GrantPartial Funding (€25k-€100k)

OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The OpenAI Youth and Wellbeing Grant is a €500,000 funding program for organizations in EMEA to help young people benefit from AI, supporting NGOs and research organizations working with children, young people, families, or educators, or conducting independent research on AI impa

Provider: OpenAI
Host country: Multiple
Deadline: 27th February 2026
Region: EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa)

Official source

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Grant level, with partial funding (€25k-€100k) funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Grant · applicants for Multiple
Funding: Partial Funding (€25k-€100k)
Study level: Grant
Deadline: 27th February 2026

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must be 18+ and represent an operational NGO, research institution, or coalition. They must work primarily on youth safety, adolescent wellbeing, or AI impacts on minors, or propose work that generates useful evidence or practical tools in these areas. Applicants must have the capacity to deliver work ethically and on time, be willing to share methodology and findings, and engage with the Council of Approvals where required. Organizations must be legally registered in an EMEA country.

About the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries (2026)

## Overview The OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant is a pivotal funding initiative designed by OpenAI to support organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in ensuring that young people can benefit from artificial intelligence in a safe and responsible manner. With a substantial total fund of €500,000, this program aims to foster practical work and independent research that deepens our understanding of what constitutes safe and responsible AI in real-world applications for youth. As AI increasingly integrates into the ways young individuals learn, create, and communicate, the necessity for robust frameworks that guarantee its beneficial and safe application becomes paramount. This grant encourages collaboration among youth organizations, independent researchers, and AI developers to strengthen comprehension of AI's benefits while simultaneously testing and enhancing its safeguards. The program welcomes proposals from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and research institutions that are either directly engaging with children, young people, families, or educators, or are undertaking independent research into how AI influences the safety, wellbeing, and developmental trajectories of minors. ## Benefits Successful applicants to the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant will receive financial support to implement their projects. The total fund allocated for this program is €500,000. While the typical grant size is expected to range between €25,000 and €100,000, multi-year awards may be considered for larger programs or networked partnerships that demonstrate significant scope and impact. The funding is comprehensive, covering reasonable direct and indirect costs, in line with the institutional policies of the recipient organizations. This financial backing is intended to empower organizations to expand their reach, deepen their research, and ultimately make a tangible difference in the lives of young people navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence. ## Eligibility To be considered for the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant, applicants must satisfy a series of stringent criteria: * **Age and Representation:** Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must formally represent an operational NGO, a reputable research institution, or a recognized coalition. * **Focus Area:** The primary focus of the applicant organization's work must revolve around youth safety, adolescent wellbeing, or the impacts of AI on minors. Alternatively, the proposed project must be designed to generate valuable evidence or practical tools within these critical areas. * **Capacity and Ethics:** Applicants must possess the requisite capacity to execute the proposed work ethically and within the stipulated timeframe. A commitment to transparency is essential, including a willingness to share methodologies and findings. Furthermore, engagement with the Council of Approvals will be required where applicable. * **Geographical Presence:** Critically, the applicant organization must be legally registered in an EMEA country (Europe, Middle East, or Africa). Proof of registration may be requested during the evaluation process. ## Required documents Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents to support their application. These include: * **Project Title:** A clear and concise title for the proposed project. * **Detailed Proposal:** A maximum 500-word proposal outlining the project's objectives, methodologies, timeline, key deliverables, and its potential value to policymakers, product teams, or NGOs. * **Detailed Budget and Budget Justification:** A thorough breakdown of all anticipated costs, accompanied by a justification for each expenditure. * **Team CVs and Institutional Affiliation(s):** Curricula Vitae of the key team members involved in the project, along with their respective institutional affiliations. * **Ethics Statement and Data Handling Plan:** (If relevant) A statement detailing the ethical considerations of the project and a plan for responsible data handling. * **Letter(s) of Support or Partnership Confirmation:** (If relevant) Any letters of support or documentation confirming partnerships pertinent to the project. ## Application steps The application process for the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant is streamlined and conducted online: 1. **Preparation:** Gather all required documents, ensuring that they meet the specified criteria and word limits. 2. **Online Form Completion:** Access and complete the dedicated online application form. 3. **Document Upload:** Upload all supporting documents, including the detailed proposal, budget, CVs, and any relevant ethical statements or letters of support. 4. **Submission:** Submit the completed application form and uploaded documents through the official online portal. For any application-related queries, direct contact can be made via email to emea-youth-grants@openai.com. Please note that individual status updates for unselected applications will not be provided. ## Key dates Prospective applicants should mark the following dates on their calendars: * **Applications Open:** 28 January 2026 * **Applications Close:** 27 February 2026 * **Projects Begin:** Q2-Q3 2026 (exact dates to be finalized closer to the official launch). ## Selection criteria Applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation based on the following weighted criteria: * **EMEA Presence (Mandatory):** The organization must be legally registered in an EMEA country. * **Alignment with Program Objectives (High):** The clarity with which the project advances AI youth safety, evaluates safeguards, or generates actionable evidence for policy stakeholders or product teams. * **Impact & Scalability (High):** The probable contribution to measurable improvements in youth wellbeing or safety across priority markets, and the potential to influence policy, practice, or product design. * **Methodological Rigor & Ethical Design (High):** The soundness of research methods, protection of minors protocols, consent processes, and plans for safe data handling. * **Feasibility & Capacity (High):** The operational and research capabilities of the team, the realism of the timeline and budget, and the presence of ethical safeguards and data governance. * **Sustainability & Amplification (Medium):** The project's potential to continue beyond the grant period or to build local capacity. ## Tips For African applicants, this is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the global conversation on AI and youth wellbeing. Here are some tips to strengthen your application: * **Highlight Local Context:** Emphasize how your project addresses unique challenges or opportunities related to AI and youth in your specific African country or region. Localized insights are highly valued. * **Demonstrate Impact:** Clearly articulate the measurable impact your project will have on young people's safety, wellbeing, or development within your community. Quantifiable outcomes and clear beneficiaries will make your proposal stand out. * **Showcase Partnerships:** If applicable, detail any existing partnerships with local schools, community organizations, or government bodies. This demonstrates a strong network and potential for broader reach. * **Ethical Considerations:** Given the sensitive nature of working with youth and AI, explicitly outline your institution's commitment to ethical practices, data privacy, and child protection policies. * **Clearly Define Deliverables:** Ensure your proposal clearly states the expected outputs, such as reports, toolkits, or policy briefs, and how these will be shared and utilized to create wider impact. * **Realistic Budget:** Present a well-justified budget that aligns with the scope of your project and demonstrates efficient use of funds. ## Official source For comprehensive details and to submit your application, please refer to the official program webpage: [https://openai.com/zh-Hans-CN/index/emea-youth-and-wellbeing-grant/](https://openai.com/zh-Hans-CN/index/emea-youth-and-wellbeing-grant/) For direct application submission, please use the following link: [Apply⁠(opens in a new window)](https://openai.smapply.org/prog/emea_youth_wellbeing_grant)

OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries eligibility for Multiple applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must be 18+ and represent an operational NGO, research institution, or coalition. They must work primarily on youth safety, adolescent wellbeing, or AI impacts on minors, or propose work that generates useful evidence or practical tools in these areas. Applicants must have the capacity to deliver work ethically and on time, be willing to share methodology and findings, and engage with the Council of Approvals where required. Organizations must be legally registered in an EMEA country.

Documents required for the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://openai.smapply.org/prog/emea_youth_wellbeing_grant and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must be 18+ and represent an operational NGO, research institution, or coalition. They must work primarily on youth safety, adolescent wellbeing, or AI impacts on minors, or propose work that generates useful …". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://openai.smapply.org/prog/emea_youth_wellbeing_grant, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by 27th February 2026 (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, OpenAI will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.

Last checked 5/21/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Grant level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by OpenAI, and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries fully funded?+

Funding model: Partial Funding (€25k-€100k). Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is 27th February 2026. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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