About the Program
The Public Benefit Innovation Fund (PBIF) is now accepting applications for its Summer 2025 Open Call, offering $5 million in non-dilutive funding to accelerate AI-enabled solutions that support public benefit programs like Medicaid and SNAP. PBIF will award 5–10 two-year grants ranging from $500,000 to $2 million, aiming to pilot or deploy solutions with production-level data within 12 months of selection.
This Open Call is designed to support state, local, and tribal agencies facing new federal mandates and funding constraints by investing in practical technologies that reduce administrative burdens and improve access to essential services for vulnerable families.
What They’re Looking For
The PBIF is prioritizing projects that can:
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Streamline income and employment verification
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Reduce SNAP error rates
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Enhance clear and accessible communication with beneficiaries
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Alleviate application and appeals backlogs
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Improve economic mobility through better access to benefits
Why This Matters Now
Amid increasing federal policy changes and budget restrictions, local governments must manage more complex public benefit systems with fewer resources. The PBIF Summer Open Call is a timely intervention, aiming to support AI-driven, scalable solutions that ease access to vital services like health care and food assistance.
Who Should Apply
Eligible applicants include:
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Early-stage or established startups
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Non-profits and for-profit organizations
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Government agencies
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Any team capable of building and deploying an AI solution within 12 months
Applicants should demonstrate a strong understanding of public benefit systems and a clear plan for implementation and scale.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must show:
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A functional proof of concept and mapped infrastructure
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Engagement with at least one government partner or beneficiary community
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A well-documented evaluation strategy with success benchmarks
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A credible path to financial sustainability
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Ethical and responsible use of AI technologies
What You’ll Receive
Selected grantees will be part of a 12-month accelerator-style program offering:
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Up to $2 million in non-dilutive funding
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Workshops on government procurement, AI ethics, and implementation
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Technical coaching and guidance
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Exposure to policymakers, funders, and peer networks
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Support for scaling and real-world deployment
Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | July 17, 2025 |
| Deadline to Apply | August 16, 2025 |
| Finalists Announced | September 30, 2025 |
| Funds Distributed By | November 15, 2025 |
| Midpoint Report Due | May 2026 |
| Final Report Due | September 2026 |
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted between July 17 and August 16, 2025 (11:59 PM PT). To apply:
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Download and complete the application form .
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Include your CV, a technical brief, and a clear project proposal.
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Identify partnerships with government agencies or community organizations.
Finalists will be evaluated through a three-round review process that includes expert reviewers from the tech, public policy, and social service sectors.
Evaluation Criteria
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Impact: Clear and measurable improvement for both users and staff.
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Responsible AI: Focus on fairness, privacy, and harm mitigation.
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Feasibility: Technical readiness and government compatibility.
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Strategic Fit: High-potential use of funding and support.
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Scalability & Learning: Clear intent to share outcomes and build tools for broader use.
About PBIF
The Public Benefit Innovation Fund is a program of the Center for Civic Futures, fiscally sponsored by the Digital Harbor Foundation, with support from Renaissance Philanthropy. PBIF funds emerging technologies—especially AI—that improve access to benefits and strengthen public service delivery.
Don’t miss this chance to fuel innovation for good. If you’re building a solution to help governments do more with less, apply now and become part of the next wave of public-sector changemakers.
Deadline: August 16, 2025
For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.
