Announcing the initial People-First AI Fund grantees

Announcing the initial People-First AI Fund grantees | OpenAI

December 3, 2025

Announcing the initial People-First AI Fund grantees

Unrestricted funding for 208 nonprofits advancing people-first work nationwide.

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The OpenAI Foundation is announcing the first recipients from the People-First AI Fund, a multi-million dollar investment in community-based nonprofits working to strengthen local communities and expand the opportunity of AI.

Through an open call, the Foundation will provide $40.5 million in unrestricted grants to 208 nonprofits across the United States. Funds will be disbursed by the end of the year. A second wave of $9.5 million in Board-directed grants will be announced in the coming months, supporting organizations already advancing transformative AI work in areas like health that reflect the Fund’s people-first values and potential for broad public benefit.

“The People-First AI Fund reflects our commitment to supporting a wide range of organizations advancing work that strengthens communities and expands opportunity. We’re proud to support this first group of grantees and to continue work that is mission-driven and responsive to the people it exists to serve.” —Bret Taylor, Chair of the OpenAI Foundation Board

The OpenAI Foundation looks forward to learning alongside these organizations and local leaders, sharing insights, and expanding our grantmaking work.

See below for full list.⁠

The open call selection process

Over the past year, a series of steps laid the groundwork for these grants: the work of our independent Nonprofit Commission, nationwide community listening, the Commission’s public report, and the launch of the People-First AI Fund.

The application window for the first wave of grants—all unrestricted—was open from September 8 through October 8 and featured a short, four-question application. Nearly 3,000 organizations applied from across the country—an indication of both the demand for support and desire among community-based organizations to help shape how AI can be applied to their work and the people they serve.

Daniel Zingale, who had served as convener of the Nonprofit Commission, supported the Foundation in translating the Commission’s recommendations into the Fund’s implementation. Together with external grantmaking experts, advisors, and members of the Nonprofit Commission, the group conducted a multi-step, independent human review and screening process. Every application was reviewed, with shortlisted recommendations advanced to the OpenAI Foundation Board for final consideration.

This cohort includes organizations that are mission-driven, community-centered, and ready to move. Many have never used AI or are early in their exploration, reflecting the Fund’s goal of supporting trusted local organizations at the front lines of community impact. California nonprofits are well represented, consistent with our commitment to our home state.

A nationwide portfolio

The organizations announced today serve people and communities in every region of the United States, across both rural and urban areas. The portfolio includes national networks advancing news literacy and veteran support, youth-led innovation in the Midwest, faith-based networks in the South, rural capacity-building organizations in California’s Central Valley, Native-led media and STEM education programs in the Southwest.

Examples are highlighted below:

• Digital NEST⁠(CA): A workforce development nonprofit helping youth in agricultural communities thrive in today’s digital economy through career exploration, mentorship, training, and paid work experience.
• Be Loud Studios⁠(LA): Amplifies the voices of young people through radio and digital media and is exploring how to elevate youth perspectives in conversations around AI and mental health.
• Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement⁠(DE): Champions Delaware’s nonprofit sector by providing tools, knowledge, and connections that nonprofits need to strengthen their organizations and expand their impact.
• Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement⁠(TX): Empowers underserved, low-income students and working adults to achieve economic mobility through comprehensive case management, wrap-around financial assistance, career navigation, and strong employer partnerships. VIDA is expanding access to AI and technology training programs to equip communities with the skills needed to thrive in the future workforce.
• Rural Opportunity Institute⁠(NC): Builds the capacity of rural communities to support youth well-being, including helping school districts use existing public funding to expand on-site mental health services.
• Springboard to Opportunities⁠(MS): Supports residents of federally subsidized housing as they pursue their goals in school, work, and life. Created the first and longest-running guaranteed income initiative in the United States and is now exploring how AI impacts the communities they serve.
• Arc of Madison County ⁠(AL): Serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, and is exploring how AI can support specialized education and career pathways for neurodivergent learners.
• Healthy Archuleta⁠(CO): Works to improve food and healthcare systems in a rural community to strengthen access, equity, and community wellbeing, strategically capturing learning that can be shared with other rural communities. The organization is exploring how AI can strengthen initiatives like the Community Food Hub, which connects local food producers, consumers, and entrepreneurs through a centrally located food hall.
• Camai Community Health Center⁠(AK): Federally Qualified Health Center exploring how AI can improve primary care and community health services for remote Alaskan communities.
• Tribal Education Departments National Assembly⁠(OK): Native-run nonprofit that supports Tribal Education Departments and is running AI literacy programs to help strengthen tribal sovereignty.
• 3 Dots Downtown⁠(PA): Local arts and community center exploring workshops and programs around AI literacy, art, and professional development.
• Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation⁠(MT): Helps post-9/11 combat veterans rediscover purpose, connection, and healing through transformative, nature-based experiences.
• Ephrata Public Library⁠(PA): Independent, nonprofit public library that offers digital literacy and workforce development programs.
• STEM From Dance⁠(CA, FL, IL, MA, NY, NC, TX):…