At OpenAI, ensuring broad deployment of benefits and applying an iterative approach to innovation is core to who we are. We believe AI should help solve humanity’s hardest problems, and that we should listen to and learn from organizations already leading that work on the frontlines.
In July 2025, we announced a $50 million commitment to support nonprofits and mission-focused organizations working at the intersection of innovation and public good. This initiative reflects feedback from everyday people, community leaders, and experts dedicated to strengthening our communities—gathered through the Nonprofit Commission’s listening sessions with 100+ organizations and 500+ individuals representing over 7 million Americans, the nationwide OpenAI Nonprofit Jam, and ongoing partnerships and conversations with groups on the ground such as the American Federation of Teachers and Older Adults Technology Services at AARP.
Today, we are excited to share that applications for the first wave of grants are open. Grants will be unrestricted, reflecting our commitment to support the expertise of nonprofit and community-based organizations. The application window will close at 11:00 p.m. PT on October 8, 2025 and grants will be distributed by year’s end. Applicants do not need to be currently using AI tools to be eligible.
Interested organizations may access the grant portal here(opens in a new window). Detailed instructions, including eligibility criteria, are found below.
## What we’re funding
We welcome applications from organizations at every stage of AI adoption—from exploration to pilots and active deployment. We recognize 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:
This Fund is an early step in a larger vision: to ensure the Intelligence Age is shaped by listening, learning, and building with—not for—communities. We look forward to working with our grant partners and learning from the approaches they pursue.
## Eligibility criteria
The People-First AI Fund is intended for U.S.-based nonprofits with valid 501(c)(3) status. Organizations may only apply once to be considered for the Fund. Specific requirements include:
_Update on September 10, 2025:__We have received a number of inquiries regarding eligibility. To clarify, at this time, we will not consider applications from programs, centers, or departments housed within larger institutions, even if they maintain separate operating budgets of less than $10 million. Additionally, all proposed work must be U.S.-focused. We recognize that many organizations doing important work may fall outside of these criteria, and we look forward to sharing future opportunities for them to engage._
Please visit the grantee application portal here(opens in a new window) to create your profile and access the grant application. Organizations may only submit one application, but you may include multiple individuals as collaborators on your proposal.
Please note that we can only consider applications that have been completed in full and submitted via the application portal. If you have questions on the application process, please email [email protected]. Kindly note that we will not be able to accommodate individual discussions about proposals.
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