MERCEDES, Texas - The OpenAI Foundation has announced the first recipients from its multi-million dollar People-First AI Fund - and VIDA is one of the beneficiaries!
The fund was set up to help community-based nonprofits working to strengthen local communities and expand the opportunity of AI.
VIDA stands for Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. Set up 30 years ago by Valley Interfaith, the group works to equip Rio Grande Valley residents with the skills and support needed to secure high-demand, high-wage careers.
Bret Taylor, chair of the OpenAI Foundation Board, said that through an open call, the Foundation will provide $40.5 million in unrestricted grants to 208 nonprofits across the United States, with funds being disbursed by the end of the year.
Taylor said a second wave of $9.5 million in Board-directed grants will be announced in the coming months. He said this will support organizations already advancing transformative AI work in areas like health that reflect the Fund’s people-first values and potential for broad public benefit.
“The People-First AI Fund reflects our commitment to supporting a wide range of organizations advancing work that strengthens communities and expands opportunity. We’re proud to support this first group of grantees and to continue work that is mission-driven and responsive to the people it exists to serve.” Taylor said.
He said the OpenAI Foundation is looking forward to learning alongside the grantees and local leaders, sharing insights, and expanding its grant-making work.
The OpenAI Foundation said of VIDA: “VIDA empowers underserved, low-income students and working adults to achieve economic mobility through comprehensive case management, wrap-around financial assistance, career navigation, and strong employer partnerships. VIDA is expanding access to AI and technology training programs to equip communities with the skills needed to thrive in the future workforce.”
Felida Villarreal, president and CEO of VIDA said: “Exciting news. VIDA has been selected as a grantee by the OpenAI Foundation’s People-First AI Fund. This was a highly competitive national open call, with over 3,000 applicants and only 208 organizations selected, most from California. And VIDA stood out. Being part of this cohort connects VIDA to national funders, tech leaders, and high profile nonprofits. This is a major milestone not just for VIDA, but for our Rio Grande Valley. Proud moment for our workforce community.”
The OpenAI Foundation explained how the People-First AI Fund came about and was organized.
“Over the past year, a series of steps laid the groundwork for these grants: the work of our independent Nonprofit Commission, nationwide community listening, the Commission’s public report, and the launch of the People-First AI Fund.
“The application window for the first wave of grants—all unrestricted—was open from September 8 through October 8 and featured a short, four-question application. Nearly 3,000 organizations applied from across the country—an indication of both the demand for support and desire among community-based organizations to help shape how AI can be applied to their work and the people they serve.
“Daniel Zingale, who had served as convener of the Nonprofit Commission, supported the Foundation in translating the Commission’s recommendations into the Fund’s implementation. Together with external grant-making experts, advisors, and members of the Nonprofit Commission, the group conducted a multi-step, independent human review and screening process. Every application was reviewed, with shortlisted recommendations advanced to the OpenAI Foundation Board for final consideration.
“This cohort includes organizations that are mission-driven, community-centered, and ready to move. Many have never used AI or are early in their exploration, reflecting the Fund’s goal of supporting trusted local organizations at the front lines of community impact. California nonprofits are well represented, consistent with our commitment to our home state.”
VIDA celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a gala in McAllen in October. The highlight was a conversation between CEO Villarreal and Fernando De Leon, the billionaire businessman, investor and philanthropist from Brownsville/Matamoros. De Leon said the best thing a person can do is to build a business. Click here to watch highlights from the conversation.
Editor's Note: Click here to read the People-First AI Fund award list.
