Apply Now for Google.org AI Opportunity Fund – Europe

Deadline: 28-Jun-24

The Centre for Public Impact, with support from Google.org, is seeking applications for the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund to support European organizations (i.e. non-profits, municipalities, social enterprises and civil society organizations including labor unions and professional membership bodies) to acquire foundational AI skills training for underserved workers who face significant exposure to AI in their professions.

AI skills training will empower underserved workers to adapt to evolving demands in the job market by enhancing their confidence, motivation and proficiency in using AI tools, thereby increasing their employability and expanding equality of opportunity. The AI skills training draws on already developed and widely acknowledged curricula and will either be delivered by the organization itself or through training partners, provided by the Program. By complementing Training with Funding, the AI Opportunity Fund ensures that organizations can eliminate financial and access barriers experienced by underserved workers.

The Open Call is directed at organizations with relationships to underserved communities and workers disproportionately affected by the impact of AI. These communities include workers who face systemic barriers to securing and retaining high quality employment such as women, racially minoritized people, disabled people, working class and rural communities. Additionally, the Open Call targets workers in roles and sectors susceptible to AI-driven changes, whether through job task substitution or augmentation. The Open Call aims to provide support and resources to help underserved workers navigate and adapt to the evolving landscape of work shaped by AI technologies.

How it works

• The AI Opportunity Fund is an AI skilling initiative designed to equip workers, especially those who need more support to upskill themselves, with the foundational AI knowledge and tools needed for long-term positive professional outcomes.
• A wide range of organizations that reach those workers can apply for support, including trade unions and trade bodies, municipalities, nonprofits, and professional associations.
• Successful applicants will receive comprehensive training based on Google and external AI courses, cash support, and the option for additional tailored support to facilitate training.

Benefits

• Guidance and Support
  • Successful applicants will receive expert guidance and support to ensure the effective implementation of AI training programs, and maximize impact for workers.
• Tailored Training Programs
  • Access tailor-made training programs, crafted to meet the needs of workers seeking to adapt and thrive in an AI-influenced job market.
• Financial Assistance
  • Gain access to essential financial support to enable workers to fully engage in and successfully complete the training programs. Funding up to EUR 100.000, tailored to the needs of their beneficiaries that will enable them to access the training. This could include travel expenses, stipends for learners, childcare costs, subsidized internet access, or venue hire and equipment to facilitate workshops.
• Networking and Collaboration
  • Join an international network of organizations dedicated to supporting workers and driving positive change. Collaborate and share best practices to amplify the impact of your initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

• The submitter of the Application must be an authorized representative of your Organization
• Your Organization must have a registered office in one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, or the United Kingdom.
  • Organizations must not be based or registered in the following Ukrainian territories: Crimea, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (“DNR”), and the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic (“LNR”)
  • Participating organizations must not be (i) resident of a US embargoed country, (ii) ordinarily resident in a US embargoed country, or (iii) otherwise prohibited by applicable export controls and sanctions programs from participating in the Opportunity.
• Organizations must be a not-for-profit and/or public interest organization or social enterprise such as, but not exclusive to, trade unions and trade bodies, municipalities, nonprofits and professional associations formed under the laws of your country;
• Organizations must be committed to life-long learning and have a mission to support workers as part of your organization’s core activities. This could include: facilitating access to tailored training programs, supporting workers’ pursuit of formal education and certifications, encouraging engagement with e-learning resources, encouraging attendance at professional development events, and offering mentorship opportunities;
• Decisions on eligibility will be taken by the Centre for Public Impact based on information provided by Applicants. Further information may be requested from Applicants to assist this decision. It is the responsibility of Applicants to provide true and accurate information about their organization if requested. All decisions regarding eligibility are final and not subject to challenge.
• Organizations must not discriminate against any person or group of people in either hiring/employment practices or in the administration of programs, services, and Training, including (but not limited to) on the basis of ethnic belonging, race, sexual orientation or gender identity. Crucially, Applicants are expected to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization and programs, both encouraging the strong participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive environment, thereby enriching the overall learning experience and strengthening the community around AI skills.

For more information, visit Centre For Public Impact.