Citi Foundation announces challenge to strengthen solutions to homelessness

The Citi Foundation issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its latest Global Innovation Challenge, a funding model to help scale the impact of nonprofits around the world that are tackling some of society’s most pressing issues. The 2024 Global Innovation Challenge will provide a collective $25 million in catalytic funding to 50 community organizations working in novel ways to address homelessness.=

Housing insecurity is a global concern, with the United Nations estimating that roughly 150 million people worldwide are homeless. We recognize that safe, affordable and stable housing is a key contributor to the economic and social well-being of individuals, families and communities.

“Today, homelessness is on the rise in many communities around the world and it manifests itself in different ways – all of which require unique solutions,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation and Head of Citi Community Investing & Development. “With this year’s Global Innovation Challenge, we are deploying philanthropic capital that will help unlock and operationalize innovative approaches to homelessness and catalyze lasting change in the lives of people globally.” 

In the Philippines, World Vision Development Foundation and Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation were selected as two of the recipients of the inaugural Global Innovation Challenge that was launched in 2023. Both non-profit organizations received a grant of $500,000 each to improve food security for vulnerable families in Negros Occidental and help improve their lives by generating growth, diversifying income, providing widespread entrepreneurial opportunities, and environmental recovery so that they can contribute to their communities and experience better living conditions.