Overview 

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a joint initiative led by FIFA and Global Citizen, is launching its Cycle II 2026 call for applications to support grassroots organizations worldwide. The fund provides financial support to organizations working to expand access to education through sport, particularly for children and youth in underserved communities. 

Strategic Alignment 

This initiative supports global priorities in education access, social inclusion, and sport for development, aligning with international development agendas focused on inclusive and equitable opportunities for young people. 

Programme Description 

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund supports grassroots NGOs and community-based organizations implementing programmes that use sport as a tool for education and social development. Approximately 30 organizations will be supported globally. 

Funding 

Grant amount ranges between USD 50,000 and USD 250,000 per organization. The funding is provided as a one-time, non-renewable grant. Only one application per organization is allowed. 

Thematic Priorities 

Projects must address at least one of the following priorities: access to education, reduction of financial barriers, inclusion of vulnerable groups including girls and children with disabilities, child protection, and the use of sport as an educational tool. 

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants must be legally registered non-profit organizations, directly implementing activities on the ground. Organizations must serve between 500 and 10,000 beneficiaries, have a minimum of three years of audited financial statements, and the requested amount must not exceed 50 percent of their annual budget. 

Key Conditions 

The grant is non-renewable. Organizations can submit only one application. Beneficiaries from Cycle I are not eligible to apply again. 

Application Deadline 

Applications must be submitted here by 29 May 2026 at 18:00 (New York time). 

Target Organizations 

This opportunity targets grassroots organizations working in sport for development, education through sport, youth development, and inclusion of vulnerable populations. 

Key Opportunity Value 

This fund provides significant financial support, international visibility, and opportunities to scale impactful programmes aligned with global sport and education agendas. 

Positioning Insight 

Strong applications will demonstrate a clear link between sport and educational outcomes, measurable impact, and solid organizational and financial capacity.