Request for Applications: Generative AI Training for Workers

Deadline: 15-Jul-2026

Sur Futuro is inviting proposals to design and implement a pilot training program on generative artificial intelligence (AI) for disadvantaged workers across Latin America and the Caribbean under the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) FutureWORKS initiative. One selected project will receive up to CAD 48,000 for a 12-month project that develops practical AI skills, improves employability, and promotes inclusive access to emerging technologies.

About the Sur Futuro Generative AI Training Call

The Sur Futuro Call for Proposals aims to expand access to digital skills and future employment opportunities by supporting the design and implementation of specialized training programs in generative artificial intelligence (AI).

The initiative responds to rapid technological, climate, and demographic changes that are transforming labor markets across Latin America and the Caribbean. By combining research, technical cooperation, and collaborative action, Sur Futuro seeks to help disadvantaged workers acquire practical AI skills that increase productivity, strengthen employability, and encourage responsible use of emerging technologies.

The programme is implemented as part of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) FutureWORKS initiative.

Funding Information

The programme will support one selected project.

Funding includes:

• Maximum grant: CAD 48,000
• Project duration: Up to 12 months
• Funding covers the design, pilot implementation, evaluation, and refinement of the training programme.

Programme Objective

The primary objective is to fund the design and implementation of a pilot training programme that enables disadvantaged workers to:

• Learn practical applications of generative AI.
• Integrate AI tools into daily work activities.
• Improve productivity and efficiency.
• Strengthen employability in evolving labor markets.
• Use AI tools responsibly, independently, and critically.
• Develop long-term digital skills for the future of work.

Priority Target Populations

Every proposal must focus on at least one of the following vulnerable groups.

Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Workers

Training programmes may help small business owners and independent workers use generative AI for:

• Business management
• Customer communication
• Marketing
• Administration
• Sales
• Logistics
• Financial documentation
• Productivity improvement

Skilled Trades Workers

Eligible beneficiaries include:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Carpenters
• Construction workers
• Other skilled trades professionals

Training should demonstrate how AI can simplify business operations, scheduling, customer service, and administrative tasks.

Unemployed Individuals at Risk of Exclusion

Projects may support people affected by technological, climate, or demographic transitions by helping them develop AI skills that improve employability and access to emerging occupations.

Youth

Training programmes should help young people strengthen AI literacy, digital competencies, workplace readiness, and future career opportunities.

Women and LGBTQI+ Communities

Projects should improve access to AI knowledge for women and gender-diverse individuals while promoting economic participation, digital inclusion, and equal employment opportunities.

Required Programme Components

Every proposal should include:

• Practical training on generative AI.
• Hands-on learning activities.
• Content adapted to the selected target population.
• Responsible and critical use of AI tools.
• Gender-responsive or gender-transformative approaches.
• Real-world workplace applications.
• Pilot implementation with actual participants.
• Evaluation and documentation of lessons learned.
• Recommendations for future scaling.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible lead applicants include:

• Non-profit organisations.
• Private institutions with legal status.
• Organisations legally established in a Latin American or Caribbean country.
• Institutions capable of managing grants and implementing projects independently.

Consortium Eligibility

Applications may include consortium partners.

Important conditions include:

• The lead applicant remains solely responsible for legal, financial, and administrative management.
• Government institutions may participate only as consortium members.
• Multilateral organisations may participate only as consortium members.
• Each organisation may submit only one proposal as the lead applicant.
• Organisations may participate as consortium partners in multiple proposals.

Project Team Requirements

The proposed team should demonstrate expertise in:

• Needs assessment and community engagement.
• Generative AI and practical AI applications.
• Curriculum development.
• Adult learning methodologies.
• Training programme implementation.
• Monitoring and evaluation.

Teams should also avoid single-gender composition and demonstrate diverse expertise.

Pilot Training Requirements

Every proposal must include at least one pilot training cohort.

The pilot should:

• Deliver the complete training programme.
• Include real participants from the selected target population.
• Test the training methodology.
• Validate learning materials.
• Evaluate participant outcomes.
• Document lessons learned.
• Generate recommendations for programme improvement and future expansion.

Why This Funding Matters

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence are transforming employment across Latin America and the Caribbean.

This initiative helps disadvantaged workers prepare for these changes by:

• Improving digital literacy.
• Building AI competencies.
• Supporting workforce inclusion.
• Increasing productivity.
• Enhancing employability.
• Promoting responsible AI adoption.
• Reducing barriers faced by vulnerable populations.
• Supporting inclusive economic development.

How to Apply

Review the Call for Proposals

Carefully study the funding guidelines, eligibility requirements, project objectives, and proposal instructions before developing your application.

Identify Your Target Population

Select at least one eligible beneficiary group and conduct a needs assessment to understand their training requirements.

Design the Training Programme

Develop a practical curriculum that includes:

• Generative AI fundamentals.
• Real-world workplace applications.
• Responsible and ethical AI use.
• Hands-on exercises.
• Gender-responsive learning approaches.
• Monitoring and evaluation methods.

Develop the Pilot Implementation Plan

Prepare a detailed implementation strategy covering:

• Participant recruitment.
• Training schedule.
• Learning methodology.
• Pilot delivery.
• Evaluation framework.
• Documentation of outcomes.

Build Your Project Team

Assemble a multidisciplinary team with expertise in AI, training design, community engagement, project management, and evaluation.

Prepare and Submit the Proposal

Complete the proposal with all required documentation, implementation plans, timelines, budget, and supporting information before the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

• Clearly define the target population.
• Demonstrate knowledge of labor market challenges.
• Include practical AI training activities.
• Show measurable learning outcomes.
• Integrate responsible AI practices.
• Include gender-responsive approaches.
• Present a realistic implementation timeline.
• Develop a clear evaluation strategy.
• Demonstrate organisational capacity and relevant experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

• Targeting ineligible beneficiary groups.
• Submitting proposals without a pilot component.
• Failing to include practical AI training.
• Ignoring gender-responsive requirements.
• Providing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Demonstrating insufficient technical expertise.
• Omitting monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Submitting incomplete documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Sur Futuro Call for Proposals?

It is a funding opportunity supporting the design and implementation of pilot training programmes that teach disadvantaged workers practical generative AI skills across Latin America and the Caribbean.

2. How much funding is available?

One selected project may receive up to CAD 48,000.

3. How long can the project last?

Projects may run for a maximum of 12 months, including pilot implementation, evaluation, and programme refinement.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible lead applicants include legally established non-profit organisations and private institutions based in Latin America or the Caribbean. Government entities and multilateral organisations may participate only as consortium members.

5. Which groups should the training programme target?

Projects must focus on at least one eligible group, including entrepreneurs, self-employed workers, skilled trades workers, unemployed individuals at risk of exclusion, youth, women, or LGBTQI+ communities.

6. Is a pilot training programme mandatory?

Yes. Every proposal must include at least one pilot cohort that tests the training programme with real participants and documents lessons for future scaling.

7. What makes a competitive proposal?

Strong proposals clearly identify the target population, provide practical AI training, include gender-responsive approaches, demonstrate organisational expertise, present measurable outcomes, and include a robust evaluation plan.

Conclusion

The Sur Futuro Generative AI Training Call for Proposals offers a significant opportunity for organisations across Latin America and the Caribbean to develop innovative AI training programmes that improve employability, digital inclusion, and workforce resilience. With funding of up to CAD 48,000 over 12 months, the initiative supports practical, inclusive, and scalable training solutions that help disadvantaged workers adapt to the future of work while promoting responsible and equitable adoption of generative artificial intelligence.

For more information, visit Sur Futuro.