[2][4][5].
Looking ahead, Change.org aims to expand beyond petitions into full-fledged social movements, building technology that fosters sustained civic participation and healthier democratic processes. Trends shaping its journey include rising global activism, digital mobilization innovations, and increasing demand for responsive governance. Its influence is likely to deepen as it integrates crowdfunding, membership models, and enhanced decision-maker engagement tools, potentially redefining how citizens and institutions interact to create social change. Change.org’s trajectory underscores the power of technology to transform activism from isolated actions into continuous, impactful movements[5].
Change.org has raised $100.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Change.org's investors include Reid Hoffman, Bill Gates, Sam Altman, Bond, Cowboy Ventures, Drive Capital, Grand Ventures, Greylock, Hyde Park Venture Partners, IVP, Kleiner Perkins, Mousse Partners.
Change.org has raised $100.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $30.0M Other Equity in May 2017.
