About the opportunity
The Citi Foundation is launching its fourth Global Innovation Challenge, committing $25 million to organizations developing innovative solutions that prepare low-income youth (primarily ages 15 to 24) for success in today’s rapidly evolving, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven workplace. The initiative focuses on cultivating AI and human-centric skills, expanding digital access, and building support for NGO capacity and networks. The Foundation plans to award up to 50 restricted grants of $500,000 each, disbursed in two equal annual payments across 2027 and 2028. Grant terms will be 24 months, starting no sooner than June 1, 2027.
Funding and benefits
- Restricted grant award of $500,000 per organization
- Disbursement schedule of $250,000 in Year 1 (2027) and $250,000 in Year 2 (2028)
- Support through volunteerism and participation in a learning community promoting shared lessons and best practices
Who can apply?
- Must be a registered nonprofit entity under local law (U.S. entities must be tax-exempt public charities per Section 501(c)(3))
- Mission and/or strategic priorities must have a specific focus on serving low-income individuals
- Proposed program must impact one or more of the Foundation's target geographies across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Latin America & the Caribbean, and North America
- Organizations invited to the full application stage must be able to submit externally audited financial statements covering some part of calendar year 2024 or a subsequent year
- Organizations requiring the use of a fiscal sponsor are not eligible
Required documents
- Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submitted through the online grant portal
- Externally audited financial statements covering calendar year 2024 or later (required only for organizations invited to the full application stage)
- Additional documentation and information as required by CAF America for organizations based outside the United States
When to apply
- Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline is October 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) New York Time (Eastern Time)
- Notification of advancement to the grant application phase expected by the end of November 2026
- Full grant application deadline anticipated in early December 2026
- Final funding decisions anticipated to be shared no later than the end of May 2027
- Grant terms start no sooner than June 1, 2027
How to apply
- Download the editable PDF version of the LOI form from the top of the online grant portal to work offline
- Draft responses offline as the online form cannot be saved
- Copy and paste responses into the online application portal and submit by October 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET
- Save a PDF copy of the submitted LOI for your records as the submission content cannot be accessed afterward
- Wait for notification by the end of November 2026 and, if invited, proceed to submit a full grant application
Additional information
- Grants are restricted and can cover items such as salaries, technology, program materials, trainings, events, research, communications, marketing, evaluation, convenings, and overhead
- Organizations based outside the United States apply directly and will be funded through Charities Aid Foundation America (CAF America) if recommended
- Only one LOI is permitted per eligible organization
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Nonprofit organizations with proven expertise in youth employment, digital literacy, or AI training programs targeting low-income youth aged 15 to 24.
- NGOs seeking catalytic capital to significantly scale or pilot innovative workforce development models across eligible global communities.
- Organizations capable of managing a substantial $500,000 multi-year grant and meeting rigorous institutional financial audit requirements.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application window for the Letter of Inquiry is strict and requires precise preparation without an online save feature.
- Selected organizations must successfully navigate a competitive two-round process involving both an LOI and a full application phase.
- Grant funds are restricted and subject to rigorous compliance standards, prohibiting lobbying and political activities.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This challenge fits well for established nonprofit leaders looking to secure major funding to integrate AI and digital skill-building into their existing youth employability frameworks or launch new community-level access initiatives.
Our take
Nonprofit leaders with mature programs impacting youth economic mobility in Citi's target geographies should seriously consider applying, provided they meet the strict local nonprofit and financial audit prerequisites.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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