Applications open for Fourth Global Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 06-Oct-26

The Citi Foundation Fourth Global Innovation Challenge is offering grants to nonprofit organizations developing innovative solutions that prepare low-income youth for employment in an increasingly AI-driven global economy. The challenge seeks forward-thinking programs that help young people develop the technical and human-centered skills needed for the future of work. Priority areas include AI and digital literacy, digital access, youth employability, and stronger NGO capacity and networks.

About the Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge

The Fourth Global Innovation Challenge focuses on the changing needs of low-income youth as artificial intelligence transforms workplaces and employment opportunities. The initiative aims to support nonprofit organizations developing solutions that help young people gain the skills, knowledge, and access needed to participate successfully in the future workforce. Supported solutions may combine technical AI training with human-centric skills and broader employability support. How Much Funding Is Available? The Citi Foundation plans to award up to 50 grants of $500,000 each to eligible nonprofit organizations.

Each grant will provide:

- $500,000 per organization - Up to 50 grants - 24-month funding period - Two equal annual payments - Funding beginning no sooner than June 1, 2027 The $500,000 grant will be disbursed in two equal annual payments over the 24-month grant period. What Is the Purpose of the Challenge? The Global Innovation Challenge aims to address the growing gap between the skills young people possess and the capabilities increasingly required in an AI-driven economy. The challenge supports organizations that are developing innovative approaches to: - Prepare low-income youth for employment. - Improve AI and digital literacy. - Expand access to digital opportunities. - Develop human-centric workplace skills. - Strengthen youth employability programs. - Build NGO capacity and networks. - Help young people adapt to changing workplace requirements.

Priority Area 1: AI and Human-Centric Skills

The challenge prioritizes solutions that cultivate both AI-related and human-centric skills for youth employment. Programs may help young people understand AI fundamentals while also developing skills that remain important in technology-enabled workplaces.

Potential areas include:

- AI fundamentals. - Ethical considerations related to AI. - Digital content creation. - Use of AI-enabled tools. - Problem-solving. - Critical thinking. - Creativity. Combining technical knowledge with human-centered capabilities can help youth prepare for evolving employment opportunities.

Priority Area 2: Digital Access and Literacy

Another priority is expanding digital access to accelerate AI and digital literacy among low-income youth. Solutions may seek to address barriers that prevent young people from accessing digital technologies, learning resources, or opportunities to develop technology-related skills. The challenge recognizes that access to digital tools and training can be an important foundation for participation in an increasingly AI-driven workplace.

Priority Area 3: NGO Capacity and Networks

The challenge also supports efforts to strengthen the capacity of NGOs and their networks to deliver effective youth employability programs. Organizations may develop approaches that improve their ability to: - Deliver youth employment programs. - Build stronger organizational capacity. - Develop partnerships and networks. - Expand employability initiatives. - Improve the effectiveness of support provided to low-income youth. Examples of Potential Solutions The challenge is designed to support innovative approaches rather than a single prescribed program model. Potential solutions may include training and programs focused on: - AI fundamentals. - Responsible and ethical use of AI. - Digital content creation. - AI-enabled workplace tools. - Problem-solving and critical thinking. - Creativity and other human-centric skills. - Digital literacy. - Access to digital opportunities. - Youth employability. - NGO capacity and partnership networks. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is open to eligible nonprofit organizations. Applicants must meet the program’s organizational and geographic requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be registered nonprofit entities. - Have a mission focused on serving low-income individuals. - Propose programs that impact one or more of the Foundation’s target geographies where Citi has a presence. Applicants should ensure that both their organizational mission and proposed program align with the challenge’s focus on low-income populations and eligible geographic areas. Geographic Eligibility Proposed programs must impact one or more of the Citi Foundation’s target geographies where Citi has a presence. Organizations should therefore confirm that their proposed activities will reach beneficiaries in an eligible target geography before applying. Fiscal Sponsorship Organizations that require fiscal sponsorship are not eligible for this challenge. Applicants must therefore be eligible nonprofit entities in their own right and should not rely on a fiscal sponsor to meet the application requirements. Financial Documentation Requirements Organizations invited to the full application stage will need to provide externally audited financial statements. The financial statements must cover some portion of calendar year 2024 or later and must be provided by the application deadline. Organizations considering applying should ensure that they can meet this documentation requirement if they advance to the full application stage. Funding Period and Payment Schedule The grants will support projects over a 24-month period. Funding will be distributed in two equal annual payments. The funding period will begin no sooner than June 1, 2027. Organizations should therefore ensure that their proposed solutions can be implemented and sustained within the