The People‑First AI Fund is a program from the OpenAI Foundation granting $40.5 million in unrestricted funds to 208 American nonprofits. It focuses on community‑oriented projects that enhance AI understanding, strengthen community life, and boost economic opportunities, with funds distributed by year‑end followed by a second phase of Board‑directed grants.

Why OpenAI introduced a People‑First fund

The OpenAI Foundation established a straightforward mission: prioritize communities first, technology second. Instead of dictating programs, the Fund supports local organizations that already grasp their communities’ needs—and then steps back, providing unrestricted backing. This approach leads to quicker implementation, minimizes administrative burdens, and results in solutions that differ from one town to another.

What makes OpenAI's approach unique

• Designed for flexibility: Grants give local leaders the freedom to determine whether funds go towards childcare, laptops, or a community space.

• Diversity over size: 208 small to mid‑sized nonprofits across the U.S., including libraries, workforce groups, and local media outlets.

• Commitment: Funding is quickly distributed, with a second wave directed by the Board to extend reach.

“Maya and the Library Lab”

Maya manages a library in the Midwest. For years, she envisioned evening classes to help shift‑workers acquire safe, productive AI skills—like fact-checking, resume writing, and using accessibility tools. Budget constraints and grant bureaucracy kept delaying the initiative.

When the People‑First AI Fund became available, it didn’t dictate a curriculum or require additional staff. Instead, it offered unrestricted support. Within days, Maya extended library hours, hired two reliable part‑time tutors, and allocated funds for childcare and bus passes. The library collaborated to create a four‑week “AI & Everyday Life” series with local parents and a veterans’ group. By the second group, graduates were co‑teaching. One attendee used screen‑reading software to apply for a previously inaccessible job; another negotiated a shift change guided by a plan drafted in class.

This is the vision OpenAI is betting on: empower those who already know what’s effective. The Fund evaluates success by simplified lives and opened opportunities, not just counted outputs.

The grantmaking strategy

• Listen first: OpenAI engaged with practitioners to identify obstacles—time, trust, and small yet crucial costs.

• Support essentials: Minor expenses (transport, childcare, accessibility software) can significantly increase participation.

• Share learning: Grantees are encouraged to publish practical curricula and templates, enabling others to adapt successful strategies.

Initial impact signs

• Improved access: more students from underserved communities can participate due to supportive measures.

• New skills acquired: practical AI understanding—prompts, fact-checking, bias awareness, accessibility features, job search applications.

• Enhanced civic life: local newsrooms, libraries, and community centers offering AI-supported services.

• Increased opportunities: learners report interviews, certifications, or job changes supported by newfound skills.

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FAQs

What is the People‑First AI Fund?
An OpenAI Foundation grant program supporting community‑focused, people‑centric AI projects.

How many grantees are involved?
208 nonprofits in the first group.

How much funding is available?
$40.5 million in unrestricted funds for the first wave, with a second wave planned.

Who manages the fund?
The OpenAI Foundation.

Which projects are prioritized?
AI literacy & public understanding, strengthening community life, and expanding economic opportunities.

Are funds tied to specific uses?
No—grants are unrestricted, allowing organizations to deploy resources where most impactful.