Exemplary embodiments of manual dispensers and actuating mechanisms are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a housing, a receptacle for receiving a container of fluid and an actuating mechanism for causing fluid to be dispensed from the container. The actuation mechanism has a first pivot arm having a pivot point on a first end and a cam on a second end and a second pivot arm having a pivot point a first end and a curved contact surface on a second end. The actuating mechanism includes a pushbar. One of the first and second pivot members is connected to the pushbar. When the pushbar is pushed inward, the cam is configured to travel along the curved contact surface. Movement of the cam along the curved contact surface moves the engagement mechanism upward and downward in a substantially linear motion when the engagement mechanism is connected to a pump to cause the pump to prime with fluid and dispense the fluid.