Citi Foundation 2025 Global Innovation Challenge ($500,000 Grant)

Mercy Awofiranye

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The Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge offers $500,000 in funding to support innovative youth employability solutions in low-income communities. Apply below:

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline is March 4, 2025, 12 p.m. (noon) New York Time (ET).

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Tell Me About The Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge:

The Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge is an open call for applications or requests for proposals (RFP) designed to provide catalytic grant funding to community organizations across the world. This year, the Foundation invites proposals from community organizations developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth primarily between the ages of 15 and 24.

Which Fields are Eligible?

The challenge supports innovative employment solutions, including but not limited to:

  • Technical and vocational training programs that upskill or reskill low-income youth and transition them into employment through internships, apprenticeships, or formal jobs.
  • Entrepreneurship programs that incubate or scale youth-led enterprises to increase job creation and self-employment.
  • Financial education initiatives integrated into workforce development programs, equipping youth with financial skills and access to financial tools.

Type:

Contest 

Who can Apply for the Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge?

Additionally, the eligibility criteria include:

  • Applicant organizations must be registered as nonprofit entities under local law. For example, for U.S. entities, applicants need to be tax-exempt public charities as per Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
  • Applicants must be able to submit their most recent externally audited financial statements, including auditor’s notes, covering some part of calendar year 2023 or a subsequent year.
  • The applicant’s proposed program must align with the Foundation’s mission of supporting low-income communities as defined by local standards and definitions.
  • Applicant’s proposed program must impact one or more of the target geographies (see Q1)

Required Documents

  • Externally audited financial statements (covering at least part of 2023 or later).
  • Auditor’s letter with signature and full financial statements.
  • Annual reports, governing documents, and registration documents (if based outside the U.S., these can be in a language other than English).

How are Applicants Selected?

  • Round One: All complete applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed. We may reach out by email for clarifying information during this first round. 
  • Round Two: A shortlist of organizations will be invited to the second round. During this round, we will request, by email, additional information, or documentation to assist us with our due diligence. You will also need to complete a brief organizational questionnaire. This round may include an in-person or virtual site visit so we can learn more about your organization’s mission and track record. Applicant organizations not selected to move forward to this second round will be notified no later than July 2025. 
  • Finalists: From the shortlisted organizations, 50 organizations will be selected as awardees of the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge. All applicant organizations, including those selected for funding, will be informed of the funding decision no later than October 2025.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Furthermore, programs must impact at least one of Citi Foundation’s target geographies, including:

  • Africa: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte D’Ivoire, DRC, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia.
  • Asia-Pacific: Australia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
  • Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, UK.
  • Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
  • Latin America & the Caribbean: Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay.
  • North America: Canada, Mexico, and select U.S. states (California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C.).

Where will the Award be Taken?

Grants will be deployed to community organizations working in Citi’s target geographies where they implement youth employability programs.

How Many Awards?

50

What is the Benefit of the Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge?

Also, the benefits include:

  • The Foundation plans to award grants of $500,000 (USD) payable over two years to 50 community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence. 
  • Grants are meant to be catalytic in nature, supporting the piloting or expansion of ideas and projects in the field of youth employability. 
  • In addition, to grant funds, the Citi Foundation will seek ways to support the selected grantees through volunteerism as well as hosting learning opportunities to promote shared lessons and best practices

How Long Will the Award Last?

Each grant spans two years (2025-2026), with $250,000 disbursed in Year 1 (2025) and $250,000 in Year 2 (2026).

How to Apply:

  • Register for the challenge by March 4, 2025 (noon New York Time, ET) to gain access to the Citi Foundation’s grant portal.
  • Complete the application and submit it via the online portal by March 18, 2025 (noon New York Time, ET).
  • Selection process: Shortlisted applicants will be contacted between March-August 2025 for additional information.
  • Finalists announced by October 2025.

Visit the official webpage to begin.

Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a creative writer with over five years of experience. Currently, she specializes in creating helpful content for students in the education space. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and learning new things.

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