Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge 2026: Apply for US$500,000 to Prepare Youth for an AI-Driven Future
The Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge invites eligible nonprofit organizations to submit Letters of Inquiry for innovative programmes that prepare low-income youth for employment in an AI-driven economy. A total of US$25 million is available to support approximately 50 community organizations with restricted grants of US$500,000 each.
Overview
The Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge provides funding to community organizations creating innovative responses to pressing social and economic issues. The 2026 edition centers on preparing low-income young people, primarily ages 15 to 24, for employment within an increasingly artificial intelligence- and digital-driven economy. The initiative aims to commit US$25 million across approximately 50 selected organizations, delivering restricted grants of US$500,000 each over a 24-month grant period.
Proposals should address critical barriers faced by low-income youth, such as limited digital access, low AI literacy, gaps in workforce readiness, and insufficient employment networks. Organizations may focus on cultivating AI and human-centric skills, expanding digital access, or strengthening nonprofit capacity and cross-sector partnerships.
Eligibility
- Must be a registered nonprofit entity under applicable local law (fiscal sponsorships are not eligible).
- Must focus its mission or strategic priorities on serving low-income individuals and communities.
- Must operate or deliver programme impact within select target geographies and communities across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America where Citi has a presence.
- Must be able to provide required externally audited financial statements during the subsequent full application stage.
- Must submit only one Letter of Inquiry per organization in English.
Benefits
- Receive a restricted grant of US$500,000 distributed over a 24-month period (expected US$250,000 in Year 1 and US$250,000 in Year 2).
- Potential access to non-financial support such as Citi employee volunteerism, knowledge exchange, a learning community, and networking opportunities.
How to Apply
The application process is handled through a competitive, two-stage format:
- Stage 1 (Letter of Inquiry): Eligible organizations must submit an initial Letter of Inquiry through the online grant portal before the stated deadline.
- Stage 2 (Full Grant Application): Organizations invited by the end of November 2026 will receive instructions to submit a full application, detailed budgets, and required financial documents in early December 2026.
Applicants should review official Request for Proposals documentation and complete submissions through the official grant application portal.
Deadline
The deadline to submit the initial Letter of Inquiry is October 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. New York Time (Eastern Time).