About Organisation
The Citi Foundation works with community organisations addressing social and economic challenges affecting low-income communities around the world. Through its Global Innovation Challenge, the Foundation provides philanthropic funding to organisations developing innovative solutions that can be piloted or expanded to deepen community impact. The 2026 challenge focuses on preparing young people for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. The Foundation is committing $25 million through the current challenge to support 50 community organisations. Its broader work includes economic mobility, financial inclusion, youth employment and community development. The current challenge emphasises both technological and human-centric skills that can improve young people’s workforce readiness and economic opportunities.
About the Grant
The fourth Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge will provide $500,000 to each of 50 selected community organisations, representing a collective $25 million commitment. The 2026 challenge supports solutions that prepare low-income young people for employment in an economy increasingly shaped by AI. Projects may help young people develop AI and human-centric employment skills, connect them with job opportunities, integrate AI tools into youth employment programmes or build cross-sector partnerships. The challenge is designed to support organisations piloting or expanding innovative approaches with potential to improve economic mobility and workforce readiness.
Who can Apply?
The opportunity is intended for eligible community organisations working with low-income young people. Applicants should have an innovative solution addressing the changing employment landscape and helping youth develop skills needed in an AI-shaped economy. Relevant activities include AI and digital skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, employment connections, shared technology access, AI integration into existing youth employment programmes and cross-sector partnerships. The official RFP contains the complete eligibility criteria and target geographies, so organisations should review those requirements before submitting an application. Citi Foundation operates internationally across more than 80 countries and territories, but applicants must meet the specific geographic and organisational requirements of the current challenge.
How to Apply?
Eligible organisations should register through the Citi Foundation’s current Global Innovation Challenge application process and prepare their proposal according to the RFP requirements. Applications should explain the proposed solution, target population, implementation approach and expected impact on youth workforce readiness and economic mobility. Applicants should carefully review the official RFP, eligibility criteria and target geographies before submitting their interest by the stated deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
