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, offering $50,000 in funding to ten nonprofit organizations. This initiative aims to increase access to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and artificial intelligence education for disadvantaged communities. Building on previous grant cycles, the 2026 program introduces key updates focused on high-need regions and the integration of AI into educational efforts. The goal is to equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
About the 2026 F5 STEM & AI Education Grants
The F5 Foundation’s grant program supports organizations that are creating pathways for individuals living in poverty to pursue careers in STEM and AI. For 2026, ten nonprofit organizations will each receive a $50,000 USD unrestricted one-time grant. This funding is designed to be flexible, allowing organizations to use the money where it will have the greatest impact and help ensure long-term stability. A global committee of F5 employees will review the applications.
Key Changes in the 2026 F5 Grant Program
The 2026 grant cycle features three significant strategic changes intended to boost impact and reach.
Geographic Focus on High-Need Regions
For the first time, F5 is concentrating its funding on areas where access to STEM and AI education is limited. 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.
This focused approach aims to direct resources to places where they can make the most significant difference.
Artificial Intelligence as a Required Component
A major update for 2026 is the mandatory inclusion of an AI component. To be considered, organizations must show how AI is part of their educational programs, training, curricula, capacity-building activities, or technology-focused 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.
Stronger Emphasis on Poverty Alleviation
The Foundation is increasing its focus on serving individuals living in poverty. Organizations must prove that over half of their beneficiaries live in poverty, that their programs support underserved populations, and that their STEM and AI education activities reduce barriers to opportunity. The aim is to create more equal access to emerging technologies and future jobs.
Eligibility Requirements
Organizations applying for the grant must meet specific 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, serve populations in poverty, and show measurable impact with data.
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.
International Organizations Can Apply
Nonprofits outside the United States are welcome to apply. International applicants will go through an Enhanced Expenditure Responsibility (EER) process managed by CAF America. F5 covers all EER fees, but successful completion is required before funds are disbursed.
Types of Impact F5 Seeks
A critical part of the application is demonstrating measurable impact. Organizations must provide data showing how their programs have improved STEM and AI access and outcomes. Examples of desired impact include:
Education Outcomes
This includes improvements in graduation rates, college enrollment, and participation in STEM degree programs.
Career Outcomes
Data on employment rates, internship placements, and career advancement statistics are important.
Learning Outcomes
Evidence of improved academic performance, increased STEM competency scores, and enhanced digital literacy metrics is sought.
Participation Outcomes
Metrics such as program completion rates, growth in participant numbers, and increased representation of underserved populations are considered. Applications with strong data are expected to be more competitive.
Application Questions Overview
The application process covers six main areas.
1. Organizational Profile
This section asks for information such as the legal name, mission, organizational goals, website, regions served, registration country, staffing levels, and annual budget.
2. Programmatic Focus and Impact
Applicants must describe their current STEM and AI programs, the communities they serve, their poverty-focused interventions, measurable outcomes, and success stories.
3. Community Partnerships
This part requires highlighting local partnerships, collaborations, shared initiatives, and community engagement strategies.
4. Funding and Sustainability
Organizations need to explain how grant funds will be used, expected outcomes, sustainability plans, future scaling strategies, and long-term impact goals.
5. Eligibility Confirmation
Applicants must formally confirm that they meet all eligibility requirements.
6. Contact Information
This section collects details for the primary contact person, including their email address, referral source, and any history of previous participation.
Important Dates
- Application Opening Date: June 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 14, 2026 (11:45 PM PST)
- Notification of Results: July 2026
It is advised to prepare responses in advance, as the online application cannot be saved and resumed later.
Application Guidelines
Before applying, organizations should note that applications must be completed in English and submitted electronically. The maximum response length is 4,000 words per question, with a total character limit of 200,000 characters for the entire application. Impact data should be prepared beforehand. Applicants should carefully review all questions and draft their responses offline before starting the submission process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F5 Foundation’s 2026 STEM & AI Education Grant Program?
It’s a program offering $50,000 grants to ten nonprofit organizations to expand access to STEM and AI education in disadvantaged communities worldwide.
Which regions are considered high-need for the 2026 grants?
The program focuses on specific regions in Africa (Northern and Sub-Saharan), Asia (Central, Eastern, South-Eastern, Southern, and Western), and Latin America (Central America, South America, and Caribbean nations).
Is Artificial Intelligence a required part of the grant application?
Yes, organizations must show how AI is integrated into their educational programs, training, or career development activities to be considered.
What are the main eligibility requirements for organizations?
Applicants must be registered charities or have a fiscal sponsor, have at least three years of experience, operate in eligible regions, focus on STEM/AI education for those in poverty, and have a non-discrimination policy.
