Applications open for People-First AI Fund (United States)

The Fund will support organizations working across three focus areas: Community Support Services, Community Arts & Cultural Organizations, and Community Journalism & Media.

The 2026 People-First AI Fund will provide unrestricted grants to trusted, local nonprofit organizations that are exploring how practical, community-led engagement with AI can reduce barriers to services and information, expand opportunities, and strengthen community participation.

The Community Support Services focus area supports organizations helping people access services, opportunities, and critical resources, particularly in areas such as legal aid, public benefits, and disability and accessibility services. The Fund is interested in nonprofits exploring how AI can improve service delivery, reduce administrative challenges, strengthen coordination, and reach underserved communities more effectively.

The Community Arts & Cultural Organizations focus area supports community-based organizations exploring how AI can expand access to arts and cultural participation while preserving creativity, cultural expression, and community voice. This includes efforts by arts organizations, museums, libraries, cultural centers, and similar institutions to increase participation, reduce operational burdens, and document community stories.

The Community Journalism & Media focus area supports organizations strengthening trusted information ecosystems and helping communities understand and engage with AI. Eligible initiatives may include nonprofit journalism organizations, local media groups, public-interest media organizations, and organizations working to improve access to reliable information in an evolving digital environment.

The Fund is open to U.S.-based public charities with valid 501(c)(3) status that primarily operate within the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia. Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget between $500,000 and $10 million, with priority expected for organizations with budgets between $1 million and $8 million.

Standalone organizations are eligible to apply, while programs, centers, departments within larger institutions, university-affiliated institutes, think tanks, and fiscally sponsored programs are not eligible. Local chapters of national organizations may apply if they have standalone 501(c)(3) status and meet the required criteria.

Select regranting organizations, including community foundations, may also be considered if they demonstrate strong community trust, local partnerships, grantmaking experience, and alignment with the Fund’s focus areas. These organizations must meet separate eligibility requirements, including an operating budget under $15 million excluding pass-through grantmaking.

Competitive applicants should demonstrate interest in exploring or applying AI to support their mission, strong relationships with the communities they serve, and a track record of community-led engagement and people-centered work. Previous AI experience is not required, and funding decisions will not depend on the use of specific AI tools or providers.