The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is now accepting applications from grassroots and community-based organizations worldwide. The initiative invites local changemakers to apply for support to expand programs that combine education and sport to improve children’s lives.
Created by FIFA and Global Citizen, the Fund is grounded in the shared belief that when children can learn and play, they can thrive. By investing in local organizations already making an impact, the Fund aims to open new pathways for children — especially in communities where access to quality education and safe play spaces is limited.
The message is simple: every child deserves the chance to learn and to play sport.
A Landmark Global Launch
Launched earlier this year at Global Citizen NOW: New York, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will expand access to quality education, literacy, and football for children worldwide. Of the total funds raised, $50 million will directly support grassroots education and literacy programs in more than 200 communities across the globe. The remaining funds will be directed to FIFA’s Football for Schools (F4S)program — a joint FIFA and UNESCO initiative advancing life skills, learning, and community development through football.
Organizations providing access to education and sport for children in underserved communities are invited to apply for grants of up to $250,000 USD. The first round of grantees will be announced in early 2026.
To apply, click here.
What Is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund?
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is a joint initiative designed to expand access to quality education and sports for children worldwide.
It connects the worlds of education, sport, culture, and philanthropy to support grassroots organizations that are improving learning outcomes and child development. The Fund mobilizes resources, partnerships, and expertise to help these organizations grow and sustain their impact.
What the Fund Does
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund focuses on three key goals:
- Providing grants to community-based organizations that advance education and sport.
- Improving literacy, learning quality, and access so more children can learn effectively.
- Building partnerships that unite sport, education, and community development.
Through these efforts, the Fund helps transform local ideas into sustainable, community-led solutions.
Why This Fund Matters
Approximately 350 million children and adolescents around the world are out of school, and an estimated 133 million do not meet minimum reading and math proficiency by the end of primary school.
Education and sport are two of the most effective tools to change that reality. When children have access to both, they develop knowledge, confidence, and life skills that extend far beyond the classroom or the playing field.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund supports local organizations that understand their communities and are creating practical, lasting solutions to improve education and access to sport. By investing in their work, the Fund helps ensure that progress begins and grows from within communities — creating long-term benefits for children and families.
Who Can Apply
The Fund will award grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 USD to eligible grassroots and community-based organizations focused on K–12 education and children’s learning outcomes.
Organizations must be legally registered in their country of operation and show a clear commitment to promoting education and inclusion through their programs. Priority will be given to those working in where barriers to education and sport are greatest.
Applicants should demonstrate how their initiatives expand access to learning, strengthen educational infrastructure, and create inclusive environments for all students — particularly for girls and children with disabilities or different learning needs.
The Fund is designed to complement existing public funding, not replace it. Successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to build partnerships and leverage additional resources to ensure long-term sustainability.
How the Fund Selects Programs
Applications will be reviewed through a comprehensive assessment process to ensure that funding is directed where it can make the greatest impact.
The review will consider:
- Educational need and potential impact in the target community.
- Organizational capacity and proven results.
- Alignment with FIFA and Global Citizen’s mission in education and sport.
- Opportunities for sustainability and community participation.
This process ensures that funding supports effective, community-driven programs that improve children’s education and well-being.
How to Apply
Organizations can apply through the Global Citizen portal at https://www.globalcitizen.org/education-fund-apply/
Applications open: October 27, 2025
Applications close: December 31, 2025
The process includes:
- Eligibility screening to confirm alignment with the Fund’s goals.
- Online submission of organizational and project details.
- Evaluation based on the criteria above.
- Announcement of grantees following the review period.
Detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and FAQs are available on the fund’s website.
Join the Movement
The launch of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is an open call to organizations that believe in the power of education and sport to change lives. Together, we can create a world where every child — no matter where they are born — has the opportunity to learn, play, and succeed.
Apply now: https://www.globalcitizen.org/education-fund-apply/