FIFA and Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, today announced the formation of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board, following the first wave of founding donor contributions supporting the landmark initiative to raise USD $100 million for education and literacy for children worldwide.
The non-fiduciary advisory board includes Hugh Jackman, The Weeknd, Ivanka Trump, Gianni Infantino, Hugh Evans, Serena Williams, Shakira, Kaká, and Bank of America Co-President Jim DeMare, who will provide strategic guidance to ensure the fund achieves maximum impact in supporting organizations dedicated to improving literacy and education access for children.
Launched earlier this year at the Global Citizen NOW summit in New York City, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aims to expand access to quality education, literacy, and football for children worldwide. Half of the funds raised will support grassroots education and literacy programs in over 200 communities globally. The remaining funds will go toward FIFA’s Football for Schools (F4S) programme, a FIFA and UNESCO-led initiative advancing life skills, learning, and community development through football.
Organizations providing access to education and sports for children in underserved communities are now invited to apply for grants of up to $250,000. The first round of grantees will be announced in early 2026. To apply, visit globalcitizen.org/education-fund-apply.
Currently, an estimated 350 million children and adolescents are out of school globally, with 133 million not meeting minimum proficiency levels in reading and math by the end of primary school.
Founding donors include MetLife Foundation and Bank of America, which will also serve as the Bank of Record for the fund. Each has made significant contributions, demonstrating strong early momentum. Global Citizen also thanks Cisco and the Government of Sierra Leone for their donations. Additional pledges are expected from philanthropies, corporations, and individuals leading up to the FIFA World Cup Final in July 2026.
Last month at the Global Citizen Festival, it was announced that the fund has already raised over USD $30 million, supported by founding donors and proceeds from events including The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour and the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
It was also revealed that USD $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 26™ matches will be donated to the fund.