OpenAI A People-First AI Fund Grant

OpenAI A People-First AI Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Openai Inc
Last Updated: September 09, 2025

Summary

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

Overview

At OpenAI, ensuring broad deployment of benefits and applying an iterative approach to innovation is core to who we are. We believe AI should help solve humanity’s hardest problems, and that we should listen to and learn from organizations already leading that work on the frontlines. What we’re funding We welcome applications from organizations at every stage of AI adoption—from exploration to pilots and active deployment. We recognize that some of the most impactful opportunities may be new initiatives, approaches not yet been widely proven, or come from unexpected places. The People-First AI Fund will support organizations directly working in three areas: AI literacy & public understanding: We seek to support organizations that help communities build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the age of artificial intelligence. This includes education programs, media initiatives, and opportunities for people to engage with and better understand the technology. We are particularly interested in efforts that equip people with practical skills. This may involve training trusted local leaders—such as educators, faith leaders, youth mentors, or artists—to make discussions about AI more accessible and relevant. Community innovation: We seek to support organizations that work in partnership with communities to guide how AI might be shaped and used in their lives. Our priority is to back efforts where communities lead participatory design and decision-making to ensure AI strengthens civic life and helps people stay healthy, connected, and thriving. This includes initiatives that use AI to expand access to and improve delivery of essential services, as well as community co-designed approaches in areas such as health, mental well-being, and building community trust. Priority consideration will be given to organizations working in place-based settings such as schools, libraries, clinics, or community centers; applicants that actively involve residents—including youth—in the design of initiatives; and efforts serving populations traditionally left out of digital innovation, such as older adults, rural communities, or linguistically isolated groups. Economic opportunity: We seek to support organizations expanding access to meaningful work in ways that are fair, inclusive, and community-driven by leveraging the promise of AI. This could include programs that prepare people—especially young people—for the jobs of the future; tools that support caregivers and local businesses; and initiatives that help workers build economic security. We are also interested in models of shared value—such as cooperatives or community-based platforms—that respect local culture and center worker needs. Across all efforts, we will prioritize approaches that enhance, rather than replace, human work and ensure the benefits of AI are broadly distributed instead of concentrated among the few.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The People-First AI Fund is intended for U.S.-based nonprofits with valid 501(c)(3) status. Organizations may only apply once to be considered for the Fund. Specific requirements include: Organizations must be a U.S.-based public charity with a valid 501(c)(3) status, and in compliance with 501(c)(3) requirements.Organization must be located in, and primarily conducting work within, the 50 U.S. states or District of Columbia.We will primarily consider organizations with an annual operating budget greater than $500,000. All organizations must have an annual operating budget of less than $10 million.Applicants do not have to have previous AI experience and we welcome applications from organizations at every stage of AI adoption—from exploration to pilots and active deployment.

Ineligibility

We will not consider organizations that will use these resources for regranting purposes. We will not consider fiscally sponsored projects.