The OpenAI Foundation is seeking applications for its People-First AI Fund.
Donor Name: OpenAI Foundation
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2026
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
In 2025, at the recommendation of the Nonprofit Commission, the OpenAI Foundation launched the People-First AI Fund to support trusted community organizations working at the intersection of innovation and public good. The response was overwhelming, revealing both strong demand and a clear need for resources that enable nonprofits to engage with AI in ways that strengthen their missions and communities.
The 2026 People-First AI Fund will support trusted, local nonprofits that are co-creating with communities and exploring how practical, community-led engagement with AI can reduce barriers to services and information, expand opportunity, and elevate community voice and participation.
Focus Areas
- Community Support Services
- Trusted community organizations play an important role in facilitating access to services, opportunities, and critical support systems. They are interested in supporting local nonprofits that are interested in how AI can strengthen their ability to more effectively serve their communities — particularly in areas where need is growing, systems are overstretched, and organizations may be uniquely positioned to benefit from AI, but have historically lacked the capacity to explore and engage with these tools.
- Community Arts & Cultural Organizations
- Community arts and cultural organizations play an important role in fostering connection and creativity within the communities they serve. These organizations help preserve local histories and perspectives and create accessible spaces for learning and participation.
- Community Journalism & Media
- Local journalism and community information organizations play an important role in maintaining public trust, strengthening civic participation, and ensuring communities have access to reliable information.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Fund will provide unrestricted grants to community-based organizations that demonstrate strong community trust, direct partnership with the populations they serve, and a genuine interest in exploring how AI can strengthen their work and impact.
- In addition to alignment with the focus areas, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- U.S.-Based 501(c)(3) Organization: Organizations must be a U.S.-based public charity with a valid 501(c)(3) status and be in compliance with applicable 501(c)(3) requirements.
- Primarily U.S.-Focused Operations: Organizations must be located in, and primarily conducting work within, the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia.
- Small to Mid-Sized Budget: Organizations must have an annual operating budget between $500,000 and $10 million. Based on demand, they expect to prioritize organizations between $1-8 million operating budgets.
- Standalone Organizations: They will not consider applications from programs, centers, or departments housed within larger institutions – including academic research centers, university-affiliated institutes, and think tanks – or programs fiscally sponsored by another institution, even if the program maintains separate operating budgets below $10 million.
For more information, visit OpenAI Foundation.
