OpenAI and Rockefeller launch US$50 million cities AI fund

The OpenAI Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation have launched a US$50 million funding programme to help city governments improve public services using artificial intelligence (AI), with grants of up to US$2 million available to organisations working alongside municipalities worldwide.

The Cities Deliver initiative aims to reach up to 100 million residents, supporting projects focused on public health, economic mobility, environmental resilience and civic engagement.

Anna Makanju (pictured), Head of AI for Civil Society and Philanthropy at The OpenAI Foundation, told Cities Today that applicants will need to demonstrate practical benefits rather than simply experiment with emerging technology.

“The goal is to support projects where AI is core to solving a demonstrated problem, rather than projects experimenting with AI for its own sake,” she said. “We do want to see potential for scale–whether that is to more residents, new jurisdictions, or additional services.”

Funding and eligibility

Seed grants of US$500,000 to less than US$1 million will support prototype development and initial city pilots, while scale grants of US$1 million to US$2 million will help expand solutions that have already demonstrated results.

City governments cannot apply directly but must partner with an eligible organisation. Makanju said municipalities will not be required to provide matching funding or possess specialist AI expertise.

“The initiative is designed to recognise that cities have different levels of resourcing and technical capabilities,” she said. “Grants will go to eligible organisations working alongside them, and the programme is going to ensure that grantees are able to access peer learning, mentorship and potential technical support subject to capacity.”

The programme builds on Rockefeller-supported AI projects in Cali, Colombia, where technology forecasts dengue outbreaks; Cape Town, where a messaging platform supports resident engagement; and Rio de Janeiro, where AI assists flood response.

Makanju said these projects highlighted the importance of ensuring new technologies work alongside existing municipal systems, rather than requiring cities to overhaul their infrastructure.

Beyond the pilot

Successful applicants must establish plans to evaluate outcomes, protect residents’ data and integrate solutions into existing services. Grants will run for 24 months, with no guarantee of further funding.

“Sustainability is also part of the approach from the outset,” Makanju added. “Projects need a credible path to integration into existing city systems if successful, and a patch to securing the support needed to continue beyond the 24-month grant period.”

Applicants can choose their preferred AI models and products, with no requirement to use OpenAI technology. Applications are open until 29 November 2026 through the Cities Deliver application portal.

Image: OpenAI Foundation