A People-First AI Fund: $50M to support nonprofits

June 15th, 2026: For information about the 2026 People-First Fund, please see here⁠(opens in a new window)

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.

In July 2025, we announced a $50 million commitment to support nonprofits and mission-focused organizations working at the intersection of innovation and public good. This initiative reflects feedback from everyday people, community leaders, and experts dedicated to strengthening our communities—gathered through the Nonprofit Commission’s listening sessions with 100+ organizations and 500+ individuals representing over 7 million Americans, the nationwide OpenAI Nonprofit Jam, and ongoing partnerships and conversations with groups on the ground such as the American Federation of Teachers and Older Adults Technology Services at AARP.

Today, we are excited to share that applications for the first wave of grants are open. Grants will be unrestricted, reflecting our commitment to support the expertise of nonprofit and community-based organizations. The application window will close at 11:00 p.m. PT on October 8, 2025 and grants will be distributed by year’s end. Applicants do not need to be currently using AI tools to be eligible. 

Interested organizations may access the grant portal here⁠(opens in a new window). Detailed instructions, including eligibility criteria, are found below.

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: