Eligibility note: This fund is only for organisations running programmes in the UK, specifically in Glasgow and South West England. Individuals can’t apply, and African organisations and young people aren’t eligible. If you’re looking for funding or tech training you can apply for from Africa, see the related opportunities at the end.
The Hg Foundation, a UK charity, and JPMorganChase have launched the AI & Economic Opportunity Fund, a three-year project to help low-income young adults without degrees get into tech jobs and apprenticeships as AI changes entry-level careers. Its Programmes Fund is now accepting proposals from training providers and delivery organisations, with £2.25 million in grants available over two years.
Proposals are due by 9am (UK time) on Monday 23 November 2026.
At a Glance
| Funders | The Hg Foundation and JPMorganChase |
| Total funding | £2.25 million over 2 years |
| Number of grants | About 4 programmes |
| Who can apply | Delivery organisations and training providers (not individuals) |
| Where | UK: Glasgow and South West England |
| Target group | Low-income young adults without degrees |
| Deadline | 23 November 2026, 9am UK time |
What the Fund Supports
The Programmes Fund backs programmes that train low-income young adults without degrees in AI-relevant skills and help them into tech employment or high-quality tech apprenticeships. Together, the funded programmes aim to reach about 900 young adults over two years.
The goal is ambitious: at least 70% of participants should move into a tech job or apprenticeship within 12 months of finishing their programme. All funded programmes will be independently evaluated.
The fund also has an Intelligence Hub that publishes research on how AI is changing the tech job market, and an Employer Advisory Panel drawn from Hg’s technology companies, The Hg Foundation’s network and JPMorganChase, to keep programmes aligned with what employers need.
Benefits
- A share of £2.25 million in grant funding over two years
- Independent evaluation of your programme’s results
- Links to an employer advisory panel of senior tech and finance leaders
- Access to the fund’s labour-market research on entry-level tech roles
- A chance to shape UK policy and employer practice through shared evidence
Eligibility
- You must be a delivery organisation or training provider. Individuals can’t apply.
- Your programme must serve low-income young adults without degrees.
- It must run in the UK. The fund is looking for provision in Glasgow and South West England.
- It should lead to tech employment or tech apprenticeships, with a focus on AI-relevant skills.
- The fund’s FAQs cover questions such as whether non-profits only can apply, consortium bids and overhead costs. Read them on the official page before applying.
How to Apply
- Go to the official Programmes Fund page (link below) and download the Fund prospectus and application form.
- Watch the recorded overview and Q&A webinar linked on the page.
- Complete the application form.
- Email it to [email protected] by 9am on Monday 23 November 2026.
Official AI & Economic Opportunity Fund: Programmes Fund page
Questions can be sent to [email protected]. An alternative application format is available on request for accessibility.
