Up to $500,000 to Prepare Young People for an AI-Powered Future – Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation Fourth Global Innovation Challenge is funding community organisations developing or expanding programmes that prepare low-income young people for employment in an economy increasingly shaped by AI.

Here’s what you can expect:

• $500,000 grant per successful organisation

• $25 million available overall

• 50 organisations expected to receive funding

• Support for programmes building young people's AI and digital skills

• Funding for skills such as prompt engineering and digital content creation

• Support for human-centred skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience and flexibility

• Projects connecting young people with employment opportunities

• Support for access to devices, software and other technology

• Funding to integrate AI into existing youth employment programmes

• Support for partnerships between community organisations, employers and other sectors

• Opportunities to pilot new approaches or expand existing programmes.

Who can apply?

• Community organisations and nonprofits

• Organisations supporting low-income young people

• Applicants developing or scaling solutions that improve AI readiness and employability

• Organisations working within the Challenge's eligible target geographies

• Programmes should combine technological skills with broader workforce and human-centred skills

• Organisations should demonstrate the ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for young people.

Deadline: 6 October 2026 at 12:00pm New York Time (ET).