Deadline: October 31, 2025
The GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund 2025 is now open for applications! This unique initiative is designed to support organisations leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to transform systems and unlock new pathways to economic opportunity.
Successful applicants will receive up to USD $250,000 in seed funding, along with exclusive access to AI technical support, peer learning, and potential scaling opportunities.
About the AI for Economic Opportunity Fund 2025
The AI for Economic Opportunity Demonstration and Scaling Fund, launched by the GitLab Foundation, is a catalytic programme aimed at empowering innovators who are using AI to drive systemic change in how people access education, employment, income, and career advancement opportunities.
The Fund seeks bold and visionary projects that harness artificial intelligence to create more equitable, efficient, and scalable solutions to economic opportunity challenges across sectors.
Funding and Support
Selected organisations will receive a comprehensive package of financial and technical assistance, including:
- 💰 Up to $250,000 in seed funding to test and demonstrate AI-driven solutions for economic empowerment.
- 🤖 Six months of technical support from OpenAI engineers and expert advisors, ensuring deep integration of AI into project design and delivery.
- 💡 API credits to help implement and experiment with AI technologies.
- 🌐 A peer learning network connecting leading practitioners, innovators, and funders in the AI-for-good space.
- 🚀 Eligibility for additional scaling capital from partner funders based on progress and impact achieved.
- 🎤 Opportunity to showcase work at Demo Day (August/September 2026), in front of a global audience of investors, funders, and AI innovators.
Eligibility Criteria
The GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund 2025 is open to organisations that meet the following criteria:
- Must be a US-based non-profit organisation (501c3).
- Programmes may operate internationally, even if implemented outside the United States.
- Partnerships between non-profits and for-profit organisations (e.g., startups, consultants, or technology experts) are strongly encouraged.
- For-profit social enterprises can be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided they work with a fiscal sponsor or a non-profit partner.
- Applicants must present projects that demonstrate the use of AI to transform systems of economic opportunity, rather than incremental improvements or pilot concepts without AI integration.
Focus Areas
The Fund is particularly interested in proposals that apply AI to:
- Re-imagine service delivery and improve access to economic opportunity.
- Unlock new models of personalised education, training, and mentorship.
- Connect individuals with income, skills development, and employment opportunities.
- Increase the efficiency and scale of existing social programmes.
- Bridge gaps between communities and opportunities using data-driven insights.
Projects that can demonstrate real-world scalability and a sustainable approach to AI adoption will be prioritised.
Key Dates
- 🗓️ Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
- 📣 Demo Day: August/September 2026
Organisations are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for proposal review and partnership formation.
Why Apply
This opportunity offers more than just funding. The GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund 2025 provides a rare combination of resources, visibility, and expert mentorship designed to fast-track the development and deployment of AI solutions that expand economic inclusion.
Successful applicants will join a global network of innovators and receive hands-on technical and strategic support to scale their impact.
How to Apply
Eligible organisations are encouraged to prepare and submit proposals before the closing date.
👉 Click here to apply for the GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund 2025
👉 Read more about the programme here
Final Thoughts
The GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund 2025 represents an extraordinary chance for mission-driven organisations to demonstrate the power of AI in advancing social and economic equity. Whether your project focuses on workforce development, youth employment, education, or community resilience, this Fund offers the resources and network to help your vision thrive.
📩 Need help with your proposal?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
