OpenAI Launches $50 Million People-First AI Fund for US Nonprofits

September 8, 2025

Details

  • OpenAI has introduced a $50 million People-First AI Fund, with applications open to US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits from September 8 to October 8, 2025, providing unrestricted grants for AI-powered social impact projects.
  • The fund specifically supports organizations focused on education, economic opportunity, healthcare, and community-driven research, ensuring all grants will be distributed by the end of 2025 and welcoming applicants with no prior AI experience.
  • This initiative results from extensive outreach by the OpenAI Nonprofit Commission, which engaged in listening sessions with more than 500 nonprofit leaders representing over 7 million Americans.
  • Funding priorities include advancing AI literacy, fostering public understanding, nurturing community innovation, and increasing access to vital services using creative AI solutions to strengthen community resilience.
  • The launch marks OpenAI's effort to involve grassroots organizations in shaping the impact of AI, emphasizing collaboration and local insight over purely centralized approaches in the era of rapid AI advancement.

Impact

OpenAI’s move positions the company at the forefront of AI philanthropy, standing out by offering unrestricted funding and actively involving communities. This program may accelerate nonprofit adoption of AI and set a new benchmark for tech industry engagement in responsible, inclusive AI development.

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