Apply for Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge

The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge is a global funding initiative by data.org, in collaboration with Zoom, supporting AI-powered solutions that expand economic opportunity, strengthen workforce resilience, and build climate-ready communities. At least five winning projects will receive USD 115,000 in grant funding plus in-kind technical and capacity-building support to scale AI for social impact.

The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge is a global call for innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) that empower people, organizations, and communities while unlocking inclusive economic growth. The challenge prioritizes solutions that combine data, AI, and social good to build a resilient, future-ready economy.

Program Overview

Launched by data.org in collaboration with Zoom, this challenge supports projects that apply AI responsibly to address workforce transformation, economic resilience, and climate adaptation. All funded projects must demonstrate a clear charitable purpose and measurable public benefit.

Core Objectives

The challenge focuses on three interconnected goals:

• AI workforce development and organizational capacity building

• Creation of future-ready jobs using data and AI

• Climate-resilient and green economy solutions

What the Challenge Supports

Priority Focus Areas

Eligible projects may address one or more of the following:

• AI-enabled workforce training and upskilling

• Data-driven job creation and economic inclusion

• Organizational capacity building using AI

• Climate resilience and green economy innovation

• Community-level economic empowerment through AI

Projects should demonstrate how AI creates meaningful social impact while strengthening long-term economic opportunity.

Funding and Support Offered

Award Structure

The challenge will select at least five final winners.

Each awardee receives:

• USD 115,000 in grant funding

• In-kind support, which may include:

  • Data science and AI expertise

  • Technical consulting and staff training

  • Software and infrastructure licenses

  • Media production and marketing support

  • Communications and promotional outreach

All awards are governed by a formal grant agreement with data.org.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicant Types

The challenge is open globally to:

• Nonprofit organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Government agencies

• Universities and research institutions

Charitable Purpose Requirement

All projects must:

• Serve a charitable purpose under Section 501(c)(3) standards

• Deliver broad public benefit

• Avoid more than incidental private or financial gain

Why This Challenge Matters

AI is reshaping economies, labor markets, and climate responses worldwide. This challenge:

• Accelerates ethical and inclusive AI innovation

• Expands access to future-friendly jobs

• Strengthens economic resilience in vulnerable communities

• Aligns technology development with public good outcomes

By funding practical AI solutions, the initiative bridges innovation and social impact at scale.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register for the Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge

2. Prepare a proposal in English

3. Clearly describe:

   • Social and economic impact

   • AI methodology and use of data

   • Charitable purpose and public benefit

   • Intellectual property ownership or licensing plans

4. Submit the entry before the official deadline

5. Ensure compliance with all challenge rules and content standards

Submission Limits

• Most organizations may submit one entry

• Large institutions (e.g., universities, fiscal sponsors) may submit multiple distinct entries if:

  • Projects have no overlap in scope

  • Teams are clearly separate

Intellectual Property and Compliance

Applicants must:

• Disclose anticipated ownership, use, or licensing of project IP

• Ensure AI outputs comply with ethical and legal standards

Prohibited Uses of Funds

Challenge awards cannot be used for:

• Political campaigning or election influence

• Lobbying activities

• Illegal or restricted activities under nonprofit law

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to clearly demonstrate charitable purpose

• Submitting overlapping proposals from the same organization

• Omitting intellectual property disclosures

• Proposing projects with primarily commercial or private benefit

• Including prohibited political or advocacy activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding does each winner receive?
Each selected project receives USD 115,000, plus in-kind support.

2. How many projects will be funded?
At least five final winners will be selected.

3. Can for-profit companies apply?
Yes, if the project serves a charitable purpose and delivers public benefit.

4. Are international applicants eligible?
Yes. This is a global challenge.

5. What language must applications be submitted in?
All submissions must be in English.

6. Can organizations submit more than one application?
Generally no, except for large institutions submitting clearly distinct projects.

7. Are political or advocacy projects allowed?
No. Funds may not support political activities, lobbying, or election-related work.

Conclusion

The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge provides funding, expertise, and global visibility to AI-driven projects that expand economic opportunity and social resilience. For organizations using AI to build inclusive, climate-resilient futures, this challenge offers a powerful platform to scale impact responsibly and sustainably.