Oops!…AI Did It Again Challenge

The “Oops!…AI Did It Again” Challenge is a funding initiative supported by Young Futures and its foundational partners including Pivotal Ventures, Susan Crown Exchange, Enlight Foundation, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Resonance Philanthropies, and The Goodness Web, with additional support from Pinterest, Bezos Family Foundation, Hopelab, and Omidyar Network. The challenge reflects a collective commitment to supporting youth wellbeing in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, particularly focusing on the implications of artificial intelligence in young people’s lives. This challenge seeks to equip youth with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate the growing presence of generative AI. Research shows that over half of young people use AI tools—often in isolation and without adequate guidance—leading to anxiety and missed developmental opportunities. The challenge aims to fund initiatives that promote transparency, safety, and creativity in AI use, especially among teens. Four thematic areas define the scope of this opportunity: youth-powered AI projects that enable teens to build or remix AI tools; resources that support AI use in learning, work, and creative endeavors; initiatives that explore the intersection of AI, mental health, and personal relationships; and programs fostering intergenerational dialogue about AI. Projects must be co-led or co-designed by youth and may target either youth directly or their adult allies. Funding will be awarded to up to ten nonprofit organizations, with one-year grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, and a total funding pool of up to $1 million. Funds may support either project-specific or general operations, provided the proposed solution aligns closely with the challenge themes. The grant term will span from April 2026 to March 2027. Funds may not be used for political or lobbying activities. The application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI) submission window from October 8 to October 24, 2025. Applicants must complete an eligibility quiz on the Young Futures website before accessing the LOI. Those advancing to Phase 2 will be invited to submit a full proposal between November 12 and December 1, 2025. Finalist interviews will take place in January 2026, and award notifications are expected in February, with disbursements beginning in April. Selected grantees, known as YF Innovators, will participate in the YF Academy from April through August 2026. This program includes an in-person retreat, virtual masterclasses, operations support, and community engagement. Mid-year and end-of-year reporting are required. Organizations may only submit one proposal per challenge but are welcome to apply to future rounds, including a new $1 million challenge launching in April 2026.

Proposals should demonstrate youth co-design, align with AI impact themes, and avoid lobbying uses. Include youth participation and impact in the proposal narrative.