FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is a joint philanthropic initiative between FIFA and Global Citizen that aims to expand access to quality education and sports programming for children in underserved communities worldwide. The program focuses on supporting grassroots organizations that are directly engaged in delivering educational or sports-based interventions that serve between 500 and 10,000 individuals annually. Through strategic funding and global partnerships, the fund is designed to foster local innovation, reduce systemic barriers to learning, and advance inclusive practices in education. Grants are available to community-based nonprofit organizations that possess verified legal registration in the country where the funding will be used. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability through at least three years of financial audits or certified records. Only one application is permitted per organization, and the grant period is limited to one year. Grantees are not eligible to reapply after receiving funding. Support is available in the form of either general operating or program/project-specific funding. Importantly, the request amount must be less than 50% of the applicant’s annual budget for the proposed grant year. Each applicant must be the direct implementer of the proposed activities, which must contribute to improving educational access or quality. Evaluation criteria include addressing financial and systemic learning barriers, improving educational infrastructure, ensuring inclusive learning environments, safeguarding children, and demonstrating community participation and sustainability. Programs that integrate football or sports as a learning tool and that align with Global Citizen’s broader strategy in K–12 education are particularly favored. Approximately 150 organizations will be selected in Cycle I. Grants will range from $50,000 to $250,000 USD. Recipients will be required to submit both mid-term and final reports. Applications must be submitted in English for now, though other language options are expected in the future. Submissions will be acknowledged via confirmation email, and applicants may be contacted prior to December 31, 2025, with additional questions. Final selection may include a meeting with Fund officials. Cycle I opened on October 27, 2025, and the application deadline is December 31, 2025. Award notifications are expected in early February 2026. Details about Cycle II, including dates, are forthcoming. Applications are reviewed based on multiple criteria, including strategic alignment, implementation feasibility, equity, geographic representation, and long-term viability. By investing in scalable, community-driven solutions, the fund seeks to promote measurable improvements in literacy, education access, and student well-being across a range of global contexts.

Show sports-based learning impact, strong inclusion practices, and long-term potential.