African grassroots organisations from Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and South Africa are among the first beneficiaries of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a new global initiative aimed at expanding access to education, literacy and football opportunities for children in underserved communities worldwide.
The joint initiative by FIFA and Global Citizen announced that 27 community-based organisations across 10 countries will receive grants ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000 to support education and football programmes targeted at vulnerable children and youth.
The seven African organisations selected in the inaugural cohort include the Emmanuel Development Association in Ethiopia, the Antonio Rudiger Foundation in Sierra Leone, Autisme Rwanda in Rwanda, and South African organisations Eduplex NPC, Eland School, Knysna Education Trust and Skateistan.
The initiative, launched in 2025 by FIFA and Global Citizen, aims to raise USD 100 million by the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to improve educational and sporting opportunities for children globally. According to the organisers, more than USD 30 million has already been raised through contributions from philanthropic foundations, corporations, individual donors and proceeds linked to major sporting and entertainment events, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
The latest funding round highlights the growing recognition of sport — particularly football — as a tool for social development, youth empowerment and community transformation across Africa and other underserved regions.
The first cohort of grantees was selected from more than 3,500 applications submitted worldwide through what organisers described as a rigorous multi-stage screening and due diligence process coordinated by Foundation Source and Global Citizen.
According to FIFA, the selected organisations collectively support thousands of children living in communities where fewer than 15 per cent of students complete secondary education and poverty rates exceed 60 per cent.
Gianni Infantino said the initiative demonstrates football’s ability to create long-term social impact beyond the pitch.
“Football has the power to unite, inspire and create lasting change, and through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund we are putting that power into action to invest in the future of children around the world,” Infantino said.
“These organisations are doing extraordinary work, often in the most challenging environments, to ensure children have access to education and the life skills that football provides.”
Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans described access to education as both “life-changing” and “life-saving” for children growing up in extreme poverty.
He noted that the impact of the fund extends beyond classrooms and football fields into broader community development, helping to break cycles of poverty and improve long-term quality of life.
Founding donors to the initiative include Bank of America, alongside proceeds from FIFA competitions and digital collectibles. The advisory board also features prominent global figures including actor Hugh Jackman, singer The Weeknd, Colombian music star Shakira, tennis legend Serena Williams and Brazilian football icon Kaká.
Half of all funds raised under the initiative will be channelled into FIFA’s Football for Schools programme, which combines football activities with life skills and learning development for children around the world.
Applications are now open to organisations providing education and sport opportunities in underserved communities globally.
First FIFA Global Citizen Fund Grant Recipients
Africa
- Emmanuel Development Association
- Antonio Rudiger Foundation
- Autisme Rwanda
- Eduplex NPC
- Eland School
- Knysna Education Trust
- Skateistan
Asia
- SDGs Promise Japan
- Ubuntu FS
North America
- Canada Scores
- Grand River Friendship Society
- Ignite Durham
- MLSE Foundation Toronto
- YMCA Mexico
- Beyond Soccer
- Hit the Books
- Field of Dreams Academy
- Our Bright Future
- Scientiae
- School on Wheels
- SMILE Mass
- Spark Wheel
- Street Soccer USA
South America
- Instituto Rede Tenis
- Fundacion El Origen
- Fundacion Karis
- Fundacion Tiempo de Juego
