Entries open: GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund ($250,000)
Entries are now open for the GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund ($250,000 Seed Funding + Technical Support).
The **AI for Economic Opportunity Demonstration and Scaling Fund**, an ambitious initiative of the **[GitLab Foundation](https://about.gitlabfoundation.org/)**, continues to champion the power of artificial intelligence in driving economic mobility and inclusion across the globe. Launched to accelerate innovative AI-driven solutions that open access to education, employment, and sustainable income, the Fund serves as a catalyst for organizations working to create equitable and transformative opportunities for underserved populations.
Now in its **third year**, the Fund builds on two previous rounds of remarkable success, where over **650 proposals** were rigorously reviewed and **27 pioneering organizations** were awarded grants to design and implement AI solutions for workforce development, benefits distribution, and personalized career guidance. In its **2025 round**, the Fund seeks to identify bold, practical, and scalable applications of AI that can reshape entire systems—bridging the gap between technology and inclusive economic growth.
The **GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund** welcomes forward-thinking projects that creatively address barriers to economic participation. Eligible initiatives may include AI applications that revolutionize the delivery of workforce or social services, create adaptive learning platforms that personalize education to meet individual needs, streamline benefit access, or develop intelligent systems that connect people to jobs, income opportunities, and skills training. These projects should demonstrate not only technical innovation but also a clear potential for long-term societal impact.
Selected organizations will receive **$250,000 in seed funding** to build, test, and demonstrate their AI-powered prototypes. In addition, recipients will benefit from **six months of intensive technical support** from **OpenAI engineers and advisors**, access to **API credits**, and inclusion in a vibrant **learning network of practitioners and funders**. Successful projects will also qualify for **additional scaling capital** from partner funders and have the opportunity to present their innovations at the **Demo Day scheduled for August/September 2026**.
To ensure diversity and collaboration, **nonprofit organizations** are the primary applicants, although partnerships between nonprofits, **for-profit startups**, and **technology experts** are highly encouraged. **Social enterprises** that align with the Fund’s mission may also be considered, particularly when they work in collaboration with a nonprofit or through a **fiscal sponsorship arrangement**.
Beyond funding, the initiative is rooted in a deeper vision: technology should serve humanity. The Fund is not merely about advancing AI—it’s about **empowering individuals and communities** by transforming economic systems into engines of fairness, access, and resilience. Through this program, the GitLab Foundation is building a global movement that uses artificial intelligence to close opportunity gaps, modernize economic infrastructures, and help millions achieve lasting financial stability and meaningful career progression.
To strengthen your application, ensure that your proposal clearly defines a pressing problem and measurable outcomes, demonstrates how AI is central to your solution, and showcases your team’s capacity to deliver within a six-month timeline. Applications with potential for **systemic impact, scalability, and sustainability** will stand out during the selection process.
**Application Details:**
• **Deadline:** October 31, 2025
• **Number of Proposals:** Up to three per organization
• **Submission:** Through the official online application form
For comprehensive guidelines, eligibility details, and to begin your application, visit the **[AI for Economic Opportunity Fund page] https://www.gitlabfoundation.org/futureofwork**.
