GENERAL OVERVIEW

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is a global grantmaking initiative jointly led by FIFA and Global Citizen to expand access to quality education and sports-based learning for children living in underserved communities. The fund supports grassroots, community-driven organizations that address systemic learning barriers, promote inclusive education, and use sport as a tool for empowerment and social transformation. The first call for applications (Cycle I) is now closed, with results expected in early 2026.

ELIGIBILITY FRAMEWORK

Eligible Organizations:

• Legally registered non-profit entities in the country of implementation
• Community-based, grassroots organizations serving between 500 and 10,000 individuals
• Direct implementation capacity
• Financial stability demonstrated through audited or certified records
• One application per organization
  

Eligible Projects:

• Focus on K–12 education and/or sports-enabled learning
• Address financial, infrastructural, or systemic barriers
• Promote inclusive practices for girls and children with disabilities
• Integrate strong child safeguarding policies
• One-year, non-renewable implementation period
  

Grant Details & Funding Conditions

• Grant size: USD 50,000–250,000
• Requested amount < 50% of annual operating budget
• ~150 organizations funded in Cycle I (2026)
• One-year, one-time grants; no reapplication permitted
• Mandatory mid-term and final reports
  
  

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Cycle I Timeline (Completed):

• Opening: 27 October 2025
• Closing: 31 December 2025
• Results: Early 2026
  

Cycle II Timeline (Upcoming in 2026):

• Opening: Coming 2026
• Closing: Coming 2026
• Results: Coming 2026
  

Selection Process:

• Initial eligibility screening
• Detailed evaluation on alignment, inclusion, feasibility, safeguarding
• Possible interviews
  

IMPLEMENTING AND INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

FIFA

FIFA, the world governing body of football, provides strategic leadership and global visibility to the fund. It leverages football’s transformative power to promote education as a pathway for children to thrive and access new opportunities.

Global Citizen

Global Citizen is a major international advocacy organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty. It drives engagement, mobilizes resources, and raises awareness to ensure that the fund advances equity, inclusive learning, and measurable impact.