Apply for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2025–2026 and receive up to $250,000 in grants for grassroots education and sports initiatives supporting children in underserved communities. Deadline: December 31, 2025.
Building a Future Where Every Child Can Learn, Play, and Thrive
Applications are now open for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2025–2026, a major international grant program designed to support grassroots organizations that are improving access to education and sports for children in underserved and vulnerable communities worldwide.
This joint initiative between FIFA and Global Citizen seeks to leverage the power of sport and education to transform lives, reduce inequalities, and empower the next generation of leaders through learning and play.
Through this program, organizations can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 USD to fund local education and sports initiatives that foster literacy, inclusion, gender equity, and long-term community development.
“We believe that education and sport together can change lives. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to play.”
— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
About the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund was established to bridge the global education gap by supporting community-based organizations that combine academic learning, life skills, and sports development.
This fund aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality) — by ensuring that marginalized children have access to quality learning opportunities, safe play environments, and personal growth through teamwork and inclusion.
In collaboration with Global Citizen, one of the world’s leading advocacy organizations, this initiative mobilizes resources, partnerships, and public awareness to help local leaders drive measurable educational change in their communities.
Overview for FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2025–2026
Funding Range
Organizations may apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 USD depending on the scale, reach, and sustainability of their projects.
Grant Type
- General Operating Support: For ongoing organizational development and administration.
- Program/Project Support: For new or existing education or sports-related initiatives.
Grant Cycle Duration
Each grant covers a one-year project period. Grantees will not be eligible to reapply once awarded, ensuring broad access for new applicants in future cycles.
Application Timeline
| Cycle | Opening Date | Deadline | Award Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle I | October 27, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Early February 2026 |
| Cycle II | TBA 2026 | TBA 2026 | TBA 2026 |
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to community-based, grassroots, and non-profit organizations that are directly engaged in delivering education or sports programs to children in underserved regions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be legally registered non-profit organizations in their operating country.
- Serve between 500 and 10,000 individuals annually.
- Be directly involved in implementing proposed education or sports initiatives.
- Have at least three years of financial records or audited statements proving organizational stability.
- Request a grant amount not exceeding 50% of their annual operating budget.
- Commit to providing mid-term and final project reports documenting measurable impact.
Applications are welcome from all regions, provided the project demonstrates local relevance, community participation, and measurable outcomes in education and/or sports.
Evaluation Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on several strategic and impact-based factors. Below are the main selection criteria for 2025–2026:
1. Addressing Local Learning Barriers
- Projects that reduce financial, cultural, or geographic barriers to education.
- Initiatives that provide resources, scholarships, or infrastructure to improve school attendance and retention rates.
2. Educational Infrastructure
- Efforts to build or renovate learning spaces and sports facilities.
- Programs that improve accessibility for students with disabilities.
3. Inclusion and Equity
- Projects prioritizing girls’ education, students with disabilities, or minority populations.
- Clear strategies for gender equality and inclusion in both education and sports activities.
4. Child Protection and Safeguarding
- A robust framework for child safety, ensuring programs are protective, ethical, and child-centered.
5. Organizational Capacity and Financial Stability
- Demonstrated ability to manage funds responsibly.
- Clear reporting and monitoring mechanisms for tracking project outcomes.
6. Community Participation
- Projects that involve local communities, parents, and youth in planning and execution.
- Evidence of community ownership and sustainability.
7. Long-Term Viability and Leverage
- Proposals with potential to attract additional funding or partnerships.
- Plans for sustaining project impact beyond the grant period.
Selection Criteria for K–12 Education Grants
The Fund also focuses specifically on K–12 education programs that combine academic learning with sports or life skills. These will be assessed on:
- Educational Imperative: Urgency of the issue and potential impact.
- Equity & Inclusion: Outreach to marginalized populations.
- Socioeconomic Need: Focus on disadvantaged or conflict-affected regions.
- Geographic Representation: Balance across continents and communities.
- Implementation Efficacy: Project design, feasibility, and delivery capability.
- Strategic Congruence: Alignment with FIFA and Global Citizen’s missions.
- Sustainability: Long-term benefits and potential for scalability.
Reporting and Accountability
Selected organizations will be required to:
- Submit a mid-term progress report detailing achievements and challenges.
- Provide a final report outlining outcomes, financial statements, and community impact.
- Participate in periodic monitoring or evaluation meetings with Fund officials.
This ensures transparency, shared learning, and long-term accountability.
Advisory Board and Oversight
The non-fiduciary advisory board of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund brings together globally recognized leaders from sports, entertainment, business, and philanthropy to guide the initiative.
Notable Members Include:
- Hugh Jackman – Actor and Humanitarian
- The Weeknd – Artist and Philanthropist
- Ivanka Trump – Advocate for Women’s Economic Empowerment
- Gianni Infantino – FIFA President
- Serena Williams – Athlete and Entrepreneur
- Shakira – UNICEF Ambassador and Education Activist
- Kaká – Former FIFA World Player of the Year
- Jim DeMare – Co-President, Bank of America
- Hugh Evans – CEO, Global Citizen
This diverse leadership group ensures the Fund remains innovative, equitable, and impact-driven.
How to Apply
Eligible organizations can apply through the official FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund portal.
Application Steps:
- Visit the official application page on FIFA or Global Citizen’s website.
- Choose between General Operating Support or Project Support.
- Complete the online application form with detailed project information.
- Upload required documentation, including financial statements, registration proof, and a project proposal.
- Submit your application before December 31, 2025 (Cycle I deadline).
After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email. Successful applicants may be contacted before the end of the year for follow-up or clarification.
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Why This Grant Matters
Education is one of the world’s most powerful equalizers — and when combined with sport, it creates a foundation for lifelong growth and inclusion.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund harnesses this dual power to:
- Empower children through learning and teamwork,
- Create safe and inspiring environments for youth development,
- Strengthen communities through sports-based learning, and
- Build resilience, leadership, and equality from the grassroots level.
By investing in local organizations, FIFA and Global Citizen are not only funding programs — they are funding futures.
Meta Description
Apply for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2025–2026 and receive up to $250,000 in grants for grassroots education and sports initiatives supporting children in underserved communities. Deadline: December 31, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund?
It’s a global grant program supporting community-based organizations that expand access to education and sports for children in underserved areas.
2. Who can apply?
Legally registered non-profit organizations serving between 500 and 10,000 individuals that focus on education and sports initiatives.
3. How much funding is available?
Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 USD.
4. When is the application deadline?
Cycle I applications close on December 31, 2025.
5. Is this a recurring grant?
No, each grant is a one-time award, and recipients cannot reapply.
6. What are the main evaluation factors?
Community impact, inclusion, child protection, financial stability, and long-term sustainability.
7. Can organizations apply in languages other than English?
Yes. Although the form is currently in English, applicants may submit in their native language.
8. Are for-profit organizations eligible?
No. Only registered non-profit entities may apply.
9. How are results announced?
Successful applicants are notified in early February 2026.
10. Will there be more calls for submissions?
Yes. Additional calls for proposals will open later in 2026 (Cycle II).
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