The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund 2026 is now accepting applications from community-based organizations that are working to improve access to education and sports for children in underserved and vulnerable communities worldwide.
This initiative is a powerful collaboration between FIFA and Global Citizen, aiming to ensure that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Through funding, partnerships, and advocacy, the program supports impactful local projects that combine education, sports, inclusion, and empowerment.
Grant Overview
- Grant Amount: USD $50,000–$250,000 (one-time grant)
- Eligible Organizations: Registered non-profit or community organizations serving 500 to 10,000 people
- Funding Cycles 2026: Approximately 150 organizations will be selected
- Funding Cap: Requested funds must not exceed 50% of the organization’s annual budget
Organizations can apply under one of two funding types:
- General Operating Support – For strengthening existing educational or sports programs.
- Project/Program Support – For launching or scaling a specific initiative in education or sports.
Note: Grants are one-time only. Recipients from this cycle will not be eligible to reapply in future years.
Reporting Requirements
Selected grantees must submit:
- Mid-term report
- Final report
These should outline project progress, impact, challenges, and lessons learned.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, organizations must:
- Be a legally registered non-profit
- Serve children and youth through education and/or sports programs
- Have at least 3 years of audited/certified financial statements
- Directly implement program activities (no intermediaries)
- Demonstrate strong leadership, transparency, and community trust
Key Evaluation Focus Areas
Applications will be assessed using the following criteria:
1. Tackling Barriers to Education
- Addressing financial challenges that keep children from school
- Improving school infrastructure and safe learning spaces
- Promoting gender equality, inclusion of disabled learners, and diverse learning needs
- Enforcing strong child safeguarding policies
2. Education & Impact Potential
- Focus on K–12 education and community development
- Clear goals, realistic budgets, and monitoring frameworks
- Serving marginalized or economically disadvantaged groups
- Promoting sustainability, partnerships, and community participation
- Alignment with FIFA and Global Citizen’s values of education, inclusion, and sports empowerment
Application Timeline – Cycle I (2026)
| Phase | Date |
| Applications Open | 27 October 2025 |
| Deadline to Apply | 31 December 2025 |
| Award Announcements | Early February 2026 |
Cycle II will be announced later.
Language & Submission
- Applications are currently available in English only (other languages will follow).
- Applicants may submit supporting documents in their native language.
- Only one application per organization is allowed.
Purpose & Vision
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is more than just a grant—it’s a global movement.
Its mission is to:
- Break systemic barriers to education
- Use the universal power of football and sports to unite and empower children
- Promote gender equality, leadership, and lifelong learning
- Support organizations that are raising the next generation of leaders and changemakers
Ready to Make an Impact?
If your organization is creating real change through education and sports, this is your chance to scale your mission.
Apply by December 31, 2025
LEARN MORE & APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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