Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe

Google. org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe is sponsored by Google. org (administered by Centre for Public Impact).

This fund provides selected organizations with bespoke AI training and cash support to equip underserved workers with the AI knowledge and tools needed for long-term professional success. It aims to empower vulnerable communities and close the AI skills gap.

AI Opportunity Fund - Centre for Public Impact Google. org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe Helping European workers benefit from AI’s potential The Centre for Public Impact, with support from Google. org, is supporting workers across Europe who are most impacted by workforce transitions brought on by AI.

With funding from the Google. org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe, the Centre for Public Impact is providing selected organizations with bespoke AI training and €15 million in cash support, to equip underserved workers with the AI knowledge and tools needed for long-term professional success. We are excited to announce the selected recipients for the Google.

org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe . These organizations are united by a shared mission to empower vulnerable communities, closing the AI skills gap and ensuring equitable access to the opportunities of tomorrow. Each selected organization will offer localized AI training to vulnerable workers in their communities, based on foundational courses designed by Google and external partners.

Alongside financial support, this comprehensive package, delivered by the Centre for Public Impact, ensures underserved workers will have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital economy. Training 75 unemployed and underemployed individuals in Brussels, Liege and Ghent.

This project provides in-demand AI skills to help bridge the gap between unemployment and tech vacancies, creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce across Belgium. VAIA – Flanders AI Academy Training 300 librarians across five provinces in Flanders to equip them with AI skills that enhance community services and drive innovation within Belgium’s social infrastructure.

This project empowers librarians to integrate AI tools, transforming public libraries into digital learning and access hubs, building a more informed and connected society. Hrvatska udruga za umjetnu inteligenciju (Croatian Artificial Intelligence Association) Training 400 young rural job seekers, women re-entering the workforce, and low-skilled workers at risk of displacement in administrative and customer-facing roles in Croatia.

By providing essential AI upskilling across rural Croatia, this project aims to bridge the digital divide and contribute to economic growth and social inclusion in the country. Training 300 underserved women across Czechia, this project will provide critical AI and managerial skills to increase women’s representation in tech.

Participants—primarily those in marginalized positions, including those in rural areas and domestic roles—will gain foundational AI knowledge and re-skilling support to transition into higher-demand ICT roles, boosting their career prospects and economic resilience. Training 180 public servants across Czechia in foundational AI skills to support digital transformation within government and public sector roles.

This project will enhance AI literacy, enabling participants to better understand and implement AI solutions that improve service delivery and responsiveness, leading to technology-driven public services. The Danish Dyslexia Association Training 176 workers with dyslexia across Denmark, this project empowers participants with foundational AI skills to confidently navigate the digital workplace.

The project is targeting those in or entering the workforce. It will help address digital literacy gaps and build essential skills for workplace communication, promoting greater inclusivity and job security for individuals with dyslexia. Training 80 refugees, asylum seekers, and unemployed individuals facing barriers to conventional education opportunities and the Danish labour market.

This project equips learners with essential AI and tech skills. Bridging the skills gap opens pathways to the competitive IT job market while enhancing social inclusion across Denmark. TIEKE Finnish Information Society Development Center Training 50 accountants, financial administrators, and bookkeepers in small companies across Finland.

This project will help learners gain foundational AI knowledge to navigate the evolving field of financial administration, enabling them to harness AI in daily tasks and keep their services innovative and relevant. The Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK Training 1000 workers and labour union members across Finland with essential AI skills and knowledge to boost productivity and leverage digital advancements.

The program will place a special focus on upskilling older workers in rural Finland, helping them enhance their employment prospects and achieve their career goals. European Forum for Urban Security Training 175 public servants and elected officials across France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Belgium.

This project will help participants gain foundational AI skills for urban security, driving innovation in urban governance and strengthening public service delivery in European cities. Fondation Agir Contre l’Exclusion (FACE) Training 350 job seekers from underserved communities and individuals over 45, some with physical or mental impairments, across France.

This project will help learners gain essential AI skills to improve employability, offering a hybrid format to bridge digital skill gaps and support career readiness in urban and rural areas. Training 220 entrepreneurs across France facing social and professional challenges, including single parents, NEETs, and disadvantaged individuals.

This project will help participants gain AI skills for business development, empowering them to launch or sustain enterprises and build economic resilience in underrepresented communities. Training 160 unemployed women from disadvantaged backgrounds in rural France.

This project will help learners overcome employment barriers with foundational AI skills, providing hybrid training to improve digital literacy and career readiness for the evolving job market. Training 200 job-seekers from underserved groups across France, including refugees, individuals with disabilities, youth, and older people.

This project will help participants gain AI skills tailored to their digital and language needs, enhancing social and professional integration and improving job prospects. Training 450 jobseekers from underserved backgrounds in France, including women, young people, career transitioners, people with disabilities, and low-income groups.

This project aims to enhance learners’ employability in the tech sector, supporting diverse pathways for career growth. Ausbildungsverbund Olefinpartner GmbH Training 450 apprentices and industry workers in metal, chemical, and mechatronics sectors, this project integrates AI upskilling into vocational education in Sachsen-Anhalt and Thuringia.

Participants will develop AI skills tailored to industrial processes, preparing them for industry advancements and boosting their career prospects with relevant, cutting-edge skills. BIT – Beam Institute of Technology UG Training 100 refugees, asylum seekers, and unemployed or underemployed individuals. This project focuses on increasing their employability through AI skills development.

By providing participants with the tools and confidence to work with AI, the project aims to enhance their career prospects and help them integrate more effectively into the workforce. Migrapreneur Community gUG Training 400 migrants and refugees in startups and healthcare innovation, this project equips participants with AI skills to help them adapt to an AI-driven job market.

By focusing on practical AI tools and their applications, the project aims to enhance their employability and integration into industries where AI is becoming increasingly relevant. Code Academy Berlin Education GmbH Training 85 underemployed individuals, including asylum seekers and refugees, this project equips participants with in-demand AI skills to open up higher-paying job opportunities within the tech sector.

ICLEI – European Secretariat GmbH Training 150 city and local government officials working in climate and environmental roles, this project focuses on building AI skills to enhance climate action strategies. By equipping participants with AI tools for data analysis and policy-making, the project empowers them to achieve their climate and sustainability goals.

Training 500 refugees and asylum seekers across Germany, this project develops AI skills to increase their confidence and job opportunities. By focusing on practical AI tools and applications, the project equips participants with the expertise needed to integrate into the workforce and secure sustainable roles across industries.

Kiron Open Higher Education GmbH Training 150 refugees and asylum seekers across Germany and Austria, this project focuses on developing AI skills for job integration and social cohesion. By equipping participants with practical AI expertise, the project enhances their employability and helps them feel more integrated.

Startupistan Impact Ventures gUG Training 100 underemployed refugees and racially minoritised workers in Berlin, this project aims to improve job and employment prospects through AI skills development. By equipping participants with practical AI knowledge, the project enhances their competitiveness in the local job market, helping them secure better opportunities.

Training 120 underemployed or unemployed women, including new mothers, in rural Crete. This project will help learners overcome specific barriers in rural areas, enhancing their employability and promoting economic empowerment and community growth. ODYSSEA A.

M. K. E.

& Solidarity Now Training 300 vulnerable individuals, including Greek communities, refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers, in Athens and Thessaloniki. This project will help participants bridge digital divides and improve employment opportunities. Training 100 women currently in the tech sector in Greece, focusing on empowering them to advance into leadership roles and address the gender gap in tech employment.

Participants will gain AI skills to accelerate their career growth and unlock leadership opportunities. Műintézet Pécs Kulturális Egyesület Training 100 artists and creative professionals from southern Hungary, including those working in visual arts, theater, literature, and digital media.

This project will enhance their creativity and productivity, boost their employability, and help them keep their artistic practices relevant and innovative through the use of digital tools. Kecskeméti Kreatív Tudásközpont Közalapítvány Training 360 individuals over 50 in Kecskemét, Hungary.

This project will help learners gain essential AI skills to boost productivity, enhance digital literacy, and build confidence, enabling them to remain competitive and adapt to evolving workplace demands. Ballymun Job Centre Co-op Society Training 100 unemployed or underemployed individuals in low-paid roles, such as customer service, logistics, sales, and administration.

Many participants are single parents transitioning off social welfare after extended periods out of work. This project will equip them with AI job search and interview skills to improve employability and prepare them for a digitally-driven labor market. Training 250 unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking long-term, meaningful employment.

This project will strengthen participants’ application and interview skills for new opportunities, while equipping them with AI-driven tools to excel in future roles and achieve stable employment. FIT Fast Track into Information Technology Training 400 socially marginalized and disadvantaged individuals in rural Ireland, with a focus on women.

This project will provide AI skills and tools to enable learners to succeed in an AI-driven job market, bridging the digital skills gap and creating opportunities for growth in remote communities with limited digital resources and investment. Federturismo Confindustria Training 750 employees in the tourism industry across Italy, with a particular emphasis on women, NEETs and representatives of the LGBTQ+ community.

Federturismo Confindustria will leverage the AI Opportunity Fund to support skills development among these groups in the tourism sector. Fondazione Progetto ARCA / Progetto Mirasole Fondazione Progetto ARCA in partnership with Progetto Mirasole will train 120 individuals, focusing on migrants and NEETs to enhance job market integration.

The training will equip beneficiaries with AI skills to navigate the job market more effectively—helping them create better resumes, overcome language barriers, and access employment opportunities that align with their integration plans. Training 150 women across six Italian cities—Milan, Rome, Bologna, Naples, Bari, and Cagliari—to address the gender gap in tech roles.

This training will provide women with AI skills to improve their job prospects and access emerging roles in the industry, ultimately driving more inclusive and equitable AI development. Training 60 job seekers with cognitive and physical disabilities. By training people with disabilities in AI skills, this initiative will contribute to tackling the high unemployment rate faced by this group in the country.

Associazione di Promozione Sociale La Rotonda Training 120 young people from underserved backgrounds, including those with disabilities, based in Baranzate, one of the poorest municipalities in the Milan region. La Rotonda will support vulnerable youth in gaining AI skills to break the cycle of exclusion, access better job opportunities, and contribute to the development of their community.

Fondazione Mondo Digitale Training 400 women working in SMEs across Italy. By supporting women in the services sector who face systemic barriers in the job market to gain essential AI skills, this initiative aims to help women adapt to technological changes, improve their job prospects, and build a more inclusive workforce.

Training 200 workers aged 40 and above in rural Latvia, equipping them with foundational AI skills to boost their employment opportunities. The training will also build their confidence in navigating an increasingly digital labor market.

Lithuanian association of the Deaf Training 80 individuals with hearing impairments across four cities in Lithuania, focusing on employees who need upskilling in technology to remain or become competitive in the labor market. Through bespoke support, this training will promote the social and economic inclusion of Lithuanian deaf communities, equipping them with skills and knowledge to thrive in the modern workforce.

Viešieji interneto prieigos taškai Training 400 public librarians, particularly those aged 45 and above, in Kaunas and Siauliai counties, Lithuania. This project will help library staff gain up-to-date digital skills, ensuring public services better meet community needs and enhancing digital literacy across the counties.

Training 580 freelance professionals in creative and digital industries to build AI skills for success in a rapidly evolving market. This project supports participants in adapting to AI-driven changes in roles like graphic design, animation, and voice work, empowering creative freelancers to maintain their competitive edge and embrace new opportunities.

Training 100 autistic adults in the Netherlands and Germany to enhance employability and job prospects. This project aims to provide participants with AI skills to increase their confidence in the workforce, building a more inclusive job market and expanding employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals.

Fundacja Avalon Bezpośrednia Pomoc Niepełnosprawnym Training 116 individuals with intellectual and functional disabilities, along with specialized caregivers, across Warsaw, Wilkasy, and Mszczonów. Delivered through hybrid modules, the training will include tailored content in Polish, Ukrainian, sign language, and Braille to meet diverse needs.

The initiative enhances employability, supports personal growth, and promotes social integration, equipping participants to thrive in the AI-driven job market. Foundation Polish Migration Forum Training 105 refugees and migrants in Warsaw and the Masovian region through a hybrid approach combining online and onsite sessions.

Participants will gain essential AI skills to overcome barriers to employment, integrate into the Polish labor market, and transition into stable, skilled jobs. Training will be offered in Polish, English, Spanish, and Ukrainian, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Information Society Development Foundation Training 140 public librarians, primarily women, across Poland.

Participants will gain foundational AI skills to enhance their professional roles and better serve communities. By integrating AI into their workflows, librarians will improve their ability to curate, analyze, and interpret information, becoming trusted guides in their communities.

The program also addresses barriers such as low technological confidence and limited access to professional development opportunities, promoting employability and innovation in public libraries. Fundacja Ashoka & Ukrainian House Foundation Training 60 migrant women from Ukraine aged over 50. Participants will develop essential digital and AI skills to increase their employability and integration into the Polish job market.

The project addresses barriers such as low digital literacy, cultural challenges, and limited career opportunities for migrant women. By empowering participants with practical tools and building their confidence, this initiative helps them navigate an AI-driven economy. Training 135 solo and micro-entrepreneur women in Lisbon.

This project will help learners gain foundational AI skills to improve their AI literacy, apply AI tools in their businesses, and strengthen their overall business acumen. Training 70 individuals with varying disabilities, from hearing and physical impairments to mental health challenges. This project will empower participants with critical AI skills to enhance their employment prospects and support their social integration in society.

Progress Foundation Bistrita Training 200 librarians and coordinators of cultural clubs in rural Romania, this AI upskilling training will provide essential skills to women working in social services across Romania. Participants will gain valuable knowledge in AI tools and applications, empowering them to enhance local community services and position them as key drivers for innovation in rural Romania.

Training 270 women in STEM/STEAM fields in Košice, Slovakia. This project will help early-to-mid-career women gain essential AI skills for technical and management roles. By enhancing their technical expertise, the training will support their long-term career growth and participation in high-tech sectors.

Društvo za razvoj človeških virov in socialnih programov NOVUS Training 90 women and unemployed individuals at risk of social exclusion in Velenje, Slovenia. This project will help learners, including older women, immigrants, and those with limited formal education, gain essential AI skills to improve their employability and support social integration.

Training 120 individuals in regenerative tourism and territorial innovation in depopulated towns across Spain. This project will help learners acquire AI skills to stimulate the local economy, strengthen rural innovation, and develop place-based solutions to address community challenges. Training 100 racially minoritised individuals and black migrants in Sevilla, focusing on those working in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

This project will help learners enhance their job opportunities, supporting transitions to new fields and advancing social and economic inclusion in the city. Fundación Santa María la Real Training 300 long-term unemployed women with caregiving responsibilities who face challenges re-entering the workforce.

Learners will gain foundational AI skills and digital literacy, improving their career prospects and helping them to achieve financial independence. Training 300 socially disadvantaged individuals in vulnerable situations (un/underemployed, racialized individuals, youth, women and people with disabilities, among other groups).

This project will help learners strengthen their employability, enhance their skills, and access better job opportunities in the labor market Training 400 white-collar workers in finance, administrative and communication roles across Sweden. This project will help learners integrate AI into their daily work, improving their skills and knowledge to remain competitive in the AI-powered economy.

Turkish Informatics Foundation Training 600 university graduates in earthquake-affected regions of Türkiye, equipping them with AI skills to advance their careers and support community resilience. This project aims to enhance learners’ ability to navigate the job market in high-impact tech sectors.

Training 550 unemployed and underemployed women across Türkiye, including recent STEM graduates, NEETs, career returners, in foundational AI knowledge and tools. Delivered in partnership with UP School, the program aims to increase participants’ confidence and employability in the tech sector by equipping them with hands-on AI skills.

Avrupa Entegrasyon Derneği Training 400 young female blue-collar workers working in the manufacturing and energy sectors in Türkiye. Through bespoke AI- training on the factory floors, this project will equip these workers with essential skills to improve their performance in the digital economy and future-proof their employment opportunities.

Association of Mothers and Wives of Ukraine’s Defenders Training 500 Ukrainian war veterans and their family members in foundational AI and digital skills to support their transition to civilian employment.

This project empowers participants to explore new career pathways, particularly in creative fields like AI-driven content creation and digital marketing, while addressing unique mobility and accessibility challenges for veterans and their families. Junior Achievement Ukraine Training 1,000 young aspiring entrepreneurs across 10 Ukrainian regions.

The project will provide essential AI skills to participants from diverse sectors, including agriculture, telecommunications, and general services. The aim is to support underserved groups to thrive in Ukraine’s evolving job market. Training 72 LGBTQI+ individuals, including internally displaced persons, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This project addresses employment barriers by equipping participants with technical proficiency and the confidence to navigate a competitive job market, supporting their entry into Ukraine’s expanding tech sector. Training 200 LGBTQI+ individuals across Ukraine in essential AI skills to unlock new career opportunities in IT, education, and finance.

By tackling challenges such as job displacement, prejudice, and limited access to education, this project prepares learners to succeed in today’s AI-driven job market. Training 300 racially minoritised business founders and tech professionals across the UK, enhancing employability and job security.

By supporting efforts to close the tech wealth gap, this project aims to build a more inclusive tech sector where racially minoritised individuals can thrive. Training 200 refugees to incorporate AI skills into their existing learning and career development pathways, specifically for tech jobs.

By improving employment prospects, this project supports participants to fulfil their professional potential while contributing to a more diverse tech workforce. Training 150 underserved founders across the UK in industries such as technology, food and beverage, healthcare, and services. This project will help these entrepreneurs use generative AI to increase productivity and business outcomes, strengthening small business growth.

Digital Boost Upskilling, Ltd. Training 400 micro and solo business entrepreneurs in product, service, and hospitality sectors across England and Scotland. This project will equip entrepreneurs to overcome challenges related to business size, growth stage, and geographic limitations, enabling sustainable growth and regional economic development. Training 150 unemployed and disabled individuals in Havant through local community services.

This project provides a supportive environment to empower participants to pursue higher-paid roles, enhancing financial stability, confidence, and long-term aspirations across generations. Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College Training 72 women and racially minoritised workers in AI-impacted fields such as administration, bookkeeping, customer service, and graphic design.

Participants will gain skills to secure and excel in evolving roles, fostering economic security and skills adaptability in industries most affected by AI. The Greater London Authority Training 250 low wage workers in retail distribution and logistics, as part of the London Union Learn Programme.

This project aims to support workers to adapt to workplace changes, enhancing their ability to grow within their roles or transition to new careers. With training on large language models and AI tools, learners will improve their career prospects in a growing field.

Institute for the Future of Work Training 200 residents in Grimsby and surrounding deindustrialised areas, including underemployed workers in low-paid roles, SME employees, council staff, and further/higher education workers. This place-based approach will enhance workforce resilience to AI and contribute to regional economic revitalization.

Training 200 underserved individuals in the creative and media industries, focusing on underrepresented talent and smaller charities tackling issues like hate crimes, criminal justice, and climate change. By providing essential AI and digital media skills, this project enhances employability and bridges the AI divide, mitigating the risk of widening inequalities.

This initiative aims to promote diversity while strengthening the media sector’s capacity to address pressing social challenges in a tech-driven world. What is CPI’s involvement in the Google. org AI Opportunity Fund?

With support from Google. org, CPI leads the AI Opportunity Fund: Europe. CPI’s role includes designing the fund, managing the open call process, and selecting recipients.

Moving forward, CPI will refine the support offered to recipients, facilitate connections with training organisations, and disburse cash funding to support impactful AI-driven initiatives across Europe. What will selected organizations receive? Those organizations who have been successful in their application to the Google.

org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe, will receive the following: Guidance and Support: Selected organizations will receive expert guidance and support to ensure the effective implementation of AI training programs, and maximize impact for workers. Financial Assistance: Gain access to essential financial support to enable workers to fully engage in and successfully complete the training programs.

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. 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.

How were organizations selected? The Google. org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe aims to support a diverse range of nonprofit and public-interest organizations that empower underserved workers with the skills and tools needed for long-term success.

To be eligible for consideration, organizations had to meet specific criteria, including: Geographic eligibility: Organizations had to be registered in one of the EU-27 member countries, Türkiye, the UK, or Ukraine (excluding Crimea, the DNR, and the LNR), and aim to reach learners in those countries.

Community connection: Eligible organizations needed to have a trusted, established relationship with underserved communities, understanding their unique needs and barriers that exist to access training opportunities. Mission alignment: Applicants were required to have a core mission focused on supporting workers and demonstrate a proven track record in reaching and running programs specifically for underserved or marginalized workers.

Commitment to lifelong learning: Applicants were selected based on their dedication to continuous learning and development. Only nonprofit or public interest entities with a social impact mission were eligible. For-profit companies without a demonstrated social purpose were not considered.

What is the timeline for the program? Application opens: 11th April, 2024 Information workshops: April, May and June 2024 Application deadline: 23:59 CEST on 28th June 2024 Notification of selection: November 2024 Program commencement: January 2025 How will my personal data be stored?

If your application was not selected, the Centre for Public Impact will delete personal data from your application within 6 months of the application window closing. If your application was successful, the Centre for Public Impact will retain your personal data for the purpose of communicating with you regarding your Funding and any reporting expectations of your organization.

At any time, you may request to delete and substitute your contact information with another member of your organization by contacting aiopportunityfund@centreforpublicimpact. org. What are the application terms and conditions?

You can view the full terms and conditions here: https://www. centreforpublicimpact. org/assets/documents/google.

org-ai-opportunity-fund-application-t&cs. pdf What are the terms for CPI’s grant agreements? You can view our general terms for grant agreements here: https://centreforpublicimpact.

org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Public-Version-Grant-Agreement-General-Conditions_AIOF. pdf Please note that these are standard guidelines, and specific terms- such as payment schedules, reporting requirements, and other tailored provisions – will be finalised after your organisation’s has successfully completed our due diligence process. How do I contact the Centre for Public Impact with further questions?

For additional questions, please email aiopportunityfund@centreforpublicimpact. org.