Application Deadline: October 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. New York Time (Eastern Time)
About the Challenge
The 2026 Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge is now accepting applications. Philanthropic support is provided by the Global Innovation Challenge to community organizations that are developing innovative solutions to social and economic challenges facing low-income communities around the world. Applications from nonprofit organisations developing solutions to help low-income young people prepare for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence are being accepted by Citi Foundation. Up to US$25 million in restricted grants to 50 organisations is planned to be provided by the Citi Foundation through the fourth edition of the Global Innovation Challenge, with US$500,000 being received by each selected organisation.
Programme Details
Organisations working on programmes that help low-income youth develop the skills, access and employment opportunities needed in an AI-driven economy will be supported by the 2026 challenge, titled “Preparing Youth for AI.” Particular interest is held by the Foundation in solutions that combine AI and digital skills with human-centred abilities such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, resilience and adaptability. Primarily aimed at young people between 15 and 24 years old is the programme, although the grant is awarded to the nonprofit organisation running the programme rather than directly to individual beneficiaries.
Eligible Projects
Three broad areas are focused on by the challenge:
- AI and Human-Centred Skills
- Expanding Digital Access
- Strengthening Youth Employment Programmes
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be registered as a nonprofit entity under local law
- Have a mission or strategic priorities focused on serving low-income individuals
- Propose a programme that impacts at least one of the Citi Foundation’s target geographies
- Be able to provide externally audited financial statements covering part of 2024 or a subsequent year if invited to the full application stage
- Submit the application in English
Benefits
- A restricted US$500,000 grant will be received by each selected organisation
- The grant period will run for 24 months, beginning no earlier than June 1, 2027
- Support for the piloting or expansion of programmes that prepare young people for employment in an AI-driven economy is intended to be provided by the funding
- Part of a learning community will also be the selected organisations, with opportunities to support grantees through volunteerism and shared learning being looked for by the Citi Foundation
Eligible Expenses
The US$500,000 grant is restricted to the programme and expenses described in the application.
Potential eligible expenses include:
- Staff salaries
- Technology
- Programme materials
- Training
- Events
- Research
- Communications
- Marketing
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Convenings
- Overhead
How to Apply
Two stages are involved in the application process.
Stage 1: Letter of Inquiry: A Letter of Inquiry (LOI) must first be submitted by eligible organisations through the Citi Foundation’s grant portal.
The Letter of Inquiry deadline is: October 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. New York Time (Eastern Time).
Stage 2: Full Grant Application
- Notification of organisations is expected by the Citi Foundation by the end of November 2026 about whether they have been invited to submit a full grant application.
- Expected in early December 2026 is the full application deadline.
- Communication of final funding decisions is expected no later than May 2027.
Click Here to Apply
For More Information: Visit the Official Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge 2027 Page
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