Citi Foundation 2025 Global Innovation Challenge for Nonprofits Accelerating Youth Employability ($500,000 Funding Available)

Youth around the world face persistent challenges in finding employment, including skills mismatches and limited access to quality job opportunities.  Since its inception, the Citi Foundation has prioritized advancing youth employability as part of its mission to support low-income communities worldwide.

This year, the Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge focuses on youth employability, inviting proposals from community organizations developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth, primarily aged 15 to 24.

Innovative Solutions May Include:

• Technical and Vocational Training Programs that upskill or reskill low-income youth and move them into employment, including paid internships, apprenticeships, or formal employment.
• Entrepreneurship Programs focused on incubating or scaling youth-led enterprises to increase job creation and access to self-generated income.
• Financial Education Programs embedded within workforce development initiatives to equip low-income youth with financial skills and access to safe and affordable financial tools.

Funding Overview

• The Citi 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 designed to be catalytic in nature, supporting the piloting or expansion of ideas and projects that enhance youth employability.
• In addition to grant funds, the Citi Foundation will provide volunteer support and learning opportunities to promote shared lessons and best practices.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant organizations must be registered as nonprofit entities under local law (e.g., tax-exempt public charities in the U.S. as per Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code).
• Organizations must submit their most recent externally audited financial statements (including auditor’s notes) covering part of calendar year 2023 or a subsequent year.
• The proposed program must align with the Citi Foundation’s mission of supporting low-income communities and must impact one or more of the target geographies (listed below).

Application Process & Deadlines

• Registration Deadline: March 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. New York time (Eastern Time)
• Application Deadline: March 18, 2025, at 12 p.m. New York time (Eastern Time)
• To Register Click Here

Selection Process

1. Round One: All complete applications will be reviewed, and the Citi Foundation may reach out for clarifying information.
2. Round Two: A shortlist of organizations will be invited for additional due diligence, including potential site visits.
3. Finalists: 50 organizations will be selected as awardees and notified by October 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my program need to impact one or more of the Citi Foundation’s target geographies to be eligible?
Yes, the program must impact one or more of the target geographies where Citi has a presence. These geographies include:

• Africa: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 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, United Kingdom
• Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
• 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, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C.

2. Does my organization have to be headquartered in one of these geographies?
No, your organization does not need to be headquartered in one of the target geographies, but your proposed program must impact one or more of these areas to be eligible.

3. Can my organization apply in a language other than English?
Applications must be submitted in English, though certain required documents may be submitted in other languages depending on the organization’s location.

4. What if my organization is not incorporated as a nonprofit or does not have one year of externally audited financial statements?
Only nonprofit organizations with at least one year of externally audited financial statements are eligible to apply.

5. Can my organization apply through a fiscal sponsor?
No, organizations working with a fiscal sponsor are not eligible to apply for this specific funding opportunity.

6. Can my organization submit multiple applications?
No, only one application per organization is allowed.

7. What types of organizations or projects will not be considered for funding?
The following will not be considered for funding:

• Private foundations
• Organizations that discriminate based on legally protected personal characteristics
• Political campaigns, lobbying, or partisan activities
• Organizations that do not meet the eligibility criteria

For more information and to apply, visit the Citi Foundation website