FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026 Applications Now Open | Grants of $50,000–$250,000 for Grassroots Education NGOs Worldwide

Grassroots organizations working to improve education and sports access for children can now apply for the 2026 FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Cycle II grants. The initiative by FIFA and Global Citizen will provide grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 USD to approximately 30 organizations worldwide supporting children in underserved communities.

Applications are open from May 11, 2026 (8AM ET) to May 28/29, 2026 (6PM ET). Eligible applicants include community-based non-profit organizations serving between 500 and 10,000 individuals. Organizations may apply for either General Operating Support or Program/Project Support.

Key Summary of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026

What is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund?

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is a global initiative designed to expand access to quality education and sports opportunities for children living in underserved communities. Through strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and grassroots funding, the initiative seeks to empower organizations working directly with vulnerable children and young people.

The fund aims to create learning opportunities where children can learn, grow, and thrive through inclusive education and sports programming.

FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026 Grant Overview

Types of Support Available

Organizations may apply for:

• General Operating Support
• Program or Project Support

This flexibility allows organizations to seek funding either for broader institutional strengthening or for specific education-related initiatives.

Funding Amount

The grant ranges from:

• $50,000 to $250,000 USD

Approximately 30 organizations are expected to receive funding during Cycle II in 2026.

Grant Duration

• Grants are awarded for one year only
• Successful grantees will not be invited to reapply in future cycles

Submission Limit

• Only one application may be submitted per organization

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, applicants must:

• Be legally registered non-profit organizations
• Be community-based grassroots organizations
• Serve between 500 and 10,000 individuals
• Directly implement the proposed activities
• Demonstrate financial stability with at least 3 years of financial audits or certified financial records
• Request an amount that is less than 50% of the organization’s annual budget

Organizations may apply in their native language even though the application is currently available in English.

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Priority Areas and Evaluation Criteria

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will prioritize organizations addressing barriers to quality education and child development.

Addressing Financial Barriers to Education

Applicants should demonstrate how their work reduces financial challenges preventing children from accessing or continuing education.

Educational Infrastructure

Programs improving educational infrastructure and learning environments will receive strong consideration.

Equity and Inclusive Education

The fund strongly values inclusive education initiatives supporting:

• Girls and young women
• Children with disabilities
• Diverse learning needs
• Historically underserved communities

Child Safeguarding

Organizations must demonstrate strong child safeguarding and protection frameworks to ensure the safety and well-being of participating children.

K–12 Education Grant Selection Criteria

Applications will also be evaluated based on:

Educational Need and Impact

Projects should demonstrate urgency, educational relevance, and the potential for meaningful impact.

Socioeconomic Vulnerability

Priority will be given to communities experiencing significant social and economic disadvantages linked to educational inequality.

Geographic Representation

The initiative seeks balanced geographic representation, particularly in underserved regions.

Implementation Capacity

Organizations should show:

• Clear project design
• Strong monitoring and evaluation systems
• Organizational readiness
• Feasible implementation plans

Long-Term Sustainability

Programs demonstrating strong partnership-building, co-funding potential, and sustainable community impact will be viewed favorably.

Community Participation

The fund values community-led approaches and local ownership in project design and implementation.

Reporting and Screening Process

Successful applicants will be required to submit:

• Mid-term reports
• Final reports

Organizations that pass the initial screening stage may also be invited to meet with fund officials.

Applicants will receive confirmation once their application has been successfully submitted.

FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026 Timeline

Cycle I

• Applications Open: October 27, 2025
• Applications Close: December 31, 2025
• Award Notifications: Mid-April 2026

Cycle II

• Applications Open: May 11, 2026 (8AM ET)
• Applications Close: May 28/29, 2026 (6PM ET)
• Award Notifications: Q4 2026

Why This Opportunity Matters

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund represents a significant opportunity for grassroots organizations using education and sports to transform the lives of children and young people. Beyond financial support, the initiative aims to strengthen local organizations creating inclusive and sustainable learning opportunities worldwide.

For organizations focused on education access, child protection, inclusion, youth empowerment, literacy, and sports-based learning, this grant could provide critical resources to expand impact and reach underserved communities.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should prepare their applications early and review all eligibility requirements before submission.

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Applications are currently open.

Official Application Portal:
FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Application Page