The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund invites applications from grassroots organizations working to expand access to quality education and sports for children in underserved communities. This initiative reflects a shared commitment by FIFA and Global Citizen to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Through collaborative investment and partnerships, the Fund seeks to build a more equitable and sustainable future for children around the world. Grant Overview The Fund provides one-time grants to community-based organizations that integrate education and sports as tools for empowerment. Eligible applicants must serve between 500 and 10,000 individuals and be legally registered non-profit entities within their operating country. Organizations may apply under one of the following application types: General Operating Support – For strengthening organizational capacity and sustaining ongoing educational programs. Program/Project Support – For implementing a specific educational or sports-based initiative aligned with the Fund’s objectives. Grants will be awarded for one year only, and recipients will not be invited to reapply in future cycles. Grant Range: USD 50,000–250,000 Cycle I Funding: Approximately 150 organizations will receive support in 2026. Funding Limit: Requested funds must not exceed 50% of the applicant’s annual operating budget for the proposed grant year. Upon submission, applicants will receive an email confirmation of receipt. Those who pass the initial screening phase may be contacted for an interview or follow-up discussion with Fund representatives before December 31, 2025. Only one application per organization will be accepted. Reporting Requirements Successful grantees must submit both a mid-term and final report to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, detailing progress, challenges, outcomes, and lessons learned. These reports are essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and knowledge sharing among participating organizations. Eligibility Criteria Legal Non-Profit Status: Applicants must be registered as non-profit entities in the country where grant funds will be used. Direct Implementation: The applying organization must be directly responsible for implementing all proposed activities aimed at improving access to or quality of education. Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate sound financial management and accountability through at least three years of audited or certified financial statements. Organizational Capacity: Applicants should show evidence of a capable leadership team, community trust, and the operational capacity to execute programs efficiently. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be assessed against several key criteria emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and local impact: 1. Addressing Local Learning Barriers Financial Impediments: The organization must demonstrate how its initiatives reduce financial barriers that prevent children—particularly those from vulnerable populations—from attending or completing school. Educational Infrastructure: Projects should strengthen or expand educational facilities to create safe, accessible, and effective learning environments. Inclusive Practices: Preference will be given to initiatives that promote gender equity and inclusion of students with disabilities or diverse learning needs. Child Safeguarding: Applicants must have robust policies to ensure the protection, safety, and well-being of all children engaged in their programs. 2. K–12 Education Grant Selection Criteria Educational Imperative: The project should respond to pressing educational needs and demonstrate potential for measurable improvements. Equity and Inclusion: Priority will be given to projects targeting historically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Socioeconomic Indicators: Applications will be assessed on the level of socioeconomic disadvantage within the target population. Geographic Representation: The Fund aims for balanced regional distribution, focusing on underserved areas with limited educational infrastructure. Implementation Efficacy: Proposals should demonstrate clear objectives, realistic timelines, and strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Strategic Congruence: The project must align with Global Citizen’s goals in K–12 education and the use of football and sports as tools for learning and empowerment. Leverage and Long-Term Viability: Proposals that attract co-funding, develop local partnerships, and build sustainable community capacity will be favored. Community Participation: The design and implementation of the project should meaningfully involve community members, ensuring that local knowledge and leadership drive the initiative. Application and Language Applications are currently available in English, but translation into additional languages will be forthcoming. Applicants may, however, submit materials in their native language. Timeline Cycle I (2026): October 27, 2025: Applications Open December 31, 2025: Applications Close Early February 2026: Award Notifications Cycle II (2026): Dates to be announced Selection Process Applications will undergo an initial eligibility screening followed by a comprehensive review by the Fund’s evaluation committee. Organizations that successfully pass the initial stage may be invited to present their projects or engage in further discussions with Fund officials. Final selection will prioritize impact potential, financial accountability, and alignment with the Fund’s mission. Grant Management All successful applicants will receive clear guidelines on financial management, reporting obligations, and communication expectations. Grantees must adhere to child safeguarding standards, ethical operational practices, and relevant national laws governing non-profit organizations. LEARN MORE Purpose and Vision The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund represents a shared vision to harness the transformative power of education and sports to uplift communities. By investing in local organizations, the Fund aims to remove systemic barriers to education, promote gender equality, and use the universal appeal of football to foster inclusion, leadership, and lifelong learning. Through this initiative, FIFA and Global Citizen reaffirm their commitment to empowering community-based organizations that are shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Applications are now open—apply by December 31, 2025, to join this global effort to advance education and opportunity for all children. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.