The Citi Foundation has opened applications for its fourth Global Innovation Challenge 2026. This year’s theme, “Preparing Youth for AI,” supports nonprofit organisations helping low-income young people gain skills, digital access, and employment opportunities.
However, up to 50 organisations may receive a restricted grant of US$500,000 each. The funding will support programmes that pilot or expand practical solutions for young people aged mainly 15 to 24.
Citi Global Innovation Challenge 2026 Grant benefits
Selected organisations will receive:
- A restricted grant of US$500,000.
- Funding paid in two expected installments of US$250,000 in 2027 and 2028.
- A 24-month grant period.
- Access to a learning community.
- Opportunities for shared learning and volunteer support.
- Support for programmes that improve youth employability.
Furthermore, the grant may cover staff, technology, training, research, events, communications, monitoring, evaluation, and approved overhead costs.
Eligible project areas
Proposals should focus on at least one of these areas:
AI and human skills
Projects may teach AI basics, ethical AI use, prompt design, digital content creation, critical thinking, creativity, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Digital access
Applicants may propose community technology hubs, shared devices, open-source AI tools, or low-connectivity resources that improve digital learning and job access.
Youth employment
Existing employability programmes can add AI tools, training, and other resources that help young people prepare for work.
The Foundation also welcomes partnerships involving nonprofits, schools, technology groups, and businesses.
Citi Global Innovation Challenge Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Be registered nonprofit organisations.
- Serve low-income communities.
- Propose a programme in at least one target country.
- Submit the application in English.
- Provide audited financial statements if invited to the next stage.
- Show that the organisation can manage a US$500,000 grant over two years.
Fiscal sponsors cannot apply for this opportunity. There is no stated minimum or maximum organisational budget.
Nigeria is among the eligible countries. Other eligible African countries include Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, and others listed in the official guidelines.
Citi Global Innovation Challenge Application process
The process has two stages:
- Letter of Inquiry: Submit an LOI through the Citi Foundation grant portal by October 6, 2026.
- Full application: Shortlisted organisations will receive an invitation to submit a complete proposal.
The Foundation expects to notify selected LOI applicants by the end of November 2026. The full application will likely close in early December, while final decisions should arrive by May 2027.
Applicants should prepare their LOI offline first because the online form cannot be saved. Also, keep a copy after submission.
Organisations can also explore other grant opportunities on OpportunityLab.
How to apply for the Citi Global Innovation Challenge
Review the official Global Innovation Challenge guidelines and submit your Letter of Inquiry through the Foundation’s grant portal.
The application is free. However, an invitation to the second stage does not guarantee funding.
