Deadline: October 8, 2025
The People-First AI Fund 2025 is now open for applications, offering non-profit organisations in the United States the opportunity to access part of a US$50 million funding pool. The fund, created by OpenAI, is designed to support organisations working to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves the public good and strengthens communities. Applications close on October 8, 2025.
About the People-First AI Fund 2025
The fund seeks to back innovative non-profit organisations that put people at the centre of AI solutions. Through this programme, OpenAI aims to empower organisations addressing social, economic, and community challenges in ways that integrate AI responsibly and equitably.
Focus Areas of Funding
The People-First AI Fund 2025 will support projects in three core areas:
1. AI Literacy & Public Understanding
- Building AI literacy among individuals and communities.
- Training educators, youth mentors, artists, and other leaders to help people gain confidence and skills in engaging with AI.
- Making AI more accessible to groups traditionally excluded from tech innovation.
2. Community Innovation
- Supporting community-led approaches to the design and decision-making of AI applications.
- Strengthening essential services such as health, wellbeing, and education using AI.
- Prioritising underserved groups including rural communities, older adults, and linguistically isolated populations.
3. Economic Opportunity
- Preparing people, particularly youth, for future jobs involving AI.
- Supporting small businesses and workers in adapting to AI-driven changes in the economy.
- Encouraging models of AI adoption that enhance human work, ensure fairness, and share value equitably.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the People-First AI Fund 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S.-based non-profit with valid 501(c)(3) status.
- Conduct work primarily within the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C.
- Have an annual operating budget of at least US$500,000, but not exceeding US$10 million.
- Each organisation may submit only one application.
- Projects must not involve regranting of funds.
- Fiscally sponsored projects are not eligible.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: October 8, 2025
Application Links
For proposal drafting, refining, and review services, contact us today to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
