OpenAI launches $50 million People-First AI Fund to back nonprofit and community innovation
US-based nonprofits can apply for unrestricted grants from September 8 to October 8, 2025, with funding focused on education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and community-led research.
OpenAI has announced the launch of its People-First AI Fund, a $50 million initiative aimed at supporting nonprofit and community-based organizations in the United States.
Applications for the first round of grants open on September 8 and close on October 8, with funding to be distributed by the end of the year.
The fund is intended for US-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status. Grants will be unrestricted, with OpenAI stating its goal is to help organizations scale their impact and foster innovation in areas including education, economic opportunity, healthcare, and community-led research.
OpenAI says it is particularly interested in efforts that apply artificial intelligence in creative ways to improve service delivery, expand access, and build resilience. Both established nonprofits and newer organizations without prior AI experience are eligible to apply.
The fund builds on recommendations from the OpenAI Nonprofit Commission, which engaged more than 500 nonprofit and community leaders representing over 7 million Americans. According to OpenAI, the months-long consultation helped shape the focus on mission-driven organizations working on the frontlines of public good.
OpenAI describes the fund as an initial step in a broader strategy to ensure AI development reflects community input. “We believe many of the answers to how AI can best serve humanity lie within communities themselves,” the company notes. “This fund is an early step in a larger vision to ensure the Intelligence Age is shaped by listening, learning, and building with—not for—communities.”
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
