Deadline: October 24, 2025
Are you passionate about helping young people navigate the fast-changing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? The Young Future Funding Challenge 2025 is calling for innovative, youth-centred projects that reimagine how AI impacts learning, creativity, relationships, and mental health.
This is your chance to secure up to $100,000 in funding to co-create solutions that empower young people to thrive in an AI-driven future.
About the Young Future Funding Challenge 2025
The Young Future Funding Challenge 2025—also known as the “Oops!…AI Did It Again” Challenge—was launched by Young Futures to address the growing need for youth-centred approaches to AI.
Recent data shows that over half of young people (51%) use generative AI, yet few have access to the right tools, guidance, or support to use these technologies critically and responsibly. This challenge aims to bridge that gap by supporting organisations that place young people at the forefront of AI innovation and wellbeing.
Focus Areas
The Challenge invites proposals addressing four key themes:
1. Youth-Powered AI
Projects where young people build, challenge, or remix AI tools — ensuring they are not just consumers but creators and critics of AI.
2. AI in Learning, Work & Creativity
Innovative initiatives that help youth integrate AI into education, employment, and creative expression, without losing critical thinking, originality, or human touch.
3. AI in Relationships & Mental Health
Projects exploring how young people engage with AI companions, chatbots, and mental-health tools — focusing on safety, balance, and emotional wellbeing.
4. Intergenerational Guidance
Programmes that empower adults — parents, educators, and mentors — to have informed, constructive conversations about AI with young people.
Funding Information
- Up to 10 organisations will receive awards.
- Grant amounts range from $25,000 to $100,000 each.
- Funding covers a one-year term: April 2026 – March 2027.
- The total funding pool is $1 million.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be non-profit organisations with valid 501(c)(3) status in the United States.
- Projects operating under fiscal sponsorship from a 501(c)(3) are also eligible.
- Collaborative proposals are welcome (for example, a nonprofit partnering with another organisation or youth-led initiative).
- All projects must directly benefit young people and be co-designed or co-led with youth, ensuring authentic participation at every stage.
- Leadership can be of any age, but young voices must play a meaningful role in shaping the project.
Application Process
Interested applicants must complete an eligibility quiz to confirm their organisation’s qualification.
Upon successful completion, eligible organisations will receive a link to the Letter of Intent (LOI) form.
The LOI requires:
- A concise project description, and
- A video submission showcasing how your idea empowers youth in the age of AI.
This video is a key part of the application, providing an opportunity to share your team’s story and demonstrate authentic youth engagement.
Deadline
All applications must be submitted by October 24, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The Young Future Funding Challenge 2025 is designed for organisations committed to youth wellbeing, AI literacy, and co-creation.
- With generous funding and a one-year project window, selected initiatives will shape how the next generation learns, creates, and connects in the age of AI.
- Ensure that your proposal centres young voices, demonstrates innovation, and highlights measurable impact.
- U.S. nonprofits and fiscally-sponsored projects are eligible; international groups may partner with a U.S. nonprofit to apply.
Need Help Preparing Your Proposal?
If you need professional assistance to strengthen your application, contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review support to boost your chances of success.
