Helping European workers benefit from AI’s potential
Overview
The Google AI Opportunity Fund: Europe is supporting organizations across the EU and beyond to provide AI skills to the people who need them most. As part of this €15 million open call, the Centre for Public Impact (CPI) has selected a wide range of nonprofit and civil society organizations helping those workers who will now receive extensive and bespoke training from CPI and its partners in local languages based on foundational AI courses designed by Google and external partners, along with cash support.
Recent advances in AI, particularly Generative AI, have the potential to increase the size of the EU economy by 1.2 trillion Euros, and to save the average worker over 70 hours a year. Yet while AI presents immense opportunities for increased productivity and growth, we must work together to ensure that they are truly available to everyone and don’t leave anyone behind.
The AI Opportunity Fund is an AI skilling initiative designed to fund and train organizations equipping workers, especially those who need more support to upskill themselves, with the foundational AI knowledge and tools needed for long-term positive professional outcomes. Organizations that reach those workers have been selected to receive support from this €15 million fund. Successful applicants are receiving funding and comprehensive training in local languages from CPI and it's partners based on Google and external AI courses. There is an option for additional tailored support to facilitate the training, which may include ongoing mentorship, child care vouchers, and stipends.
Meet the recipients
Supporting organization
The Centre for Public Impact acts as a learning partner, working collaboratively with leaders, teams and organizations to change how they work. CPI co-creates every partnership based on the unique organizational context and community they’re working with.
Google.org's approach to philanthropy
We engage nonprofits, social enterprises and civic entities who make a significant impact on the communities they serve, and whose work has the potential to produce scalable, meaningful change.
FAQ
FAQ
• Guidance and Support: Selected organizatons will receive expert guidance and support to ensure the effective implementation of AI training programs, and maximize impact for workers.
• Financial Assistance: Gain access to essential financial support to enable workers to fully engage in and successfully complete the training programs.
• Tailored Training Programs: Access tailor-made training programs, crafted to meet the needs of workers seeking to adapt and thrive in an AI-influenced job market.
• Networking and Collaboration: Join an international network of organizations dedicated to supporting workers and driving positive change. Collaborate and share best practices to amplify the impact of your initiatives.
• Application opened: 11th April, 2024
• Information workshops: April, May and June 2024
• Application deadline: 23:59 CEST on 28th June 2024
• Notification of selection: November 2024
• Program Commencement: January 2025
Data collected in the registration of interest form, funding application form, and data provided by applicant organizations through contact with the Centre for Public Impact via aiopportunityfund@centreforpublicimpact.org will be retained by the Centre for Public Impact for the duration of the initiative. The information provided will be used in accordance with CPI’s Privacy Policy . Applicant organizations may contact the Centre for Public Impact at any time to delete their application or request deletion of their contact information.
With support from Google.org, CPI leads the AI Opportunity Fund: Europe. CPI's role includes designing the fund, managing the open call process, and selecting recipients. Moving forward, CPI will refine the support offered to recipients, facilitate connections with training organisations, and disburse cash funding to support impactful AI-driven initiatives across Europe.
The Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe aims to support a diverse range of nonprofit and public-interest organizations that empower underserved workers with the skills and tools needed for long-term success. To be eligible for consideration, organizations had to meet specific criteria, including:
Geographic eligibility: Organizations had to be registered in one of the EU-27 member countries, Türkiye, the UK, or Ukraine (excluding Crimea, the DNR, and the LNR), and aim to reach learners in those countries.
Community connection: Eligible organizations needed to have a trusted, established relationship with underserved communities, understanding their unique needs and barriers that exist to access training opportunities.
Mission alignment: Applicants were required to have a core mission focused on supporting workers and demonstrate a proven track record in reaching and running programs specifically for underserved or marginalized workers.
Commitment to lifelong learning: Applicants were selected based on their dedication to continuous learning and development. Only nonprofit or public interest entities with a social impact mission were eligible. For-profit companies without a demonstrated social purpose were not considered.
Please contact aiopportunityfund@centreforpublicimpact.org if you have additional questions.