Rockefeller and OpenAI Foundations Launch $50 Million AI Urban Initiative

The program invites nonprofit and civil society organizations to submit proposals that bridge the gap between complex AI capabilities and local government needs. Grant awards will range from $500,000 to $2 million, providing the financial and technical infrastructure necessary for cities to overcome barriers like high implementation costs and data security concerns. Applications are open until November 29, 2026, with an emphasis on projects that provide measurable benefits to residents without prioritizing any specific AI vendor.

This partnership formalizes a strategy tested through pilot programs in Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, and Cali. In Colombia, for instance, an AI-driven system has enabled officials to forecast dengue outbreaks three weeks in advance. Similarly, Rio de Janeiro’s flood-alert system and Cape Town’s multilingual resident-engagement platform have demonstrated how targeted technology can address specific urban vulnerabilities. By facilitating shared learning and access to technical networks, the initiative aims to transform these localized successes into a scalable framework for cities worldwide, ensuring that technology serves as a practical public good rather than an abstract innovation.