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OpenAI
invites applications for People-First AI Fund
September 11, 2025
Deadline: October 8, 2025
The mission of OpenAI is to ensure that artificial general
intelligence—AI systems that are generally smarter than humans—benefits all
of humanity.
OpenAI invites applications for the People-First AI Fund,
a $50 million commitment to support nonprofits and mission-focused
organizations working at the intersection of innovation and public
good.
OpenAI welcomes applications from organizations at every
stage of AI adoption—from exploration to pilots and active deployment. OpenAI
recognizes that some of the most impactful opportunities may be new
initiatives, approaches not yet been widely proven, or come from unexpected
places.
The People-First AI Fund will support organizations
directly working in three areas:
AI
literacy & public understanding: OpenAI seeks to support organizations that help
communities build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the age
of AI. This includes education programs, media initiatives, and opportunities
for people to engage with and better understand the technology. The company
is particularly interested in efforts that equip people with practical
skills. This may involve training trusted local leaders—such as educators,
faith leaders, youth mentors, or artists—to make discussions about AI more
accessible and relevant.
Community
innovation: OpenAI
aims to support organizations that work in partnership with communities to
guide how AI might be shaped and used in their lives. The priority is to back
efforts where communities lead participatory design and decision-making to
ensure AI strengthens civic life and helps people stay healthy, connected,
and thriving. This includes initiatives that use AI to expand access to and
improve delivery of essential services, as well as community co-designed
approaches in areas such as health, mental well-being, and building community
trust. Priority consideration will be given to organizations working in
place-based settings such as schools, libraries, clinics, or community
centers; applicants that actively involve residents—including youth—in the
design of initiatives; and efforts serving populations traditionally left out
of digital innovation, such as older adults, rural communities, or
linguistically isolated groups.
Economic
opportunity: OpenAI
seeks to support organizations expanding access to meaningful work in ways
that are fair, inclusive, and community-driven by leveraging the promise of
AI. This could include programs that prepare people—especially young
people—for the jobs of the future; tools that support caregivers and local
businesses; and initiatives that help workers build economic security. The
company is also interested in models of shared value—such as cooperatives or
community-based platforms—that respect local culture and center worker needs.
Across all efforts, the company will prioritize approaches that enhance,
rather than replace, human work and ensure the benefits of AI are broadly
distributed instead of concentrated among the few.
Grants will be unrestricted, reflecting a commitment to
support the expertise of nonprofit and community-based organizations.
To be eligible, applicants must be a U.S.-based public
charity with a valid 501(c)(3) status, and in compliance with 501(c)(3)
requirements; and must be located in, and primarily conducting work within,
the 50 states or the District of Columbia. The company will primarily consider
organizations with an annual operating budget greater than $500,000.
All organizations must have an annual operating budget of less than $10
million.
For complete program guidelines and application
instructions, see the OpenAI website.
Link to complete RFP |
