Call for Applications: Citi Foundation Offers US$500,000 Grants
The Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge 2026 is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofit organisations developing innovative programmes to help low-income young people prepare for an increasingly AI-driven world of work.
Under its fourth Global Innovation Challenge, the Citi Foundation plans to commit US$25 million to up to 50 community organisations, with each selected organisation eligible to receive a US$500,000 restricted grant.
The 2026 edition, themed “Preparing Youth for AI,” is designed to support programmes that equip young people with the technical and human-centred skills needed to navigate changing employment opportunities.
What the Challenge Supports
The initiative is focused primarily on low-income youth and supports organisations working in areas including AI literacy, digital skills, employment preparation and access to technology.
Eligible projects may, for example:
- Teach AI-related skills such as prompt engineering, digital content creation and the use of AI-enabled tools.
- Develop human-centred skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, resilience and flexibility.
- Expand access to computers, software, connectivity and other digital resources.
- Integrate AI tools into existing youth employment and workforce-development programmes.
- Connect young people with employment opportunities.
- Build partnerships between nonprofit organisations, businesses, technology providers and other sectors.
The Foundation says the programme is intended to help bridge the digital and AI divide while improving young people’s workforce readiness and economic mobility.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to registered nonprofit organisations that meet the Citi Foundation’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must demonstrate that their mission or strategic priorities focus on serving low-income communities and that their proposed programme will benefit people in at least one of the Foundation’s eligible target geographies.
Organisations applying from outside the United States may also be eligible, subject to the programme’s geographic and other requirements.
Applicants invited to the full application stage will also need to provide externally audited financial statements covering part of 2024 or a subsequent year.
Grant Size and Duration
Each selected organisation will receive a US$500,000 restricted grant.
The funding is expected to support programmes over a 24-month period, with the grant divided into two anticipated payments of US$250,000 each in 2027 and 2028.
The programme period is expected to begin no earlier than June 1, 2027.
Grant funding may cover eligible programme expenses such as staff salaries, technology, training, programme materials, events, research, communications, marketing, evaluation, convenings and certain overhead costs.
Application Process
Interested organisations must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through the Citi Foundation’s grant application portal.
The deadline for the initial submission is:
October 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Foundation expects to notify organisations that advance to the next stage by the end of November 2026. Those invited will then submit a full grant application, with the deadline expected in early December 2026.
Final funding decisions are expected no later than May 2027.
Applicants are advised to prepare their LOI responses offline before transferring them to the online application because the online form cannot be saved for later completion.
Why the Funding Matters
The latest challenge builds on the Citi Foundation’s previous Global Innovation Challenge programmes, which have supported nonprofit organisations addressing issues including food security, homelessness and youth employability.
In the 2025 edition, 50 organisations received a combined US$25 million, with each organisation awarded US$500,000 to support innovative solutions aimed at improving employment prospects for low-income youth.
For the 2026 challenge, Citi Foundation is shifting the focus toward preparing young people for an economy increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, while emphasising that technical AI knowledge needs to be complemented by human skills.
Key Details
Programme: Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge 2026
Theme: Preparing Youth for AI
Grant: US$500,000 per selected organisation
Total funding: US$25 million
Number of expected grantees: Up to 50
Target group: Primarily low-income youth
Eligible applicants: Registered nonprofit organisations
First application stage: Letter of Inquiry
LOI deadline: October 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET
Grant duration: 24 months
Expected start: No earlier than June 1, 2027
How to Apply
Eligible organisations should review the official eligibility criteria, programme guidelines and application requirements before submitting their Letter of Inquiry through the Citi Foundation’s official funding portal.
Application: Citi Foundation – Apply for Funding
Interested organisations are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early, particularly because the initial LOI must be submitted by October 6, 2026.
