A major technology foundation is distributing funding to nonprofit organizations across the United States this year.
According to a press release, the OpenAI Foundation announced $40.5 million in unrestricted grants to 208 nonprofits across the country. The awards support organizations working in AI literacy and public understanding, community innovation, and economic opportunity.
Some of the grantees include STEM From Dance, which partners with schools, community centers, and youth programs to integrate dance and AI education for young girls of color across several states. Digital NEST in California is a workforce development nonprofit helping youth in agricultural communities gain career skills, mentorship, training, and paid work experience to thrive in the digital economy. 3 Dots Downtown, a community arts center in Pennsylvania, offers programs and workshops focused on AI literacy, art, and professional development. And Amigos Together for Kids in Florida supports parents and families in crisis while providing safe and engaging after-school and summer programs for children.
As previously announced, the OpenAI Foundation grants are part of its People-First AI Fund, which pledged $50 million to organizations serving local needs earlier this year. More than 3,000 organizations applied, and the first $40.5 million will be awarded by the end of the year, notes the press release. The remaining $9.5 million in grants is expected to be announced in the coming months, with a focus on initiatives in health and medicine.
“The People-First AI Fund reflects our commitment to supporting a wide range of organizations advancing work that strengthens neighborhoods and expands opportunity,” said Bret Taylor, chair of the foundation’s board, in a statement.
“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,” he added.
The $40.5 million in grants is a small portion of the foundation’s roughly $130 billion equity stake in OpenAI’s for-profit business, where it holds 26% following a corporate restructuring, CNBC reported in October 2025.
