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The Citi Foundation is offering grants to nonprofit organizations developing innovative solutions that prepare low-income youth for success in an AI-driven workplace.

The Fourth Global Innovation Challenge by the Citi Foundation aims to address the evolving needs of low-income youth as they prepare for employment in an increasingly AI-driven global economy. This initiative seeks to support organizations that are developing forward-thinking solutions to bridge the gap between youth and the skills required for the future of work.

Priority areas for this challenge include cultivating both AI and human-centric skills for youth employment, expanding digital access to accelerate AI and digital literacy, and building support for NGO capacity and networks to strengthen youth employability programs. Solutions may involve training in AI fundamentals, ethical considerations, digital content creation, and the integration of AI-enabled tools, as well as fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity among youth.

Up to 50 grants of $500,000 each will be awarded to nonprofit organizations, with funding disbursed in two equal annual payments over a 24-month period beginning no sooner than June 1, 2027.

Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofit entities with a mission focused on serving low-income individuals, and their proposed programs must impact one or more of the Foundation’s target geographies where Citi has a presence. Organizations requiring fiscal sponsorship are not eligible, and those invited to the full application stage must provide externally audited financial statements covering some part of calendar year 2024 or later by the application deadline.

Eligibility

Applicants must be legally registered nonprofit organizations whose mission includes serving low-income individuals. Proposed programs must demonstrate impact in at least one of the Citi Foundation’s eligible geographic markets where Citi operates. Organizations that require fiscal sponsorship are not eligible to apply. Applicants invited to the full application stage must submit externally audited financial statements covering at least part of calendar year 2024 or a later period by the application deadline. During the assessment process, consideration will be given to the organization’s capacity to deliver innovative and scalable solutions that strengthen youth employability and prepare low-income youth for the future of work in an AI-enabled economy.

Post Date: September 10, 2026