FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is a collaborative initiative established by FIFA and Global Citizen to expand access to quality education and sports opportunities for children, particularly those living in underserved and marginalized communities worldwide. The fund is designed to mobilize financial resources and strategic partnerships in order to support grassroots organizations that are directly engaged in improving educational outcomes and fostering youth development through sport. This initiative reflects a broader commitment by both organizations to address systemic barriers to education and promote inclusive, equitable learning environments globally. The primary purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to community-based organizations that are actively working to remove obstacles to education. These obstacles may include financial barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of inclusive educational practices. The fund supports both general operating expenses and specific program or project costs, allowing organizations flexibility in how they allocate funds to achieve their mission. However, funding is restricted to one-year grants, and recipients are not eligible to reapply in subsequent cycles, emphasizing the fund’s goal of broadening its reach across multiple organizations over time. Eligible applicants must be grassroots, community-based nonprofit organizations that serve between 500 and 10,000 individuals. These organizations must demonstrate legal nonprofit registration in the country where the proposed activities will take place. Additionally, applicants are required to directly implement the activities for which they are seeking funding, ensuring that awarded funds are used for on-the-ground impact rather than intermediary distribution. Financial stability is also a key requirement, with applicants expected to provide at least three years of financial audits or certified financial documentation where available. The application process for Cycle 2 is time-bound, with forms available from May 11 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time through May 29 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants may submit only one application per cycle. Upon submission, applicants receive confirmation from the fund administrators. Applications undergo an initial screening process, after which selected organizations may be invited to participate in further discussions or meetings with fund officials. While the application is currently available in English, submissions may be made in an applicant’s native language, with translations expected to be supported in the future. Funding amounts for this cycle range from 50,000 to 250,000 USD per organization, with approximately 30 organizations expected to receive grants. The requested amount must not exceed 50 percent of the applicant’s annual organizational budget for the proposed grant year, ensuring proportional and sustainable funding allocation. Grant recipients are required to submit both mid-term and final reports to document progress, outcomes, and use of funds, reinforcing accountability and transparency. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria centered around improving access to education. These include the organization’s ability to address financial impediments to education, enhance educational infrastructure, implement inclusive practices for marginalized populations such as girls and children with disabilities, and maintain strong child safeguarding policies. Organizations must also demonstrate a clear commitment to equitable access and measurable impact within their communities. Overall, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund represents a targeted effort to empower grassroots organizations that are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change in education systems. By combining financial support with a rigorous evaluation framework, the fund aims to create sustainable improvements in learning opportunities and outcomes for children worldwide.

Emphasize measurable impact on educational access, demonstrate strong child safeguarding policies, and highlight inclusive practices for marginalized populations