AI for Economic Opportunity Fund Launches Third Annual Call for Applicants
September 22, 2025 – GitLab Foundation, in partnership with OpenAI, is launching the third round of the AI for Economic Opportunity Fund. We seek bold projects that harness artificial intelligence to transform the systems that shape economic opportunity.
In just two years, the Fund has reviewed more than 650 applications and awarded 27 grants to organizations using AI to unlock benefits, deliver personalized career guidance, modernize workforce systems and expand access to education and employment. See highlights of recent progress from past grantees here.
In this round, we’re inviting bold proposals that show how AI can meaningfully transform the systems that shape economic opportunity. We welcome both transformative approaches and incremental applications, provided they hold the potential to drive lasting, meaningful change.
Selected grantees will receive:
$250,000 in catalytic funding to prototype solutions and demonstrate progress.
Six months of cohort-based technical support from OpenAI engineers and other experts.
API credits and access to a network of leading practitioners and funders advancing AI for economic mobility.
Eligibility for additional capital to scale their projects.
Once projects are confirmed, they will enter a demonstration phase led by GitLab Foundation. Awardees will receive technical mentorship and resources from OpenAI, along with eligibility for funding from a number of partner philanthropies to help scale the highest-potential projects. Additional partners are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months.
Concept notes are due Friday, October 31, at 5 p.m. ET. Apply here.
As the Fund grows and matures, each round builds on the last — with future opportunities expected to expand into more focused thesis areas, systems and partnerships. Funders interested in shaping a future round tailored to their AI strategy are encouraged to contact us.
Learn more about the timeline and how to submit your application in our FAQ, and register for one of our upcoming AMA Applicant Orientation calls on October 10 or October 14, both at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET.
