Apply now for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026, offering $50,000–$250,000 grants to grassroots organizations improving access to education and sports for children worldwide. Deadline: December 31, 2025.
Empowering Grassroots Education Through Football and Global Partnership
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026 is now open for applications, offering grants between $50,000 and $250,000 USD to grassroots organizations working to expand access to quality education and sports for children in underserved communities around the world.
This initiative — a partnership between FIFA and Global Citizen — aims to bridge the gap between education and empowerment, leveraging the unifying power of football to create equitable learning opportunities for all children.
If your organization is driving community-based educational change or using sports as a tool for development, this is your chance to secure funding and join a global network of changemakers.
About the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund was created to support innovative, community-driven education initiatives that use sports and learning as pathways to equality, inclusion, and opportunity.
By investing in grassroots organizations, the Fund seeks to strengthen education systems, improve literacy, and inspire lifelong learning through the transformative potential of football.
Core Objectives of the Fund
- Expand access to quality K–12 education in underserved communities.
- Support inclusive learning models that integrate sports and education.
- Empower local organizations addressing learning inequalities and child safeguarding.
- Foster collaboration and sustainability through global partnerships.
This fund builds on FIFA’s commitment to social responsibility, inclusion, and human development — using the world’s most popular sport as a catalyst for educational progress.
Overview for FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026
Funding Amounts
- Grant Range: $50,000 – $250,000 USD
- Total Awards: Approximately 150 organizations in Cycle I (2026)
Grant Duration
- One-time funding: Grants are provided for one year only.
- Grantees cannot reapply after receiving a grant in the same funding cycle.
Eligible Application Types
- General Operating Support – For organizations seeking to strengthen institutional capacity.
- Program/Project Support – For specific educational initiatives or pilot projects.
Applicant Organization Criteria
- Must be a legally registered non-profit within the country of implementation.
- Must serve between 500 and 10,000 individuals directly.
- Must have at least three years of financial records or audits.
- The requested grant amount must not exceed 50% of the organization’s annual budget.
Eligibility and Key Requirements
To ensure fairness and transparency, the Fund has outlined detailed eligibility guidelines:
Eligible Organizations Must:
- Be community-based or grassroots non-profits focused on education or youth development.
- Operate in underserved or low-resource regions.
- Demonstrate strong child safeguarding policies and gender equality frameworks.
- Show a history of effective program implementation and measurable outcomes.
- Possess clear financial documentation to prove stability and accountability.
Note: Only one application may be submitted per organization.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026 will be reviewed against a robust framework that prioritizes impact, inclusion, and innovation.
1. Addressing Local Learning Barriers
- Does the project mitigate financial and social obstacles to education?
- How does it improve school infrastructure or access to educational resources?
- Does it promote inclusive education for girls, children with disabilities, and other marginalized groups?
2. Educational Imperative
Evaluates the urgency and importance of the proposed intervention — particularly how effectively it addresses educational challenges and improves learning outcomes.
3. Equity and Inclusion
Measures how the project reaches historically underrepresented communities, prioritizing girls’ education and children in conflict-affected regions.
4. Community Participation
Assesses the extent of local involvement in design, implementation, and ownership. Projects co-created with communities score higher.
5. Implementation Efficacy
Analyzes project feasibility, design clarity, and the organization’s operational capacity.
6. Long-Term Viability
Considers the sustainability of the initiative and its potential to attract co-funding or build local capacity for lasting impact.
7. Strategic Alignment
Ensures the proposed project aligns with FIFA and Global Citizen’s shared mission: advancing education and equality through sports.
Timeline for Cycle I (2026)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | October 27, 2025 |
| Applications Close | December 31, 2025 |
| Award Notifications | Early February 2026 |
Cycle II details will be announced later in 2026.
Application Process
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Confirm that your organization meets all legal, financial, and programmatic requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Proposal
Prepare the following:
- Organizational overview and proof of registration
- Budget breakdown showing how funds will be used
- Project concept note (max 5 pages)
- Child safeguarding and inclusion policy
- 3 years of financial records (audited preferred)
Step 3: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted online through the official FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund portal.
Upon submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt.
Step 4: Screening and Evaluation
- Proposals passing the initial screening may be invited for virtual interviews with Fund officials.
- Selected grantees will receive award notifications in early February 2026.
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Grant Reporting Requirements
Awarded organizations are required to submit:
- Mid-Term Report: Assessing progress, financial use, and impact metrics.
- Final Report: Detailing project outcomes, success stories, and lessons learned.
Failure to submit timely reports may affect future eligibility.
Why Apply: Benefits for Grassroots Organizations
- Financial Support: Access between $50K–$250K for one-year implementation.
- Global Recognition: Partnership with FIFA and Global Citizen elevates your profile.
- Capacity Building: Receive mentorship, training, and strategic support.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with international donors, educators, and policymakers.
- Community Impact: Strengthen access to education for thousands of children.
Advisory Board
The Fund’s advisory board features influential leaders from sports, entertainment, and philanthropy, ensuring the initiative achieves maximum global impact.
Board Members Include:
- Hugh Jackman
- The Weeknd
- Ivanka Trump
- Gianni Infantino (FIFA President)
- Serena Williams
- Shakira
- Kaká
- Hugh Evans (Global Citizen CEO)
- Jim DeMare (Co-President, Bank of America)
Their collective guidance ensures grants create tangible, measurable educational outcomes across continents.
How the Fund Drives Change
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aims to:
- Expand access to safe and inclusive learning environments.
- Empower girls and young people through education and sports.
- Strengthen community ownership in education reform.
- Support SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 5 – Gender Equality.
- Inspire a global movement for youth empowerment through football.
By connecting education, equality, and sports, the Fund envisions a world where every child can learn, play, and thrive.
Meta Description
Apply now for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026, offering $50,000–$250,000 grants to grassroots organizations improving access to education and sports for children worldwide. Deadline: December 31, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund?
It’s a joint initiative by FIFA and Global Citizen that supports community-based organizations advancing quality education and sports for children in underserved communities.
2. Who can apply?
Registered non-profit organizations serving between 500–10,000 individuals and meeting the Fund’s financial and operational requirements.
3. How much funding can I request?
Grants range between $50,000 and $250,000 USD, depending on the project’s scale and impact.
4. Can I apply for more than one project?
No. Only one application per organization is allowed per funding cycle.
5. When do applications close?
Applications for Cycle I close on December 31, 2025, with results announced in February 2026.
6. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects enhancing education access, infrastructure, gender equity, inclusion, and sports for learning.
7. What are the reporting requirements?
Grantees must submit a mid-term and final report to track progress and impact.
8. Will there be future funding cycles?
Yes. Cycle II will be announced later in 2026.
9. Can applicants apply in their native language?
Yes. Although the application is currently in English, submissions in native languages are accepted.
10. How many organizations will be funded?
Approximately 150 organizations will receive funding in Cycle I.
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