Apply for Global Innovation Challenge by Citi Foundation 2025 ( Win Up to $500,000 Grant)

The Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge: A Catalyst for Youth Employment Solutions

The Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge is an initiative designed to empower and support community organizations worldwide through catalytic grant funding. This annual open call for applications or Requests for Proposals (RFP) seeks to identify and invest in innovative programs that can create meaningful employment opportunities for low-income youth.

Focus for the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge

For the 2025 cycle, the Citi Foundation is specifically inviting proposals from community organizations that are pioneering new and effective employment solutions for low-income youth. The primary target group for these solutions includes young individuals aged 15 to 24, a demographic often faced with barriers to economic participation and career development.

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations interested in applying for this funding must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Nonprofit Status:
   • Applicants must be legally registered as nonprofit entities in their respective countries.
   • For U.S.-based applicants, organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
2. Financial Transparency:
   • Organizations must submit their most recent externally audited financial statements, inclusive of auditor’s notes.
   • These financial statements should cover at least part of the calendar year 2023 or any subsequent year.
3. Alignment with the Citi Foundation’s Mission:
   • The proposed program must be dedicated to supporting low-income communities.
   • The definition of low-income communities should align with local standards and government definitions.
4. Geographical Impact:
   • The proposed initiative must be implemented in one or more of the target locations where Citi has an active presence.

Benefits of the Grant

Selected organizations will receive:

• Financial Support:
  • Each awarded organization will receive a grant of $500,000 (USD), which will be disbursed over a period of two years.
  • This funding is intended to catalyze innovative ideas, enabling grantees to either pilot new employment programs or expand existing initiatives aimed at enhancing youth employability.
• Additional Support Beyond Funding:
  • Grantees will benefit from volunteerism opportunities facilitated by the Citi Foundation, allowing employees and industry professionals to contribute their expertise.
  • Learning and Networking Opportunities: The Foundation will host learning sessions to help grantees share best practices, exchange insights, and enhance the impact of their projects.

Application Process

The application process for the Global Innovation Challenge follows a structured approach:

1. Registration and Eligibility Confirmation:
   • Organizations must first register and verify that they meet the eligibility criteria.
   • Once eligibility is confirmed, access to the Citi Foundation’s grantmaking portal will be granted.
2. Portal Access and Submission:
   • Eligible organizations will receive access to the grant application portal within three business days of registration.
   • Applications must be completed and submitted via the online portal before the deadline.

Important Deadline

• The deadline to submit applications for the Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge is March 18, 2025.

How to Apply

Interested organizations can apply by clicking [HERE] and following the application submission guidelines provided on the Citi Foundation’s official website.

By participating in this challenge, community organizations have the opportunity to make a transformative impact on the lives of young people, equipping them with skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive in an evolving job market. This initiative is a powerful step toward creating sustainable employment solutions and fostering economic resilience within underserved communities.