AI for Economic Opportunity Demonstration and Scaling Fund is a major initiative by the GitLab Foundation that supports organizations using artificial intelligence to advance economic mobility and inclusion.
Now in its third year, the Fund aims to identify and support innovative solutions that use AI to transform how people access education, employment, and income opportunities. Over the past two rounds, more than 650 proposals were reviewed, and 27 organizations received grants to develop AI-driven systems for workforce development, benefit delivery, and personalized career guidance.
About the Fund
The GitLab Foundation AI for Economic Opportunity Fund is seeking bold, creative, and impactful projects that use artificial intelligence to address barriers to economic participation. The 2025 round focuses on demonstrating and scaling practical applications of AI that can reshape systems and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Examples of eligible projects include:
• Using AI to reimagine how workforce or social services are delivered.
• Developing personalized education and training tools that adapt to learner needs.
• Streamlining benefit access or improving administrative efficiency using AI.
• Creating innovative ways to connect people with income, skills, and job opportunities.
Grant Benefits
Selected organizations will receive:
• $250,000 in seed funding to prototype and demonstrate their projects.
• Six months of hands-on technical support from OpenAI engineers and advisors.
• API credits and access to a learning network of practitioners and funders.
• Eligibility for additional scaling capital from partner funders.
• An opportunity to showcase their work during the Demo Day scheduled for August/September 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be nonprofit organizations (projects can operate globally).
• Partnerships between nonprofits, for-profit startups, or tech experts are encouraged.
• For-profit social enterprises may be considered if aligned with the Fund’s mission, preferably with a fiscal sponsor or nonprofit partner.
Why It Matters
The Fund is not just about technology, it’s about creating equitable systems that empower individuals and communities. By supporting AI-driven innovation, the GitLab Foundation aims to close opportunity gaps, modernize economic infrastructure, and build solutions that help millions achieve financial stability and career growth.
Tips for a Strong Application
• Present a clear problem statement with measurable impact goals.
• Highlight how AI is central to your proposed solution.
• Demonstrate your organization’s capacity to execute within six months.
• Show potential for scalability, sustainability, and systemic change.
Application Details
• Deadline: October 31, 2025.
• Applicants may submit up to three proposals.
• Applications should be submitted through the official online form.
