The F5 Foundation has officially launched applications for its highly anticipated 2026 STEM & AI Education Grant Program, offering ten nonprofit organizations the opportunity to receive $50,000 USD in unrestricted funding to expand access to STEM and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education among underserved populations living in poverty.

Building on six years of successful global STEM grantmaking, the 2026 edition introduces significant enhancements designed to create deeper impact in regions with the greatest educational and technological needs. The program focuses specifically on empowering nonprofit organizations that are preparing future innovators, changemakers, and technology leaders through STEM and AI education initiatives.

With artificial intelligence rapidly transforming industries worldwide, F5 is prioritizing organizations that equip vulnerable communities with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

About the 2026 F5 STEM & AI Education Grants

The F5 Foundation’s STEM & AI Education Grant Program aims to support organizations that are creating pathways into science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and artificial intelligence careers for individuals living in poverty.

For 2026:

• Grant Amount: $50,000 USD
• Number of Awards: 10 nonprofit organizations
• Funding Type: Unrestricted one-time grant
• Selection Process: Applications reviewed by a global committee of F5 employees

Unlike many restricted grants, the F5 grant provides organizations with flexibility in utilizing funds to maximize their impact and strengthen long-term sustainability.

What’s New in the 2026 F5 Grant Program?

The 2026 funding cycle introduces three major strategic changes designed to increase impact and reach.

1. Geographic Focus on High-Need Regions

For the first time, F5 is concentrating its funding on regions where access to STEM and AI education remains limited.

Eligible regions include:

Africa

• Northern Africa
• Sub-Saharan Africa

Asia

• Central Asia
• Eastern Asia
• South-Eastern Asia
• Southern Asia
• Western Asia (Middle East)

Latin America

• Central America
• South America
• Caribbean nations

This targeted approach aims to direct resources where they can have the greatest transformative effect.

2. Artificial Intelligence is Now a Required Component

One of the most significant updates for 2026 is the introduction of a mandatory AI component.

To qualify, organizations must demonstrate how AI is integrated into:

• Educational programs
• Training initiatives
• Learning curricula
• Capacity-building activities
• Technology-focused career development programs

Examples may include:

• AI literacy training
• Machine learning education
• Responsible AI instruction
• AI-enabled workforce development
• Practical AI tools for learning and innovation

F5 believes AI literacy is becoming essential for future economic participation and seeks to support organizations preparing underserved communities for AI-driven industries.

3. Stronger Focus on Poverty Alleviation

The Foundation is placing increased emphasis on serving individuals living in poverty.

Organizations must demonstrate that:

• More than 50% of beneficiaries live in poverty.
• Programs directly support underserved populations.
• STEM and AI education activities reduce barriers to opportunity.
• Participants gain access to educational and career pathways.

According to F5, this strategic focus is intended to create more equitable access to emerging technologies and future employment opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations interested in applying must satisfy all eligibility criteria.

Organizational Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Be a legally registered charitable organization or operate under a registered fiscal sponsor.
2. Have at least three years of operational experience.
3. Maintain an active organizational website.
4. Operate within eligible regions.
5. Focus on STEM and AI education initiatives.
6. Serve populations living in poverty.
7. Demonstrate measurable impact through quantitative evidence.

Programmatic Requirements

Organizations should focus on one or more of the following:

• Expanding STEM access
• AI education
• Workforce development
• Capacity building
• Career readiness programs
• Technology training
• Innovation-focused learning opportunities

The organization’s mission should clearly align with increasing inclusion and opportunity in STEM and AI fields.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Organizations with policies that discriminate based on:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Disability
• Age
• National origin
• Political ideology
• Veteran status

or other protected characteristics are not eligible to receive funding.

International Organizations Can Apply

Nonprofits outside the United States are encouraged to apply.

International applicants will undergo an Enhanced Expenditure Responsibility (EER) process administered through CAF America.

Importantly:

• F5 covers all EER fees.
• Successful completion of the EER process is required before grant disbursement.

What Types of Impact Does F5 Want to See?

A key component of the application is demonstrating measurable impact.

Organizations must provide quantitative evidence showing how their programs have improved STEM and AI access and outcomes.

Examples include:

Education Outcomes

• Graduation rates
• College enrollment rates
• STEM degree participation

Career Outcomes

• Employment rates
• Internship placement rates
• Career advancement statistics

Learning Outcomes

• Improved academic performance
• Increased STEM competency scores
• Enhanced digital literacy metrics

Participation Outcomes

• Program completion rates
• Growth in participant numbers
• Increased representation of underserved populations

Applications supported by strong data are expected to be significantly more competitive.

Application Questions Overview

The application covers six major areas:

1. Organizational Profile

Applicants will provide information about:

• Legal name
• Mission
• Organizational goals
• Website
• Regions served
• Registration country
• Staffing levels
• Annual budget

2. Programmatic Focus and Impact

Organizations must explain:

• Current STEM and AI programs
• Communities served
• Poverty-focused interventions
• Measurable outcomes
• Success stories and case studies

3. Community Partnerships

Applicants should highlight:

• Local partnerships
• Collaborations
• Shared initiatives
• Community engagement strategies

4. Funding and Sustainability

Organizations will need to describe:

• How grant funds will be used
• Expected outcomes
• Sustainability plans
• Future scaling strategies
• Long-term impact goals

5. Eligibility Confirmation

Applicants must formally confirm compliance with all eligibility requirements.

6. Contact Information

Organizations will provide:

• Primary contact person
• Contact email
• Referral source
• Previous participation history

Important Dates

Application Opening Date

June 1, 2026

Application Deadline

June 14, 2026 (11:45 PM PST)

Notification of Results

July 2026

Organizations are strongly encouraged to prepare their responses in advance since the online application cannot be saved and resumed later.

Application Guidelines

Before applying, organizations should note:

• Applications must be completed entirely in English.
• Applications are submitted electronically.
• Maximum response length is 4,000 words per question.
• Total application character limit is 200,000 characters.
• Impact data should be prepared beforehand.

Organizations should carefully review all questions and draft responses offline before beginning the submission process.

Apply Here 

Why This Grant Matters

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities—and new inequalities—across the globe. Through the 2026 STEM & AI Education Grant Program, the F5 Foundation is investing in organizations that are helping underserved communities gain access to the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to participate in the future economy.

For nonprofits already delivering measurable STEM and AI education outcomes, this unrestricted funding represents an opportunity to expand programming, reach more beneficiaries, strengthen sustainability, and accelerate long-term impact.

With ten grants of $50,000 available, organizations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America have a unique opportunity to secure support for innovative initiatives that are transforming lives through education and technology.

Application Deadline: June 14, 2026 (11:45 PM PST).

For more information on this grant, click here 

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