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: Expected February 28, 2027 (annual cycle)
Region: EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa)

Official source Track this application

Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: The program will offer funding to NGOs and research organisations that are working directly with children, young people, families or educators; or producing independent research on how AI affects young people’s safety, wellbeing and development.
Funding: Partial Funding (€25k-€100k)
Study level: Grant
Deadline: Expected February 28, 2027 (annual cycle)

Key eligibility criteria

The program will offer funding to NGOs and research organisations that are working directly with children, young people, families or educators; or producing independent research on how AI affects young people’s safety, wellbeing and development.

Recorded funding information

Partial Funding (€25k-€100k)

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)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Partial Funding (€25k-€100k)

OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries eligibility

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

The program will offer funding to NGOs and research organisations that are working directly with children, young people, families or educators; or producing independent research on how AI affects young people’s safety, wellbeing and development.

OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

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

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://openai.com/index/emea-youth-and-wellbeing-grant/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: The program will offer funding to NGOs and research organisations that are working directly with children, young people, families or educators; or producing independent research on how AI affects young people’s safety, wellbeing and development.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Expected February 28, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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

Provider deadline information: Expected February 28, 2027 (annual cycle). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Expected February 28, 2027 (annual cycle)
Provider deadline information: Expected February 28, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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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?+

The program will offer funding to NGOs and research organisations that are working directly with children, young people, families or educators; or producing independent research on how AI affects young people’s safety, wellbeing and development.

What funding does the OpenAI Youth and WellBeing Grant for EMEA Countries offer?+

Listed funding: Partial Funding (€25k-€100k). Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Expected February 28, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://openai.com/index/emea-youth-and-wellbeing-grant/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: The program will offer funding to NGOs and research organisations that are working directly with children, young people, families or educators; or producing independent research on how AI affects young people’s safety, wellbeing and development.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Expected February 28, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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