Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge: Preparing Youth for AI
Verified by the editorial team 29 September 2026
Added to the catalogue Added to the catalogue after checking the funder's page
Summary
USD 500,000 over two years for non-profits preparing low-income young people for work in the age of AI. Ukraine is among the eligible countries; stage one is a letter of inquiry due 6 October.
About the call
Citi Foundation has launched its fourth Global Innovation Challenge, Preparing Youth for AI: 50 grants of USD 500,000 each, USD 25 million in total. Funds are paid over two calendar years and can cover salaries, technology, materials, training, events, research, communications, evaluation and overhead; regranting is allowed.
The target group is low-income young people mainly aged 15-24. Areas: AI and digital literacy, digital access, human-centred skills, youth employment, NGO capacity and networks. Ukraine is explicitly listed among European countries. Organisations invited to stage two must provide externally audited financial statements covering a period from 2024 onward.
Who can apply
- Non-profits registered under local law
- With a mission focused on low-income people
- Programme reaches one of the target countries (Ukraine is listed)
Who cannot apply
- Organisations using a fiscal sponsor
- Private foundations
- Individuals and sole proprietors
What the funds are for
- AI and digital literacy for young people
- Human-centred skills and employment
- Salaries, technology, training, evaluation and overhead
- Regranting to partners
What is not funded
- Lobbying and political activity
- Memorials and gift-matching programmes
Documents required
Forms and templates are on the call page
How to apply
- 1Read the challenge Summary and FAQ
- 2Submit the LOI via citifoundation.com/rfp by 12:00 New York time on 6 October 2026
- 3Invited organisations submit a full application in early December 2026
Timeline
Questions and answers
- Could organisations apply to the Citi Foundation challenge through a fiscal sponsor?
- No. Organisations using a fiscal sponsor, private foundations, individuals and sole proprietors were not eligible.
- Did the Citi Foundation grant allow regranting?
- Yes. Funds could cover salaries, technology, training, evaluation and overhead, and regranting to partners was allowed.
Change history
- Added: Added to the catalogue after checking the funder's page
Donor contacts
Website: www.citifoundation.com/rfp
