The FIFA Global Citizen’s Education Fund 2025 is taking applications from communities and grassroots organizations that aim to improve access to high-quality educational and sporting opportunities for youngsters living in regions that are not well-served.
The initiative is global, launched in partnership with FIFA along with the Global Citizen Education Fund, and seeks to support local organizations using sports as a method to promote inclusion, education, and development of children. It funds projects that assist children in developing, learning, and growing by implementing innovative, community-driven programs.
Deadline: December 31, 2025
About the Fund
The Global Citizen’s Education Fund was created to help promote an equitable education system through innovative, sport-based programs. Together with FIFA, the fund is aiming to capitalize on the power of sport and football to produce positive outcomes for education, especially in regions that are facing the challenges of learning in a systemic way.
This funding opportunity is in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 and SDG 10)—ensuring an inclusive, high-quality education as well as decreasing inequalities through engagement with the grassroots.
The fund is open to applications from groups that are committed to improving education through sports and creating learning environments that are more conducive to learning and helping children develop confidence in teamwork, as well as life capabilities.
Objectives
The 2025 cycle of the FIFA Global Citizen’s Education Fund concentrates on projects that
- Integrate education and sports to build academic and life skills.
- Encourage children and young people to participate in gender-equitable and inclusive sports programs that are gender-equitable and inclusive.
- Access to community-based top-quality educational opportunities.
- Create secure, enjoyable, and learning spaces for children living in communities with a low level of education.
- Facilitate collaboration between coaches, schools, and teachers to increase the quality of education.
Through combining the global reach of football with education-based innovation This initiative is designed to make sure that every child has the chance to learn in a respectful manner and be a player with intent.
Funding Details
The FIFA Global Citizen’s Education Fund offers substantial financial support to qualifying organizations:
| Funding Range (USD) | Duration | Funding Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 – $250,000 | 1 year | To expand education and sport-based programs for children |
Key Funding Conditions
- The amount requested cannot exceed 50 percent of the company’s total annual operational budget.
- There is only 1 application for each company permitted.
- The projects are required to be executed in the first 12 months of the funding.
- Funds are used to pay for direct program expenses as well as equipment and training as well as operational support linked to sport and education.
- Grantees will be granted money prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle to ensure that projects are completed on time.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the program applicants, they must satisfy the following criteria:
- You must be a legally recognized non-profit, a registered NGO, or a community-based group operating at a local or regional level.
- Have a proven track record in the field of education or in sports-related programs that cater to children.
- Participate in areas of low or no service in which barriers to education or access to sports are significant.
- Make sure you have an annual operating budget that is aligned with the required funding ratio.
- Be competent to provide measurable results that include inclusion, educational participation, and engagement with the community.
- Be sure to have a proper governance system, financial management, and child safety policies in place.
How to Apply
The organizations that qualify must follow these steps to apply:
- Make a comprehensive proposal (max 10 pages) that outlines the objectives, beneficiaries, and the expected results.
- Include the financial breakdown detailing how the grant (USD 50 to 50,000) will be utilized.
- Offer documentation for the organization, such as registration certificates as well as a governance structure. audited accounts.
- Fill out your online application via the Official Global Citizen Education Fund portal.
- Complete the application by December 31, 2025.
The successful applicants will be informed in the beginning of 2026. They will be notified and receive their funds in advance of the World Cup year to align with global outreach initiatives.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be rated by a combination of:
- Usefulness to sport-related and education learning results.
- Potential impact on the education of children as well as their well-being and development of the community.
- The future of HTML0 and the use of sports as a tool for learning.
- Sustainable and scalable project.
- Capacity for governance as well as accountability for the company.
The most effective proposals will provide tangible benefits for children, specifically in remote or disadvantaged communities.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Call for Applications Opens | Ongoing |
| Submission Deadline | 31 December 2025 |
| Evaluation Period | January – March 2026 |
| Announcement of Grantees | April 2026 |
| Funding Disbursement | May 2026 |
| Project Implementation | June 2026 – May 2027 |
Expected Impact
The FIFA Global Citizen’s Education Fund seeks to effect sustainable change by:
- Access to education by incorporating sport-based learning into.
- Reducing educational disparities among children in low-income communities.
- Promoting inclusion and teamwork as well as leadership through sport and play.
- Enabling organizations to grow locally based solutions with support from the global.
The fund connects its beneficiaries to a worldwide network of influencers to improve the sharing of knowledge and collaboration across different regions.
Why It Matters for Africa and Nigeria
Africa’s rapidly growing population of youth has challenges accessing high-quality education as well as organized sports programs. This fund provides a unique possibility for Nigerian organizations, schools, and youth-focused groups to:
- Create programs based on football and education for rural communities.
- Encourage girls and young people to participate in the sport of inclusion.
- Enhance partnerships between community schools and sports clubs.
- Get global recognition and guidance prior to 2026’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Organizations that combine learning, creativity, and play can make use of this money to change the way children learn, develop, and become connected across the community.
Summary Table
| Fund Name | FIFA Global Citizen’s Education Fund 2025 |
|---|---|
| Funding Range | USD 50,000 – 250,000 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Eligible Applicants | NGOs, non-profits, and community-based organizations |
| Focus Areas | Education, sport, inclusion, child development |
| Deadline | 31 December 2025 |
| Geographic Scope | Global (priority for underserved regions) |
| Funding Limit | Cannot exceed 50% of annual operating budget |
| Disbursement Period | Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this fund?
Any registered NGO, non-profit, or community-based organization working in education and sports for children.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Grants range from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000, depending on project scale.
3. Can an organization submit multiple proposals?
No, only one application per organization is permitted.
4. How long is the project period?
Projects must be completed within one year of receiving the grant.
5. What does “sport as an educational tool” mean?
Using sports like football to teach values, skills, and academic lessons that promote development.
6. Are schools eligible to apply?
Yes, if they are legally registered and implement community-based education projects.
7. Can Nigerian NGOs apply?
Yes. Nigerian and other African organizations are encouraged to apply.
8. What percentage of the budget can the grant cover?
The grant cannot exceed 50% of your organization’s annual operating budget.
9. When will results be announced?
Winners will be announced by April 2026.
10. Is there a reporting requirement?
Yes, grantees must submit mid-term and final reports detailing impact and financial use.
Conclusion
The FIFA Global Citizen’s Education Fund 2025 is a powerful way for local organizations to utilize sports as a tool for empowerment, education, and social changes. By funding innovative initiatives that link learning and playing, this program reinforces the idea that every child should have the chance to develop, learn, and imagine.
To African or Nigerian NGOs, this is a great chance to join an international network of changemakers dedicated to improving education through community involvement and football.