Author: Ontonda Teczo
Publish Date: 21 December 2025
Why This Fund Matters Right Now
Across many communities, classrooms are overcrowded, resources are limited, and children are expected to learn under conditions that would challenge even the most resilient learner. For grassroots organizations working at community level, the challenge is not a lack of ideas or commitment—it’s a lack of funding that truly understands local realities.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund opens a rare door for community-based organizations that are already doing the work but need support to scale, stabilise, or strengthen their impact. With applications open until 31 December 2025, this fund offers more than money—it offers recognition of grassroots leadership in education and sport.
What Is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund?
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is a global grant initiative created through a partnership between FIFA and Global Citizen. Its purpose is to support grassroots, community-based non-profit organizations that expand access to quality K–12 education and sports-enabled learning in underserved communities.
Unlike many large funding programmes that favour well-established institutions, this fund explicitly focuses on local organizations that work directly with children facing systemic barriers such as poverty, inequality, disability, and gender exclusion.
The underlying belief is simple but powerful: education and sport together can change life outcomes, especially for children who are often left behind.
Grant Types, Size, and What Organizations Can Apply For
This funding cycle offers one-time, one-year grants designed to meet organizations where they are.
Available Application Categories
Organizations may apply for:
- General Operating Support
To strengthen core operations, staffing, systems, and long-term sustainability. - Program or Project Support
For specific education or sports-based learning initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Grant Value and Scale
- Grant amount: USD $50,000 – $250,000
- Funding period: One year (non-renewable)
- Cycle I awards: Approximately 150 organizations globally
- Reapplication: Not allowed in future cycles
Importantly, the requested grant must be less than 50% of the organization’s annual operating budget for the grant year.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The eligibility criteria are clear and intentionally focused on grassroots impact.
To qualify, an organization must:
- Be a legally registered non-profit in the country where funds will be used
- Be community-based and grassroots, directly serving 500 to 10,000 people
- Deliver services directly (no pass-through or intermediary funding)
- Demonstrate financial accountability, including:
- Three years of audits (where available), or
- Certified financial records showing fiscal responsibility
- Submit only one application per organization
This structure ensures funding reaches organizations that are deeply embedded in the communities they serve.
What the Fund Looks for: More Than Just Good Ideas
Applications are reviewed using an equity-centered evaluation framework that prioritizes real-world impact over polished language.
Key Areas of Assessment
Addressing Learning Barriers
Applicants should clearly show how they tackle:
- Financial barriers to education
- Poor or unsafe learning infrastructure
- Limited access to inclusive education
Inclusion and Safeguarding
Strong emphasis is placed on:
- Girls’ education
- Children with disabilities
- Learners with diverse educational needs
- Clear child safeguarding policies and systems
Implementation Strength
Reviewers assess whether the organization has:
- Realistic programme design
- Monitoring and reporting systems
- Capacity to deliver within one year
This approach recognises that effective solutions are often locally designed, not imported.
Reporting, Accountability, and What Happens After Selection
Organizations selected for funding are required to:
- Submit a mid-term progress report
- Submit a final report detailing outcomes, lessons learned, and financial use
Some applicants may be contacted for interviews or clarification before final decisions are made. This step helps ensure alignment rather than disqualifying promising initiatives due to minor gaps.
Award notifications for Cycle I are expected in early February 2026.
Key Dates You Should Not Miss
- Applications open: 27 October 2025
- Applications close: 31 December 2025
- Award notifications: Early February 2026
- Future cycle: A second funding round is expected in 2026
Applications are currently available in English, with additional language options coming soon. Submissions in native languages are accepted.
Why This Matters for Grassroots Organizations
Many community organizations operate in environments where youth unemployment, school dropout rates, and limited public funding intersect. Staff often work multiple roles, relying on small donations while trying to protect children from falling through the cracks.
This fund acknowledges that reality. It supports organizations not as charities, but as agents of long-term social change, using education and sport to build confidence, skills, and opportunity.
How to Apply
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted directly through the official FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund platform.
👉 External Link:
Apply via the official Global Citizen website (FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund application portal)
For more opportunities like this visit https://seta-services.co.za/
Note: Global South Opportunities (GSO) and similar platforms are not funding bodies and cannot process applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund?
Legally registered, grassroots non-profit organizations delivering K–12 education or sports-based learning directly to communities.
Can an organization apply more than once?
No. Only one application per organization is allowed, and successful grantees cannot reapply in future cycles.
Is this funding available to organizations outside the US?
Yes. The fund is global and supports organizations in underserved regions worldwide.
What size organizations are eligible?
Organizations serving 500 to 10,000 individuals are eligible.
Is co-funding required?
No, but programmes with potential for partnerships and long-term sustainability are prioritised.
