The Citi Foundation has opened its fourth Global Innovation Challenge, a $25 million commitment to prepare young people from low-income communities for an economy shaped by AI. Up to 50 registered nonprofits will each receive $500,000 over two years. Letters of intent close October 6, 2026, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.
At a glance
| Deadline | Letter of intent due October 6, 2026, 12 p.m. ET |
| Who can apply | Registered nonprofits whose mission focuses on low-income individuals and that run youth programs in a Citi Foundation target geography |
| Grant amount | $500,000 per organization over 24 months ($250,000 in 2027, $250,000 in 2028) |
| Number of grants | Up to 50 |
| Geography | Target geographies across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and select U.S. regions |
| Official link | Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge |
What is this year’s challenge about?
The 2026 edition funds programs that help young people build both technological skills and human-centric skills for work increasingly shaped by AI. In the launch announcement, Citi Foundation President Brandee McHale said that fluency in AI is key to opening opportunities for young people from low-income communities.
It follows three earlier challenges, each worth $25 million across 50 organizations: food security (2023), homelessness (2024) and youth employability (2025).
Who’s eligible?
According to the official summary and FAQ, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a nonprofit registered under local law. Fiscally sponsored projects are not eligible.
- Show that their mission or strategic priorities focus on serving low-income individuals.
- Run the proposed program in one or more Citi Foundation target geographies. Where the organization is headquartered does not matter.
- Provide externally audited financial statements covering part of calendar year 2024 or a later year.
There is no minimum or maximum budget. Private foundations, individuals, sole proprietorships, lobbying groups and organizations that discriminate are excluded. Each organization may submit one letter of intent, and partnerships must name a single lead applicant.
What do selected organizations get?
Each grantee receives $500,000 over 24 months, paid as $250,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Grants start no earlier than June 1, 2027. Eligible costs include salaries, technology, training, evaluation and overhead, and regranting is allowed with a programmatic justification.
How do you apply?
- Confirm that your program serves at least one Citi Foundation target geography listed on the application portal.
- Download the editable letter of intent to draft offline, then paste your answers into the online form. Submissions are accepted in English only.
- Upload your externally audited financial statements, including the auditor’s letter and notes.
- Submit through the official Global Innovation Challenge page before October 6, 2026, 12 p.m. ET.
Key dates
- Launch: September 9, 2026
- Letter of intent deadline: October 6, 2026, 12 p.m. ET
- Notification of letter of intent results: end of November 2026
- Final funding decisions: by May 31, 2027
- Earliest grant start: June 1, 2027
FAQ
Can past Citi Foundation grantees apply?
Yes. Current and former grantees are eligible.
Can a social enterprise apply?
Only registered nonprofits qualify. A for-profit social enterprise would need a registered nonprofit partner to act as lead applicant.
Will rejected applicants receive feedback?
No. The FAQ states that individual feedback is not provided.
Can the money fund advocacy?
Funds cannot be used for political or lobbying purposes.
More funding calls on Impact DOTS: Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026 and D-Prize Global Competition.
Sources: Citi Foundation press release, Fourth Global Innovation Challenge summary and FAQ.
