Several Arkansas organizations are among the first recipients of the People-First AI Fund, a new multi-million-dollar initiative from the OpenAI Foundation aimed at helping community-based nonprofits strengthen their work while thoughtfully exploring how artificial intelligence can support the people they serve.
The Foundation is awarding $40.5 million in unrestricted grants to 208 nonprofits nationwide following an open application process that drew nearly 3,000 applicants. Most funds were distributed by the end of the year, with a second wave of grants to follow in 2026.
Among the Arkansas recipients is TheatreSquared, the nationally recognized professional theater company based in Fayetteville. Known for its commitment to community engagement and education, TheatreSquared is part of a cohort designed to help trusted local institutions explore AI in ways that enhance creativity, access and public benefit while remaining grounded in human-centered values.
Other Arkansas-connected organizations selected for funding include Restore Hope Inc., which serves communities in Arkansas and neighboring states, and Heartland Forward, a regional policy think tank with a presence in Arkansas focused on economic opportunity and workforce development. National organizations that operate in or serve Arkansas communities—such as the News Literacy Project, Upsolve and Veterans for All Voters—also appear on the recipient list.
“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,” said Bret Taylor, Chair of the OpenAI Foundation Board.
The grants are intentionally unrestricted, allowing nonprofits to decide how best to apply AI tools or begin learning about them to support areas such as literacy, economic mobility, community innovation and public understanding. Many of the selected organizations are new to AI, reflecting the Fund’s focus on meeting communities where they are.
With organizations like TheatreSquared included, Arkansas stands to play a role in shaping how people-first approaches to artificial intelligence unfold at the local level.
Photo Credit: TheatreSquared
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