FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund (Up to $250,000 Award): How to Apply for the 2026 Grant

Access to quality education and sports opportunities can transform the future of children, especially those in underserved communities. To support this mission, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), in partnership with Global Citizen, has launched the 2026 FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, offering grants of up to $250,000 to grassroots organizations driving positive change worldwide.

If your organization is working to enhance education access, strengthen youth sports, or improve learning environments, this prestigious global fund could help you scale your impact. Below is everything you need to know, including eligibility, benefits, evaluation criteria, and how to apply successfully.

FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Summary

Host: FIFA
Category: Training | Grants
Eligible Countries: All Countries
Reward: Up to $250,000 Grant
Deadline: December 31, 2025
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The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund supports community-based organizations committed to improving education outcomes, enhancing youth sports programs, and strengthening opportunities for children living in underserved or marginalized communities.

The initiative aims to:

Expand access to quality education
Strengthen sports participation for all children
Provide safe, inclusive learning spaces
Foster global partnerships for long-term educational development

FIFA and Global Citizen believe in giving every child the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive regardless of background or location.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, organizations must:

Be community-based grassroots organizations serving between 500 and 10,000 individuals
Request a grant not exceeding 50% of the organization’s annual budget for the grant year
Be a legally registered non-profit in the country where project activities will take place
Demonstrate the ability to directly implement proposed educational or sports programs
Show financial stability through at least 3 years of financial audits or certified statements

Benefits of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund

Selected organizations will receive:

Grant funding ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 USD
Support for projects advancing education and youth sports development
Capacity-building for literacy, learning quality, and access
Opportunities to collaborate across sports, culture, and philanthropy
Global exposure through FIFA and Global Citizen networks

Evaluation Criteria

Your application will be assessed based on the following:

1. Financial Impediments to Education

Projects must address key financial barriers that prevent children, especially vulnerable groups, from accessing quality education.

2. Educational Infrastructure

Initiatives should focus on strengthening school facilities, learning environments, and accessibility.

3. Inclusive Practices

Organizations must show commitment to:

Gender inclusion
Disability inclusion
Equal learning opportunities
Removing systemic barriers to participation

4. Child Safeguarding

A strong safeguarding framework is required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all program participants.

5. Legal Non-Profit Status

Only fully registered and compliant non-profit organizations will be considered.

6. Direct Implementation

Applicants must carry out project activities themselves, no intermediaries.

7. Financial Stability

Organizations must prove financial health through verified statements or audits.

How to Apply for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund (Step-by-Step)

Prepare all required documents
- Organization registration certificate
- Financial audits or certified statements (3 years)
- Project proposal and budget
- Safeguarding policy
Visit the official application portal (via the green “Apply” button on the fund’s website)
Create an account or log into the portal
Complete the online application form with accurate organizational details
Upload all required documents in the specified format
Review every section carefully to avoid errors or omissions
Submit your application before December 31, 2025