F5 Foundation Launches 2026 STEM & AI Education Grants for Underserved Regions
The F5 Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 STEM & AI Education Grant Program. This initiative offers $50,000 in unrestricted funding to ten nonprofit organizations. The goal is to expand access to science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and artificial intelligence (AI) education for underserved populations living in poverty. Building on six years of grantmaking, the 2026 program introduces new features to increase its impact in areas with the greatest need. The program specifically supports organizations that prepare future innovators and technology leaders through STEM and AI education. As AI continues to change industries, F5 aims to help vulnerable communities gain the skills and opportunities needed for a digital economy.
About the 2026 F5 STEM & AI Education Grants
The F5 Foundation’s grant program supports organizations that create pathways into STEM and AI careers for individuals living in poverty. For 2026, ten nonprofit organizations will each receive a $50,000 USD one-time grant. This funding is unrestricted, meaning organizations can use it flexibly to best meet their needs and strengthen their long-term operations. A global committee of F5 employees will review applications. Unlike many grants that restrict how funds can be used, F5 offers flexibility to maximize impact and support sustainability.
Key Changes in the 2026 F5 Grant Program
The 2026 funding cycle includes three main strategic changes to boost impact and reach.
1. Focus on High-Need Geographic Regions
For the first time, F5 is concentrating its funding on regions where access to STEM and AI education is limited. This targeted approach aims to direct resources to areas where they can make the most significant difference.
Eligible regions include:
- Africa: Northern Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Asia: Central Asia, Eastern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Southern Asia, and Western Asia (Middle East).
- Latin America: Central America, South America, and Caribbean nations.
2. Mandatory Artificial Intelligence Component
A major update for 2026 is the requirement for organizations to integrate AI into their programs. To qualify, applicants must show how AI is part of their educational programs, training, curricula, capacity-building, or technology career development. This could involve AI literacy training, machine learning education, responsible AI instruction, or using AI tools for learning. F5 believes AI knowledge is essential for future economic participation and wants to support groups preparing communities for AI-driven industries.
3. Stronger Emphasis on Poverty Alleviation
The Foundation is increasing its focus on serving individuals living in poverty. Organizations must demonstrate that over half of their beneficiaries live in poverty and that their programs directly support underserved populations. The STEM and AI education activities should reduce barriers to opportunity and provide participants with access to educational and career paths. This focus aims to create more equal access to emerging technologies and future job opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
Organizations interested in applying must meet all the specified criteria.
Organizational Requirements
Applicants must be legally registered charities or operate under a registered fiscal sponsor. They need at least three years of operational experience and an active organizational website. The organization must operate within the eligible regions, focus on STEM and AI education, and serve populations living in poverty. Demonstrating measurable impact with quantitative evidence is also required.
Programmatic Requirements
Organizations should focus on areas such as expanding STEM access, AI education, workforce development, capacity building, career readiness, technology training, or innovation-focused learning. The organization’s mission should clearly support greater 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 for funding.
International Organizations Can Apply
Nonprofits outside the United States are encouraged to apply. International applicants will go through an Enhanced Expenditure Responsibility (EER) process managed by CAF America. F5 covers all EER fees, and successful completion is necessary before grant funds are disbursed.
Demonstrating Measurable Impact
A key part of the application is showing measurable impact. Organizations must provide quantitative evidence of how their programs have improved STEM and AI access and outcomes. This can include data on:
- Education Outcomes: Graduation rates, college enrollment, and STEM degree participation.
- Career Outcomes: Employment rates, internship placements, and career advancement statistics.
- Learning Outcomes: Improved academic performance, increased STEM competency scores, and enhanced digital literacy.
- Participation Outcomes: Program completion rates, growth in participant numbers, and increased representation of underserved groups.
Applications with strong data are expected to be more competitive.
Application Questions Overview
The application is divided into six main sections.
1. Organizational Profile
This section asks for basic information about the organization, including its legal name, mission, goals, website, regions served, country of registration, staff numbers, and annual budget.
2. Programmatic Focus and Impact
Applicants will describe their current STEM and AI programs, the communities they serve, their poverty-focused interventions, measurable outcomes, and any success stories or case studies.
3. Community Partnerships
This section focuses on highlighting local partnerships, collaborations, shared initiatives, and community engagement strategies.
4. Funding and Sustainability
Organizations will explain how they plan to use the grant funds, the expected outcomes, their sustainability plans, future scaling strategies, and long-term impact goals.
5. Eligibility Confirmation
Applicants must formally confirm that they meet all the eligibility requirements for the grant.
6. Contact Information
This final section requires the primary contact person’s details, including their email address, as well as information on referral sources and any previous participation history.
Important Dates for Applicants
- Application Opening Date: June 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 14, 2026, at 11:45 PM PST
- Notification of Results: July 2026
Organizations should prepare their responses offline, as the online application cannot be saved and resumed later.
Application Guidelines
Applications must be completed entirely in English. They are submitted electronically, with a maximum response length of 4,000 words per question and a total character limit of 200,000 characters. Impact data should be prepared in advance. Applicants are advised to carefully review all questions and draft their responses offline before starting the submission process.
Why This Grant Matters
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is creating both opportunities and inequalities globally. The F5 Foundation’s 2026 STEM & AI Education Grant Program invests in organizations helping underserved communities access the skills and knowledge needed for the future economy. For nonprofits already achieving results in STEM and AI education, this unrestricted funding offers a chance to expand programs, reach more people, improve sustainability, and increase long-term impact. With ten grants of $50,000 available, organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have a significant opportunity to gain support for initiatives that transform lives through education and technology. The application deadline is June 14, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F5 Foundation’s 2026 STEM & AI Education Grant Program?
It’s a program offering $50,000 in unrestricted funding to ten nonprofit organizations to expand access to STEM and AI education in underserved regions.
Which regions are eligible for the 2026 grants?
Eligible regions include Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, Central, Eastern, South-Eastern, Southern, and Western Asia, and Central America, South America, and Caribbean nations.
What are the key changes for the 2026 grant program?
The program now focuses on high-need geographic regions, requires a mandatory AI component in educational programs, and has a stronger emphasis on poverty alleviation.
When is the application deadline for the 2026 grants?
The application deadline is June 14, 2026, at 11:45 PM PST.
