Does your organisation use AI to help a city deliver better public services? The Rockefeller Foundation and the OpenAI Foundation have committed $50 million to a new initiative called Cities Deliver: AI Solutions for Public Services. It will give grants of $500,000 to $2 million to organisations that work with city governments, especially to help underserved communities. The first round closes on November 29, 2026.
Please note: this grant is for organisations, such as nonprofits, university labs and public benefit corporations, that have a city government partner. Individuals cannot apply, and governments cannot apply directly.
About Cities Deliver
Nearly half of the world’s people live in cities, and public services shape their daily lives. Cities Deliver supports AI solutions that help residents get services, help cities spot problems before they become crises, and help governments respond faster. Together, funded projects aim to reach up to 100 million city residents worldwide.
The programme is managed by RF Catalytic Capital, an affiliate of The Rockefeller Foundation.
Focus Areas
- Public Health: frontline care, disease surveillance, prevention, disability services, food access and nutrition
- Economic Mobility: AI for benefits enrolment, career guidance, skills-based hiring and job training
- Environmental Resilience: forecasting and recovering from environmental shocks, emergency services, energy and land management
- Civic Engagement: two-way service channels, participatory decision-making, digital access, court services and permits (projects on voting or elections are excluded)
Two Funding Tracks
- Seed: $500,000 to under $1 million. For early ideas ready for a first city pilot. Funds refining the idea with city partners, building a prototype and running the pilot.
- Scale: $1 million to $2 million. For solutions already piloted in a city with early results. Funds expanding within your city or into another city.
All grants last 24 months. Half the money is paid at the start and half after a documented mid-term milestone. Grants do not guarantee follow-on funding.
Benefits for Grantees
- Funding of $500,000 to $2 million over 24 months
- A facilitated peer-learning cohort, with webinars, mentorship and evaluation support
- Occasional AI product and engineering support, subject to capacity
- Access to Rockefeller Foundation and OpenAI Foundation networks of city leaders, funders and technical partners
- An invitation to a global or regional convening to showcase your work
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
Every project needs:
- An eligible lead organisation: a nonprofit (including university labs and fiscally sponsored groups) or a public benefit corporation. For-profit companies may qualify only in limited cases with a charitable project.
- A city partner: a city government committed to working with you
- A charitable purpose: benefiting underserved, poor or distressed communities, or social welfare
Existing Rockefeller Foundation and RF Catalytic Capital grantees can also apply. The initiative is global, so organisations working with cities in Nigeria and across Africa may apply if they meet these rules.
What Makes a Strong Project
- Responds to demand from city partners and the communities they serve
- Starts with the problem: a serious issue your city has prioritised
- Uses frontier AI as a core part of the solution, not an add-on
- Is ready to fit into public sector systems
- Can be sustained after the grant, for example through city budgets
- Uses AI responsibly and safely
- Has a learning plan, including evaluation and user feedback
Application Timeline
- October 14, 2026: Call for proposals opened
- October 31, 2026: Last day to send questions
- November 4, 2026: Updated FAQs published
- November 29, 2026 (11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern): Eligibility screening, Round 1 proposal and short video due
- December 2026: Shortlisted applicants notified
- January 2027: Interviews
- February 2027: Invitations to Round 2
- March 1, 2027: Round 2 proposals due
- April 2027: Final decisions
How to Apply for Cities Deliver: AI Solutions for Public Services
- Read the full call on the official Rockefeller Foundation Cities Deliver page.
- Confirm your city government partner and agree on the problem you will solve together.
- On the Cities Deliver application portal, review the FAQs, terms and Round 1 questions.
- Complete the eligibility screening and Round 1 proposal, and record your short video.
- Submit by November 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time.
Questions? Email [email protected] by October 31, 2026.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Get a clear commitment letter or statement from your city partner early.
- Lead with the problem and the people affected, then explain how AI solves it.
- Pick the right track. Do not apply for Scale without real pilot results.
- Show how the city could keep the service running after 24 months.
Key Details at a Glance
- Funders: The Rockefeller Foundation and OpenAI Foundation
- Total commitment: $50 million
- Grant size: $500,000 to $2 million over 24 months
- Who: Nonprofits, university labs and public benefit corporations with a city government partner
- Where: Worldwide
- Round 1 deadline: November 29, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
