In July 2025, OpenAI announced the launch of the People-First AI Fund, a $50 million initiative to support nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. The fund reflects a growing recognition that the future of AI must be shaped by those on the frontlines of education, advocacy, and direct service—not just by those building the technology.

The fund was developed through a collaborative process involving input from over 100 organizations and 500 individuals across the United States. Contributors included educators, community leaders, and advocacy groups such as the American Federation of Teachers and AARP’s Older Adults Technology Services. Their insights helped shape the fund’s direction to ensure it reflects on-the-ground needs and priorities.

Now, applications for the first wave of unrestricted grants are open until October 8, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. PT.

What the Fund Supports

The People-First AI Fund welcomes nonprofits, whether you’re just curious about AI or already experimenting with it. The focus areas feel practical and people-centered:

AI Literacy & Public Understanding

Helping communities build confidence with AI—through education programs, media projects, or training trusted local leaders like teachers, mentors, and artists.

Community Innovation

Supporting projects where residents help design AI solutions in schools, libraries, and clinics. Special priority goes to communities that are too often left out of digital change—rural areas, older adults, and linguistically isolated groups.

Economic Opportunity

Creating fair and inclusive pathways to work in the AI era. Think youth workforce programs, tools for small businesses, or cooperative models that share value instead of concentrating it.

Who Can Apply

The Fund is open to U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and budgets between $500,000 and $10 million. You don’t need prior AI experience to be eligible.

Not Eligible: Fiscally sponsored projects, regranting, or departments inside larger institutions. And all projects need to focus on U.S. communities.

Why This Stands Out

What feels different here is the trust being shown to nonprofits. By offering unrestricted grants and listening to communities first, the fund is saying: you know your work best. AI often gets discussed in abstract, futuristic ways. But this fund is about the present—and about making sure communities have a say in shaping how technology affects schools, jobs, and civic life.

Final Thoughts

If your organization is already thinking about how AI might expand learning, improve health access, or open up economic opportunity, this could be worth a closer look.

The deadline isn’t far off—October 8, 2025. Details and the application portal are available here.