About this opportunity
The Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge backs nonprofit organisations that are helping young people from low income communities get ready for work in an artificial intelligence driven economy. The focus is on practical solutions that open real pathways for those who have been left behind.
Selected organisations receive up to US$500,000 to pilot or expand their work over a twenty four month rollout that begins on 1 June 2027. Around fifty grantees share a US$25 million pool. Funding can cover staff time, hardware and software, learning materials, training, research, outreach and coordination.
The process starts with a short Letter of Inquiry. A first round of screening closes in late November 2026, and invited organisations are then asked to submit a full proposal along with independently audited financials. If your mission centers on young people aged fifteen to twenty four and the AI era, this is a fund worth pursuing.
What you receive
- Up to US$500,000 in restricted grant funding
- A twenty four month project window beginning 1 June 2027
- Membership in a collaborative knowledge network
- Access to potential volunteer partnerships
- Broad eligible budget lines, from staff and technology to training and outreach
Who can apply
- Legally registered nonprofit organisations
- A core mission serving economically disadvantaged populations
- Work that primarily reaches individuals aged fifteen to twenty four
- Proposals aligned to the Foundation regional priorities
- All submissions prepared in English
- Invited organisations must provide independently audited financials from late 2024 onward
Who should not apply
- Organisations without nonprofit registration
- Proposals that do not align with the stated regional and age focus
Documents to prepare
- A Letter of Inquiry
- A complete application package for shortlisted organisations
- Externally audited financial records from late 2024 or later for the full proposal stage
How to apply
- Review the Global Innovation Challenge overview on the Citi Foundation page
- Prepare a Letter of Inquiry that shows how your work prepares disadvantaged youth for an AI driven labour market
- Submit the Letter of Inquiry before 12:00 p.m. New York Time on 6 October 2026
- If invited after the November screening, submit a full proposal with audited financials
- Refer to https://www.citigroup.com/global/foundation/programs/global-innovation-challenge for the current portal and guidance
Selection process
- Initial screening of inquiries concludes in late November 2026
- Invitations to submit full proposals go out in early December
- About fifty organisations are selected from the US$25 million pool
- Final award notifications arrive by May 2027
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
What age group should the work focus on?
Projects should primarily serve individuals aged fifteen to twenty four.
When does the funded project start?
The rollout runs for twenty four months beginning 1 June 2027.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
