With $1 million grant program, TikTok supports creators who are “inspiring meaningful change”

TikTok wants you to meet its Change Makers. That’s the name of a new program that offers support to creators who are “inspiring meaningful change” through their videos and actions.

The inaugural class of Change Makers was revealed through a TikTok Newsroom post. Though TikTok didn’t provide many details about the selection criteria it used for the program, its post indicates that the members of the cohort all “create a positive impact on and beyond the platform.” They do that in many different ways, from the warmth radiated by Brunch With Babs host Barbara Costello, to the spectacles shared by photographer-to-the-stars Kara Lewis, to the helpful information offered by “medical mythbuster” Joel Bervell.

“The TikTok global community harnesses creative self-expression to drive positive impact by rallying support, raising awareness, and advocating for the causes they truly care about,” said Kim Farrell, TikTok’s Head of Creators, in a statement. “We’re proud to launch the TikTok Change Makers program to help social impact creators and non-profit organizations reach more communities, unlock real-world opportunities, and bring about lasting, meaningful change.”

The Change Makers will receive several perks by participating in the program. A six-month program will help those creators grow their audiences and unlock real-world opportunities. In addition, TikTok is establishing a $1 million 

Change Makers grant program, which will be spread across more than 30 nonprofit organizations. The grant money will be doled out in the form of $25,000 donations made on behalf of each Change Maker.

As it inaugurates Change Makers, TikTok is also celebrating the users who have inspired social change through the  #TikTokforGood tag. The app’s charm offensives have become more frequent as it has faced regulatory pressure in the United States and abroad. Creators have emerged as TikTok’s strongest allies in its battle against the U.S. government, and many of the people who have protested proposed TikTok bans definitely meet the criteria for “Change Maker” status. In that sense, TikTok’s new program seems to be a reward for the creators who have stuck with it through thick and thin.

In total, the first Change Makers class includes 50 creators. You can find out more details about the cohort here.