Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Citi, dedicated to promoting economic progress and improving the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, the Citi Foundation primarily provides grants to non-profit organizations, rather than making equity investments in for-profit companies. Its strategic focus areas include Financial Inclusion, Youth Economic Opportunities, and Community Solutions, aiming to support innovative approaches that address systemic challenges and foster economic resilience.

The Foundation's approach emphasizes empowering communities and individuals through strategic partnerships with organizations that demonstrate a strong capacity for impact. They seek to fund programs that are scalable, sustainable, and capable of creating meaningful, long-term change. Their grant-making is global in scope, reflecting Citi's international presence and commitment to social responsibility across diverse geographies.

The scale of the Citi Foundation's commitment is substantial. In 2022, the Foundation invested a remarkable $110 million globally, supporting more than 1,000 community organizations in their efforts to drive economic progress. A notable initiative, the Community Progress Makers, exemplified their funding strategy by awarding $25 million in grants to 50 community organizations across the U.S., resulting in an average grant size of $500,000 per organization for this particular program.

Their funding is catalytic, designed to help non-profits expand their reach, develop new solutions, and strengthen their organizational capacity. The Citi Foundation's role is distinct from that of a venture capital investor, as its primary objective is social impact rather than financial returns. They are a significant player in the philanthropic landscape, consistently deploying capital to address critical social and economic challenges worldwide.