Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge 2027
The Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge 2027 is inviting nonprofit organisations to apply for funding to develop and expand innovative solutions addressing social and economic challenges affecting low-income communities.
For the 2026 challenge cycle, titled “Preparing Youth for AI,” the Citi Foundation is seeking organisations developing programmes that help low-income young people gain the skills, access and employment opportunities needed to participate in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Application Deadline
6 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. New York Time (Eastern Time)
Eligible nonprofit organisations are encouraged to submit their Letter of Inquiry before the deadline.
About the Global Innovation Challenge
The Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge provides philanthropic funding to community organisations developing innovative solutions for low-income communities around the world.
Through the fourth edition of the challenge, the Citi Foundation plans to provide up to US$25 million in restricted grants to 50 organisations, with each selected organisation receiving a US$500,000 grant.
The funding will support organisations working to prepare young people for employment in an economy increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
2026 Challenge Theme: Preparing Youth for AI
The Preparing Youth for AI challenge focuses on helping low-income young people develop the capabilities and opportunities they need to succeed in an AI-driven economy.
The initiative is primarily focused on young people between 15 and 24 years old, although the grant is awarded to eligible nonprofit organisations rather than directly to individual beneficiaries.
The Citi Foundation is particularly interested in programmes that combine AI and digital skills with human-centred capabilities such as:
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Resilience
- Adaptability
Eligible Project Areas
The Global Innovation Challenge focuses on three broad areas.
AI and Human-Centred Skills
Projects may focus on helping young people develop technical, digital and AI-related skills alongside human-centred capabilities that remain important in the workplace.
Expanding Digital Access
Organisations may develop initiatives that improve young people’s access to digital technologies, resources and opportunities.
Strengthening Youth Employment Programmes
Projects may focus on connecting young people with employment opportunities, career preparation, training and other pathways into the workforce.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, organisations must meet the requirements outlined by the Citi Foundation.
Applicants must:
- Be registered as a nonprofit entity under local law.
- Have a mission or strategic priorities focused on serving low-income individuals.
- Propose a programme that impacts at least one of the Citi Foundation’s target geographies.
- Be able to provide externally audited financial statements covering part of 2024 or a subsequent year if invited to the full application stage.
- Submit the application in English.
Organisations should carefully review the official challenge guidelines to confirm that their programme and geographic focus meet all eligibility requirements.
Grant Benefits and Funding
Each selected organisation will receive a restricted grant of US$500,000.
Grant Duration
The grant period will run for 24 months, beginning no earlier than 1 June 2027.
What the Funding Supports
The funding is intended to support the piloting or expansion of programmes that prepare young people for employment in an AI-driven economy.
Potential eligible expenses may include:
- Staff salaries
- Technology
- Programme materials
- Training
- Events
- Research
- Communications
- Marketing
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Convenings
- Overhead
The US$500,000 grant is restricted to the programme and expenses described in the successful application.
Learning and Collaboration Opportunities
Selected organisations will also become part of a learning community.
The Citi Foundation may provide additional opportunities for grantees through volunteerism, shared learning and other forms of engagement throughout the grant period.
Application Process
The Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge application process consists of two main stages.
Stage 1: Letter of Inquiry
Eligible organisations must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through the Citi Foundation’s grant portal.
The deadline for submitting the Letter of Inquiry is:
6 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. New York Time (Eastern Time).
Organisations should ensure that their submissions are completed before the deadline.
Stage 2: Full Grant Application
The Citi Foundation expects to notify organisations by the end of November 2026 regarding whether they have been invited to submit a full grant application.
The full application deadline is expected to be in early December 2026.
Final Funding Decisions
Final funding decisions are expected to be communicated no later than May 2027.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is intended for nonprofit organisations working with low-income communities and developing practical solutions to help young people prepare for employment in an increasingly digital and AI-driven economy.
Organisations should be able to demonstrate a clear programme concept, relevant community impact and the capacity to manage and implement the proposed initiative.
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants should review the official Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge guidelines carefully before submitting their Letter of Inquiry.
The grant is awarded to eligible nonprofit organisations, not directly to individual young people. Organisations should also ensure that their proposed activities, geographic reach, financial documentation and programme objectives satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements.