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The Citi Foundation has announced the 50 community organizations around the world that are set to each receive $500,000 (UGX 1.8 Billion) in catalytic funding as part of the 2024 Global Innovation Challenge. This year, Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge sought applications providing sustainable solutions to addressing homelessness.
Habitat for Humanity was announced as the grant recipient in Uganda, at Citi’s 25th Anniversary celebration in Kampala, this evening, as part of their commitment to support and uplift the local community. The project will train youth on low-cost, innovative construction techniques to facilitate the increase in supply of affordable homes with the dual goal of increasing the income of participating youth.
“Since launching the inaugural Global Innovation Challenge in early 2023, we’ve continued to see how community-based solutions are poised to accelerate impact on the ground,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation and Head of Citi Community Investing & Development. “We call this grant support ‘catalytic’ given the multiplier effect it can have on low-income communities. Each community organization will not only directly impact the lives of people in crisis today, but also create models that can be replicated in other communities around the world tomorrow.”
Housing insecurity impacts communities globally, with the United Nations estimating that 1.8 billion people around the world lack adequate housing. This latest philanthropic investment builds on Citi and the Citi Foundation’s efforts to catalyze economic opportunity globally. Citi has been the largest affordable housing lender in the U.S. for 14 consecutive years and has supported the development of housing across developed and emerging markets as part of its $1 Trillion Sustainable Finance Goal. Additionally, the Citi Impact Fund invests in U.S. start-ups bringing affordable housing solutions to market and Citi volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to housing-related causes.
“When families have a safe place to call home, they can better address vital issues such as food security, health, and education. I am deeply honored that the Citi Foundation is dedicating resources to support Habitat for Humanity Uganda to tackle the significant housing deficit by empowering youth with essential skills for employment in the housing sector. Together, we are not just building homes, but also creating pathways to brighter futures.”, commented Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, Board Chairperson, Habitat for Humanity Uganda.
Homelessness is a complex issue, and the Citi Foundation has been inspired by the level of innovation and impact it saw from applicants and their efforts to target the diverse needs of communities around the world.
Programs funded by these grants will be implemented over the next two years and grantees will have access to a learning community facilitated by IDEO.org, a nonprofit focused on designing products and services in the social impact sector. Through the learning community, grantees will have the opportunity to build deeper connections, share lessons learned and exchange best practices.