Citi Foundation
The corporate foundation of Citigroup: grants for non-profits working on youth employment and economic opportunity.
About the fund
The Citi Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Citigroup financial group, established in New York in 1994. It works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world.
Youth employment is the Foundation's key focus. It launched Pathways to Progress in 2014 and expanded it globally in 2017 with a 100 million dollar commitment to prepare 500,000 young people aged 16-24 for the job market. The Foundation also regularly runs the Global Innovation Challenge for non-profit organisations.
In September 2026 the Foundation launched its fourth Global Innovation Challenge worth 25 million dollars: up to 50 non-profits will each receive 500,000 dollars for programmes that prepare low-income young people for work in an economy shaped by artificial intelligence. Ukraine is among the countries whose organisations are eligible.
Focus areas
- Youth employment
- Digital literacy and AI skills
- Digital access
- Innovative solutions by non-profits
- Capacity of NGOs and their networks
- Economic opportunity for low-income communities
Interesting facts
Established in 1994 as the philanthropic foundation of Citigroup.
In 2017 expanded Pathways to Progress globally with a 100 million dollar commitment for 500,000 young people.
The fourth Global Innovation Challenge (2026) totals 25 million dollars, with up to 50 grants of 500,000 dollars each.
How to apply
Non-profit organisations, including Ukrainian NGOs, with programmes preparing young people (mostly aged 15-24) for work in an AI-driven economy can apply. Letters of Inquiry for the fourth Global Innovation Challenge are accepted until 6 October 2026 on the Citi Foundation website.
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