$8 Million Opportunity for Coalitions Tackling Education Gaps

A major global education challenge remains unresolved: millions of children are reaching school age without developing the foundational skills they need to succeed.

UNESCO estimates that 57% of children worldwide do not have basic skills. The consequences are particularly serious in Sub-Saharan Africa, where UNESCO forecasts that economies could lose 26% of GDP by 2030 if children do not acquire these essential competencies.

Funding Available

The Atlassian Foundation is responding to this challenge with a new funding initiative focused on learners from communities that have historically had limited access to opportunities.

The Foundation plans to provide US$8 million over two years to partnerships addressing education inequality.

Each successful partnership can seek up to US$1 million for a two-year programme. Selected organizations will also participate in a peer-learning network and gain access to Atlassian software and technical expertise from the company’s staff.

The Foundation is already supporting several initiatives, including:

• Mantra4Change, which works with government schools in two Indian states to improve AI literacy among adolescents.
• Teach For All, whose network is supporting educators from under-resourced schools as they explore responsible ways of incorporating AI into teaching and learning across 63 countries.
• CareerVillage, which coordinates a US coalition of more than 195 organizations developing AI-supported career guidance for young people who have historically been underserved.

Who Can Apply

The opportunity is open to registered nonprofit organizations from any country.

However, applicants must demonstrate that their proposed initiative meets three central requirements.

1. Addressing Disadvantage

Projects must provide direct benefits to a clearly defined group experiencing educational or socioeconomic disadvantage.

2. Working as a Coalition

The Foundation is specifically looking for collaborative partnerships, rather than projects led by one organization working alone.

Participating organizations should share objectives, implementation responsibilities and learning while addressing a wider systemic challenge.

3. Preparing Education for the AI Era

Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of how education is changing because of artificial intelligence.

Organizations proposing to use AI must explain how they will use it intentionally and responsibly, including appropriate safeguards. Those choosing not to use AI will need to provide a clear justification for that decision.

This requirement means that a standalone NGO or technology company with an otherwise promising ICT4D or education application is unlikely to qualify by itself. The programme is designed around collective action and systemic change, rather than funding individual technology projects.

Application Deadline

Eligible nonprofit organizations interested in the opportunity should prepare their applications before the deadline.

Deadline: October 30, 2026

Apply for the funding opportunity