The K-12 AI Infrastructure Program is a grant from Digital Promise and its partners that funds the development of open-license public goods—including datasets, benchmarks, and models—designed to support AI applications in K-12 education. The program awards grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for project periods of 6 to 12 months. This funding cycle focuses on two tracks: Track 1 for proof-of-concept projects and Track 2 for enhancing existing assets, with a particular emphasis on enabling strong formative assessment practices through AI. Proposals should operationalize learning science constructs and center populations furthest from opportunity through Targeted Universalism. Core partners include Learning Data Insights, DrivenData, Georgetown University's Massive Data Institute, and Catalyst at Penn GSE. The application deadline was March 8, 2026.

The NIFA AFRI Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences program funds projects that integrate AI education into K-12 food and agricultural science curricula. Part of the larger $445.2 million AFRI initiative under the Education and Workforce Development NOFO ($39.7 million), this program specifically addresses the need for AI literacy and workforce development in the agricultural sector. Awards of $1-2 million support projects that develop AI-enhanced educational resources, teacher training programs, and student engagement initiatives focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and agriculture. The program code is A9231 and represents NIFA's emerging focus on AI integration in agricultural education, preparing the next generation of agricultural scientists and practitioners for AI-driven farming, food systems, and rural economies.

This USDA NIFA program funds Coordinated Agriculture Projects (CAPs) that develop and strengthen the pipeline of AI-literate and skilled next-generation agriculturalists with special emphasis on K-12 youth. Awards of $1M-$2M support integrated research, education, and extension projects that create AI-based tools for classroom integration, build comprehensive teacher training in agricultural AI, establish resource-sharing mechanisms for AI curriculum materials, and equip learners to become agricultural AI innovators. Projects must address at least four of seven priority areas spanning AI literacy, educator training, workforce development, and national food security understanding. NIFA anticipates awarding one grant per each of six NIFA priority areas. Project periods run up to 60 months.

Lilly Endowment has launched a multi-year initiative allocating up to $500 million to help Indiana colleges and universities address challenges and opportunities arising from artificial intelligence. Phase 2A Implementation Grants of $5 million to $25 million support individual institutions in developing comprehensive AI strategies for curriculum integration workforce preparation and institutional operations. Phase 2B Collaboration Grants draw from a $200 million pool to fund multi-institution partnerships with a designated lead institution. Phase 1 Planning Grants of $125,000 to $300,000 were awarded in early 2026 to support initial exploration. Implementation grant proposals are due May 1 2026 and collaboration grant concept papers are also due May 1 2026 with full proposals due September 25 2026. This is distinct from federal AI education programs like NSF or FIPSE as it is privately funded and exclusively targets Indiana higher education institutions.

Lilly Endowment's AIHE Collaboration Grants provide up to $200M total for multi-institutional collaborative projects among Indiana colleges and universities addressing AI in higher education. Groups of institutions submit a concept paper identifying a lead institution and describing collaborative AI projects aligned with the AIHE initiative's aim. Concept papers are due by noon ET on May 1, 2026. Full proposals are due September 25, 2026. Collaboration grants fund joint efforts that no single institution could pursue alone—shared AI infrastructure, cross-institutional AI curriculum development, regional AI workforce programs, and collaborative research on AI's impact on teaching and learning. The Endowment will consider funding collaborative projects with grants of up to $40M per group.

YouthBuild is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. The YouthBuild program awards grants to eligible community-based nonprofits and public entities to provide pre-apprenticeship occupational skills training, education, and job placement services to opportunity youth (young adults ages 16-24 who are neither in school nor employed). YouthBuild programs must offer construction training and hands-on experiences building affordable housing, and may include vocational training in other high-demand industries. The program also encourages incorporating AI literacy skills.

NSF TechAccess AI-Ready America is a major new initiative to establish AI-ready Coordination Hubs in every U.S. state and territory to expand access to AI knowledge tools training and capacity building. Announced March 25 2026 the initiative is a joint effort of NSF USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Department of Labor and Small Business Administration (SBA). Each Hub will connect local partners and coordinate AI deployment scale proven approaches based on state and local priorities and address three key gaps: workforce AI literacy small business and local government AI adoption and hands-on learning pathways. Up to 56 Hubs will be funded at up to $1 million per year for three years selected through three rounds of competition. An informational webinar is scheduled for April 14 2026. This is distinct from NSF ExpandAI which focuses on institutional AI research capacity building and from NSF Expanding AI Career which targets skilled technical workforce opportunities.

The Spencer Foundation Initiative on AI and Education provides dedicated funding across multiple grant programs for research examining how artificial intelligence intersects with education, equity, and learning. Launched following a Spring 2024 convening, the initiative channels additional AI-focused funding through five existing Spencer programs: Vision Grants, Racial Equity Program, Small Research Grants on Education, Large Research Grants on Education, and the Research-Practice Partnership Program. Research priorities span four key areas: AI and Learning examining how AI tools affect student learning outcomes and pedagogical practices, AI Policy studying governance and regulatory frameworks for AI in education, AI Ethics and Justice investigating equity implications of AI deployment in schools, and How AI Transforms Educational Research exploring methodological innovations enabled by AI. The initiative provides evidence-based guidance centered on student needs. This program is distinct from the Lilly Endowment AI in Higher Education Initiative which funds institutional implementation in Indiana rather than research and from the NSF Science of Learning and Augmented Intelligence program which focuses on cognitive science aspects of AI-enhanced learning.

Emergency Response Grant Program (Technology Grant / Community Grant) is sponsored by Living Purpose Foundation. This quarterly grant program offers financial support for public safety agencies and nonprofit organizations. Key focus areas include technology upgrades for emergency response and training and professional development. While not exclusively for AI, technology upgrades and professional development could encompass AI education for first responders.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants for AI Literacy and Training is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The U.S. Department of Labor has issued guidance urging states to leverage Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and training across the workforce. This includes supporting AI literacy among participants in WIOA Title I Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker programs, integrating AI learning into programming, and using governor's reserve funds for AI training opportunities. Small businesses can benefit by partnering with state and local workforce development boards to access training for their employees.

NSF's ExpandAI program invests $16.3 million to advance AI innovation by strengthening and broadening participation in AI research and education at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) including HBCUs, HSIs, Alaska Native Serving Institutions, and Predominantly Black Institutions. Funding supports strengthening research programs in AI, recruiting faculty and staff with AI expertise, creating bridge programs for prospective graduate students, leading workshops, providing access to research resources, community-building, and seeding ethical and responsible AI practices into education. The program aims to develop a diverse, well-trained national AI workforce.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (ED/IES) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Education (ED), Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The ED/IES SBIR program funds the development and evaluation of new education technology products. This includes AI adaptive tutors, which could directly relate to AI literacy and workforce training. Small businesses with innovative education technology prototypes focusing on AI literacy for workforce development would be highly relevant.

Google.org awarded Cal State Fullerton $500,000 to expand AI literacy across educators through the PRISM project. This initiative supports summer institutes and year-long teaching clinics for TK-12 teachers, future educators, and university faculty, equipping them with practical skills to teach artificial intelligence concepts in their classrooms. The program is designed to build a sustainable pipeline of AI-literate educators who can prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven world. Nonprofits and universities focused on educator professional development in AI and technology literacy may find this an instructive model for similar funding opportunities through Google.org.

Spencer Foundation Initiative on AI and Education - Research Grants is sponsored by The Spencer Foundation. Funds rigorous education research on AI, equity, and learning. Universities can conduct research on AI literacy for middle school students, examining how AI tools support or hinder equity in K-12 education, and develop evidence-based practices for responsible AI integration.

The KPMG U.S. Foundation AI Impact Initiative is a $6 million program combining cash grants with skills-based volunteering and pro bono consulting services to help nonprofit organizations integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. The initiative targets nonprofits working in education, mental health, and community vitality. Phase 2 distributed $6 million to 12 nonprofits across the U.S., with notable grants including $500,000 to organizations like First Book and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and $1.1 million to Women's Health Access Matters for AI-powered health research. Beyond direct grants, the initiative includes free AI learning sessions that have served participants from more than 80 organizations. Selected organizations receive technology solutions, pro bono consulting from KPMG professionals, and skills-based volunteering support to implement AI-driven operational improvements.

Google.org's $75 million AI Opportunity Fund aims to help over one million Americans learn essential AI skills by providing grants to workforce development and education organizations. The fund distributes grants through intermediary organizations to reach rural and underserved communities, educators, students, public sector workers, nonprofit leaders, and small businesses at no cost. Major allocations include $15 million to the Partnership for Public Service and InnovateUS for government workforce AI training, and $10 million to Project Evident, Tech:NYC Foundation, and local community foundations for nonprofit AI adoption support. The program centers on Google's AI Essentials course, a product-agnostic curriculum taught by Google AI experts that requires no degree or prior experience. The fund has been actively expanding, with grants to community foundations in cities including Atlanta ($1M), San Francisco ($2M), and others, providing tailored technical assistance, in-person working sessions, webinars, and peer learning on responsible AI implementation.

Sundance Institute AI Literacy Initiative Grants is a grant from the Sundance Institute supporting independent filmmakers in understanding and engaging with artificial intelligence tools. Part of a three-year, product-agnostic initiative launched with initial funding from Google.org, this program offers resources, workshops, and learning opportunities to help filmmakers navigate an evolving AI landscape. Developed in partnership with The Gotham, Film Independent, and the Creators Coalition on AI, the initiative is designed to ensure that independent voices in storytelling can meaningfully engage with — rather than be displaced by — emerging AI technologies in film and media production.

The People-First AI Fund is sponsored by OpenAI Foundation. This initiative supports U.S.-based nonprofits working at the intersection of artificial intelligence innovation and public good. The fund focuses on AI literacy and public understanding, community innovation that improves access to essential services, and economic opportunity as AI reshapes the labor market. A second wave of board-directed grants is planned for 2026.

OpenAI Foundation People-First AI Fund is a grant from the OpenAI Foundation that invests in U.S.-based nonprofits working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and public good. The fund disbursed $40.5 million in unrestricted grants to 208 organizations in its first wave, with a second wave of $9.5 million in board-directed grants to follow. Recipients have annual budgets between $500,000 and $10 million and work across areas including AI literacy and public understanding, community innovations to improve access to essential services, and economic opportunity as AI reshapes the labor landscape. Many grantees provide direct services in fields such as veterans support, health, STEM education, and food security. The program is open to nonprofits working in AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity.

AI Literacy and Training in Workforce Development is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor encourages states to use Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to support AI literacy and training across the public workforce system. While not a direct grant to small businesses, small businesses that are training providers or partners with workforce development organizations could benefit from this initiative by offering AI literacy training programs funded through WIOA.

Expanding AI Career and Skilled Technical Workforce Opportunities in Support of High School Students (Dear Colleague Letter) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This DCL aims to strengthen the U.S. AI workforce and advance education and innovation pipelines by increasing early access to high-quality AI learning opportunities for high school students. This can include AI courses, certification, or dual enrollment programs focusing on AI and workforce development for high school students. This is relevant for public schools looking to implement AI education programs, especially through partnerships.

Computer Science Teacher Certification Grant is sponsored by Florida Department of Education. This grant provides funding to Florida school districts to cover the costs associated with computer science certification and/or professional learning for teachers. This can support the integration of AI education by upskilling teachers in relevant computer science fields.

The National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot provides U.S.-based researchers access to computing, AI models, platforms, and educational resources through a coalition of federal agencies and private partners including NSF, DOE, and numerous industry contributors. Resource requests are reviewed on a rolling basis—proposals submitted by the 15th of each month are typically decided by the end of the following month. Allocations are for 12-month periods across six focus areas: advancing AI methods for scientific discovery, accelerating innovation through AI automation, applying AI to sensitive data integration, integrating simulations with AI, creating open-source AI tools, and AI workforce development. The programme is transitioning to the NAIRR Operations Center (NSF 25-546) for long-term sustainability under the Winning the Race: America's AI Action Plan.

The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge is a $10 million global initiative by data.org and Zoom Cares supporting innovative applications of artificial intelligence that empower people, organizations, and communities to unlock inclusive economic growth. The challenge distributes funding through anchor grants to national and global leaders in AI for impact, plus regional and community-based grants supporting on-the-ground changemakers. At least five winning projects receive $115,000 each in grant funding plus in-kind technical and capacity-building support to scale AI for social impact. The challenge targets three priority areas: (1) AI workforce development and organizational capacity building, (2) creating pathways to future-friendly jobs leveraging data and AI, and (3) building climate-resilient communities for a green economy. Announced at Zoomtopia 2025, the program is part of data.org's broader portfolio of challenges that have previously distributed millions in funding for data science and AI social impact projects. The challenge accepts applications from for-profit and nonprofit organizations globally.

Small Business B(AI)sics is sponsored by U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support from Google.org AI Opportunity Fund. A national training initiative designed to empower small businesses to utilize artificial intelligence. It offers local in-person training through a network of partners, a digital AI learning hub with training modules and webinars, and resources to help entrepreneurs leverage AI for business growth.

IMLS National Leadership Grants - Libraries (focus on AI literacy and civic engagement) is sponsored by Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS supports projects that position cultural institutions as community hubs for AI education and workforce training. This includes initiatives that develop AI literacy and integrate AI tools in libraries and museums.

Humanity AI is a five-year, $500 million philanthropic coalition initiative dedicated to ensuring people have a stake in the future of artificial intelligence. Ten major foundations — Doris Duke Foundation, Ford Foundation, Lumina Foundation, Kapor Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Mellon Foundation, Mozilla Foundation, Omidyar Network, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and Siegel Family Endowment — are mobilizing philanthropy to counterbalance AI developer influence. The initiative focuses on five priority areas: Democracy (protecting rights and freedoms), Education (AI centered on student interests), Humanities and Culture (protecting intellectual property and creative work), Labor and Economy (ensuring AI enhances rather than replaces work), and Security (safety standards for AI deployment). Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors serves as fiscal sponsor and manages the pooled grant fund. Grants from the pooled fund will commence in 2026. MacArthur has already announced $10 million in aligned grantmaking including $2 million to AI Now Institute and $2 million to Brookings Institution. This is distinct from the Current AI initiative which is a separate France-led public interest AI effort.

AI FAST Challenge is sponsored by California Education Learning Lab. This grant supports nimble, innovative research and development projects led by individual faculty, institutions, or cohorts of institutions within the same public higher education system, focusing on AI-integrated innovation in teaching and learning. Similar to the AI Grand Challenge, it targets higher education but may support projects relevant to K-12 AI education.

Ladies Who Launch 2026 Launch Program is sponsored by Ladies Who Launch (in partnership with Boundless Futures Foundation). This program awards grants to women-led small businesses in the U. S. that integrate social impact into their business model. Each grant includes unrestricted funding and an amount designated for developing the founder's AI literacy.

Expanding K-12 Resources for AI Education Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This DCL invites supplemental funding proposals from existing NSF awardees with K-12 AI or computer science education experience. The funding is to refine, scale, evaluate, and/or implement established K-12 activities. Projects should focus on age-appropriate AI education/literacy, and/or the use of technologies in AI education to facilitate adoption by educational partners. Activities with the potential for classroom implementation within 12 months are prioritized.