2025 Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge

Published: 14 Feb 2025

The Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge is an open call for applications or request for proposals (RFP) designed to provide catalytic grant funding to community organizations across the world. This year, the Foundation invites proposals from community organizations developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth primarily between the ages of 15 and 24.

Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge

Application Deadline	March 18, 2025
Type	Entrepreneurs
Sponsor	Citi Foundation
Gender	Men and Women

Benefits of Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge

The Foundation plans to award grants of $500,000 (USD) payable over two years to 50 community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

• Grants are meant to be catalytic in nature, supporting the piloting or expansion of ideas and projects in the field of youth employability.
• In addition to grant funds, the Citi Foundation will seek ways to support the selected grantees through volunteerism as well as hosting learning opportunities to promote shared lessons and best practices.

Requirements for Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge

• Applicant organizations must be registered as nonprofit entities under local law. For example, for U.S. entities, applicants need to be tax-exempt public charities as per Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
• Applicants must be able to submit their most recent externally audited financial statements, including auditor’s notes, covering some part of calendar year 2023 or a subsequent year.
• Applicant’s proposed program must align with the Foundation’s mission of supporting low-income communities as defined by local standards and definitions.
• Applicant’s proposed program must impact one or more of the target geographies

Selection Process

• Organizations must first register and confirm they meet the eligibility requirements to gain access to the Citi Foundation’s grantmaking portal.
• Eligible applicants will receive access to the portal within three business days.

Application Deadline

March 18, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Citi Foundation on citi.fluxx.io to apply