The Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver Initiative: AI for Public Service Transformation

The world’s cities are growing, and with that growth comes the increasing challenge of providing effective public services to millions of residents. From healthcare and job opportunities to environmental safety and civic participation, these services form the backbone of urban life. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) presents a powerful new set of tools that can help cities meet these demands more efficiently and equitably. The Rockefeller Foundation, recognizing this potential, has launched the “Cities Deliver: AI Solutions for Public Services” initiative. This program aims to foster innovation by supporting organizations that partner with city governments to develop and implement AI-driven solutions, particularly for underserved communities.

This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of urban living, with a $50 million commitment from the Rockefeller Foundation and OpenAI Foundation. The goal is to reach up to 100 million city residents worldwide by funding projects that leverage AI to improve public services. This article will explore the core aspects of the Cities Deliver initiative, detailing its focus areas, the benefits it offers to selected organizations, eligibility requirements, and the application process. Understanding these components is key for any organization looking to contribute to a more responsive and effective urban future through AI.

Understanding the Need: AI in Urban Public Services

Cities are complex ecosystems where a vast array of public services are delivered daily. These services are not just conveniences; they are essential for the well-being, safety, and economic prosperity of residents. When these services falter or are inaccessible, it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing inequalities. The sheer scale and complexity of urban environments often make traditional service delivery models struggle to keep pace with evolving needs and demands.

Artificial intelligence offers a paradigm shift in how these challenges can be addressed. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, predict outcomes, and automate tasks can revolutionize public service delivery. For instance, AI can help public health systems track disease outbreaks more effectively, connect job seekers with suitable employment, predict and mitigate environmental risks, and improve communication between city governments and their residents. The key to unlocking this potential lies in developing AI solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply rooted in the specific needs of communities and developed in close collaboration with city officials.

The Cities Deliver initiative is designed to bridge the gap between AI’s potential and its practical application in urban public services. It recognizes that successful implementation requires more than just technology; it demands strong partnerships, a clear understanding of local challenges, and a commitment to serving those most in need. By providing substantial funding and support, the Rockefeller Foundation is empowering organizations to explore and scale these transformative AI solutions.

Focus Areas: Where AI Can Make the Biggest Impact

The Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver initiative has identified four key focus areas where AI solutions are expected to yield the most significant improvements in public services, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. These areas reflect the critical challenges facing modern cities and highlight the diverse applications of AI in addressing them.

Public Health

Improving access to and the quality of public health services is a paramount concern for any city. AI can play a transformative role in this sector by extending the reach and readiness of healthcare systems. This includes supporting frontline care providers, enhancing disease surveillance capabilities to detect and respond to outbreaks rapidly, and enabling population-scale prevention strategies. AI-powered tools can help analyze health data to identify at-risk populations, personalize health interventions, and optimize the allocation of healthcare resources.

Examples of AI applications in public health include:

Disease Surveillance and Prediction: AI algorithms can analyze various data sources, such as social media trends, news reports, and anonymized health records, to predict and track the spread of infectious diseases. This allows public health officials to mobilize resources and implement containment measures more effectively.
Personalized Health Recommendations: AI can process individual health data to provide tailored advice on diet, exercise, and preventative care, empowering residents to take a more active role in their health.
Optimizing Healthcare Access: AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants can help residents navigate complex healthcare systems, find appropriate medical providers, and schedule appointments, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare professionals.
Disability Services: AI can assist in developing assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities, improving their independence and access to services.
Food Access and Nutrition: AI can help identify areas with food insecurity and optimize the distribution of food resources, as well as provide personalized nutritional guidance.

The initiative seeks solutions that address critical public health needs, ensuring that advancements in healthcare reach all segments of the population, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or lacked adequate access.

Economic Mobility

Creating pathways to economic opportunity is essential for the well-being of city residents. AI can be a powerful engine for economic mobility by connecting unemployed and underemployed individuals with income, skills, and benefits. This focus area aims to leverage AI to break down barriers to employment and financial stability.

Potential AI applications in economic mobility include:

AI-Enabled Benefits Enrollment: AI can simplify the often-complex process of applying for social benefits, such as unemployment assistance or housing support, by guiding users through applications and identifying eligibility criteria. This can ensure that more people receive the support they need.
Career Navigation and Skills-Based Hiring: AI platforms can analyze an individual’s skills and experience to recommend suitable job openings and training programs. They can also help employers identify candidates based on skills rather than just traditional qualifications, opening doors for those who might otherwise be overlooked.
Employer-Aligned Training: AI can identify emerging skill demands in the job market and help design training programs that directly align with employer needs. This ensures that workforce development initiatives are relevant and lead to meaningful employment.
Personalized Financial Guidance: AI tools can offer personalized advice on budgeting, saving, and investing, helping individuals improve their financial literacy and build wealth.

By focusing on economic mobility, the Cities Deliver initiative aims to foster inclusive economic growth, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the city’s economy.

Environmental Resilience

Cities are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and other environmental shocks. AI can be instrumental in helping cities forecast, withstand, and recover from these challenges, thereby protecting both people and the infrastructure they depend on. This focus area emphasizes the use of AI to build more sustainable and resilient urban environments.

AI’s role in environmental resilience can manifest in several ways:

Predictive Modeling for Disasters: AI can analyze weather patterns, geological data, and urban infrastructure information to predict natural disasters like floods, heatwaves, or wildfires with greater accuracy. This allows for timely warnings and proactive evacuation or mitigation efforts.
Optimizing Energy and Grid Infrastructure: AI can manage energy consumption more efficiently, predict demand, and integrate renewable energy sources into the grid. It can also help detect and respond to outages or failures in critical infrastructure.
Land Management and Urban Planning: AI can analyze satellite imagery and other geospatial data to monitor land use, identify areas at risk of erosion or subsidence, and inform sustainable urban planning decisions.
Public Safety and Emergency Services: AI can optimize the deployment of emergency responders, analyze crime patterns to improve public safety strategies, and enhance communication during crises.
Water Resource Management: AI can monitor water quality, predict shortages, and optimize water distribution systems, ensuring efficient and sustainable use of this vital resource.

The initiative seeks AI solutions that bolster a city’s capacity to adapt to environmental changes and protect its residents and infrastructure from harm.

Civic Engagement

Effective governance relies on strong communication and participation between city governments and their residents. AI can enhance civic engagement by helping city governments reach residents proactively and respond more effectively to their needs. This focus area aims to foster more responsive and participatory urban governance.

AI can contribute to improved civic engagement through:

Two-Way Service Channels: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide residents with instant access to information about city services, answer frequently asked questions, and facilitate service requests 24/7. This improves convenience and accessibility.
Proactive Outreach: AI can identify residents who may need specific services or information and enable city agencies to reach out proactively. For example, AI could identify households eligible for energy efficiency programs and send them targeted information.
Participatory Decision-Making Platforms: AI can help analyze public feedback from surveys, town halls, and online forums to identify key concerns and priorities of residents, informing policy decisions.
Streamlining Permitting and Regulatory Processes: AI can automate parts of the permitting and regulatory review process, making it faster and more transparent for residents and businesses.
Improving Digital Access and Connectivity: AI can help identify areas with limited digital access and inform strategies to expand broadband internet and digital literacy programs.

It is important to note that projects related to voting or elections are excluded from this focus area, as the initiative aims to improve the delivery of day-to-day public services and resident interaction with city government, rather than electoral processes.

By addressing these four critical areas, the Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver initiative aims to harness the power of AI to create more equitable, resilient, and responsive cities for all residents.

Benefits for Grantees: More Than Just Funding

The Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver initiative offers a comprehensive support package to its grantees, extending far beyond the financial investment. Recognizing that successful AI implementation in public services requires a multifaceted approach, the program provides a range of benefits designed to foster innovation, facilitate learning, and ensure long-term impact. These benefits are crucial for helping organizations navigate the complexities of working with city governments and deploying cutting-edge AI technologies.

Substantial Funding

The core of the support comes in the form of significant financial grants. Organizations selected for the Cities Deliver initiative will receive funding ranging from $500,000 to $2 million over a 24-month period. This substantial investment allows organizations to dedicate the necessary resources to develop, pilot, and scale their AI solutions. It covers costs associated with technology development, data acquisition and management, team expansion, community engagement, and integration with existing city systems. The funding is intended to provide a solid foundation for projects to achieve meaningful outcomes and demonstrate the viability of their AI applications in real-world public service settings.

Peer Learning and Mentorship

Innovation often thrives in collaborative environments. The Cities Deliver initiative facilitates this through a structured facilitated cohort program. Grantees will become part of a community of practice, enabling them to share experiences, challenges, and successes with other organizations working on similar problems. This peer-to-peer learning is complemented by webinars, mentorship, and evaluation support, all tailored to the demand and needs of the cohort. This network provides invaluable insights, practical advice, and a sense of shared purpose, helping grantees learn from each other’s journeys and avoid common pitfalls.

Technical Support

While the initiative does not offer bespoke, one-on-one AI product and engineering support for every project, it does provide occasional technical support based on capacity. This can include access to experts who can offer guidance on AI model selection, data science best practices, ethical AI development, and technical integration challenges. This support is intended to augment the technical capabilities of the grantee organizations, helping them overcome specific hurdles and ensure their AI solutions are robust, reliable, and responsibly developed.

Visibility and Network Access

Being part of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver initiative offers significant opportunities for increased visibility and access to influential networks. Grantees gain exposure to a broad ecosystem of city leaders, funders, and technical partners associated with the Rockefeller Foundation and OpenAI Foundation. This can lead to future collaborations, funding opportunities, and partnerships that extend beyond the initial grant period. Showcasing successful projects can also inspire other cities and organizations to adopt similar AI-driven approaches.

Convening Opportunities

The initiative plans to bring together grantees and key stakeholders for global or regional convenings. These events serve as crucial platforms for sharing experiences, disseminating lessons learned, and showcasing the work being done. Such gatherings foster deeper connections within the cohort, facilitate cross-pollination of ideas, and provide opportunities for public recognition of the grantees’ contributions. These convenings are vital for building momentum, celebrating achievements, and strategizing for the future of AI in public services.

These comprehensive benefits underscore the Rockefeller Foundation’s commitment to not just funding projects, but to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of innovation that can transform urban public services for the better.

Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply

The Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver initiative is designed to support organizations that are well-positioned to develop and implement AI solutions in partnership with city governments. To ensure the success and impact of the funded projects, a clear set of eligibility criteria has been established. These criteria focus on the nature of the applicant organization, the necessity of a strong city partnership, and the charitable purpose of the proposed project.

Eligible Lead Organizations

The primary applicant, or lead organization, must be one of the following:

Nonprofit Organizations: This includes traditional charities, foundations, and research institutions.
University Labs: Academic research groups and labs are encouraged to apply, provided their projects have a clear path to real-world application and community benefit.
Fiscally Sponsored Organizations: Organizations that do not have their own 501(c)(3) status can apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor.
Public Benefit Corporations (PBCs): These are for-profit entities that are legally committed to a social or public benefit mission.
For-Profit Companies (Limited Cases): For-profit companies may be considered, but only if their proposed project has a clearly defined charitable purpose and offers no more than an incidental benefit to the company’s core business operations. The primary aim must be public good, not profit maximization.

Governments cannot apply directly as lead organizations. However, their involvement as partners is essential, as detailed below.

The Crucial City Partner

A fundamental requirement for all applications is the existence of a city partner. The applicant organization must have a formal commitment from a city government to collaborate on the project. This partnership is critical because AI solutions for public services must be developed with a deep understanding of the specific needs, challenges, and operational realities of the city. The city partner demonstrates that there is a genuine demand for the proposed solution and provides the necessary access to data, stakeholders, and implementation pathways. Without a committed city partner, an application will not be considered.

Charitable Purpose

Every project funded by Cities Deliver must have a charitable purpose. This means the project must aim to benefit underserved, poor, or distressed communities, or contribute to social welfare. The primary goal should be to improve the lives of residents, particularly those who face systemic disadvantages or lack access to essential services. While innovation and technological advancement are key, the ultimate measure of success will be the positive social impact achieved.

Existing Grantees

The Rockefeller Foundation and RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC) are also eligible to apply. This means that organizations that have previously received funding from these entities can still be considered for the Cities Deliver initiative, provided their new proposals meet all other eligibility requirements.

Adherence to these eligibility criteria is the first step in the application process. Organizations that meet these standards are then expected to demonstrate how their proposed project aligns with the initiative’s goals and focus areas, and how they plan to achieve sustainable, responsible, and impactful outcomes.

Project Criteria: Building for Success and Sustainability

Beyond meeting the basic eligibility requirements, the Rockefeller Foundation seeks projects and partnerships that demonstrate a clear vision for impact, a robust plan for execution, and a commitment to responsible innovation. The initiative is looking for proposals that are not just technically sound but also deeply integrated into the fabric of urban governance and community needs. Several key criteria guide the evaluation of project proposals, ensuring that funded initiatives are well-conceived and have a strong potential for long-term success.

Responding to Demand

A core principle of the Cities Deliver initiative is that solutions must address credible demand from both city government partners and the communities they serve. This means projects should not be driven solely by technological possibility but by identified needs. Applicants must clearly articulate the specific problems their AI solution will solve and provide evidence that these problems are a priority for the city and its residents, especially vulnerable populations. This ensures that the innovation is relevant and addresses real-world challenges.

Starting with the Problem, Then Planning the Solution

The initiative emphasizes a problem-first approach. Projects should clearly define a significant problem that the city government has prioritized and that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities or impacts social welfare. Once the problem is well-defined, the proposal should then detail how the latest capabilities of frontier AI models can be leveraged as a core component of the solution. This ensures that AI is applied strategically to address a pressing issue, rather than being a solution in search of a problem.

Focus on Readiness for Integration

Successful implementation in the public sector requires more than just a good idea; it requires the capacity to integrate new technologies into existing systems and workflows. The initiative looks for teams and city partners that demonstrate readiness to integrate technology into public sector settings. This includes having the necessary technical expertise, understanding of public sector procurement and implementation processes, and the organizational capacity to manage change.

Building for Sustainability

The goal of the initiative is to foster lasting change, not just temporary fixes. Projects must be well-positioned to be sustained beyond the grant period. This involves demonstrating a plan for follow-on funding, building the capacity of the city government to manage and maintain the AI solution, and ensuring its integration with existing government systems. Sustainability also means considering the long-term operational costs and the ongoing relevance of the solution.

Responsible AI Development and Management

Given the sensitive nature of public services and the potential impact of AI, responsible development and management are paramount. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to build and manage AI solutions safely and responsibly. This includes addressing issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, and accountability. Proposals should outline strategies for ethical AI deployment and mechanisms for mitigating potential risks.

A Clear Learning Agenda

The initiative is not only about deploying solutions but also about generating knowledge and insights. Applicants are expected to propose a clear learning agenda for assessing progress. This includes plans for evaluation, user feedback mechanisms, and strategies for measuring social impact. A strong learning agenda allows for continuous improvement, helps disseminate best practices, and contributes to the broader understanding of how AI can be effectively used in public services.

By adhering to these project criteria, organizations can develop proposals that are not only innovative and impactful but also aligned with the Rockefeller Foundation’s vision for a more equitable and efficient urban future.

The Application Process: Steps to Securing Support

Applying for the Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver: AI Solutions for Public Services initiative requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the program’s objectives. The process is designed to identify projects that are not only innovative but also practical, sustainable, and aligned with the foundation’s mission to improve public services for underserved communities. While specific details of the application portal are provided, understanding the general steps and what is expected can significantly improve an applicant’s chances of success.

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Focus Areas

Before beginning the application, it is crucial for potential applicants to thoroughly review the eligibility requirements and the four focus areas (Public Health, Economic Mobility, Environmental Resilience, Civic Engagement). Ensure that your organization and proposed project meet all the stated criteria. Confirm that you have a committed city partner and that your project aligns with one or more of the focus areas.

Step 2: Develop a Strong Proposal

The core of the application is the project proposal. This document should clearly articulate:

The Problem: A detailed description of the public service challenge your project aims to address, emphasizing its impact on vulnerable communities.
The Solution: How your AI-driven solution will tackle the problem, highlighting the specific AI capabilities you will use and why they are appropriate.
The Partnership: The role and commitment of your city partner, including how they will be involved in development and implementation.
Team Capacity: The expertise and experience of your team, including technical, project management, and community engagement skills.
Sustainability Plan: How the project will continue to operate and deliver impact beyond the grant period.
Responsible AI Framework: Your approach to ethical AI development, data privacy, and bias mitigation.
Learning Agenda: Your plan for monitoring progress, gathering feedback, and evaluating impact.
Budget: A detailed breakdown of how the requested funds will be used.

Step 3: Access the Application Portal

The application is submitted through a dedicated online portal. The provided link, Click here to apply, will direct you to the platform where you can create an account and begin filling out the application form. Familiarize yourself with the portal’s interface and any specific instructions or requirements outlined there.

Step 4: Complete and Submit the Application

Fill out all sections of the application form accurately and completely. Upload any required supporting documents, such as letters of commitment from your city partner, resumes of key personnel, or organizational documentation. Ensure that all information is consistent and clearly presented. Once you have reviewed everything, submit your application by the deadline, which is November 29, 2026. It is advisable to submit well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Step 5: Review and Selection Process

After the submission deadline, the Rockefeller Foundation and OpenAI Foundation will review all applications. This process typically involves multiple stages, including initial screening for eligibility, in-depth evaluation of proposals against the project criteria, and potentially interviews or further requests for information from shortlisted candidates. The foundation aims to select a cohort of projects that represent a diverse range of challenges, solutions, and geographic locations, all united by a commitment to improving public services through AI.

Step 6: Notification and Grant Award

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission. Successful applicants will then proceed to finalize grant agreements and begin the process of receiving funding and engaging with the initiative’s support programs.

For more detailed information and to stay updated on any changes to the process, applicants are encouraged to visit the official Rockefeller Foundation Cities Deliver website.

Conclusion: Building Smarter, More Equitable Cities with AI

The Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver: AI Solutions for Public Services initiative marks a pivotal moment in the quest to enhance urban living through technology. By committing significant resources and fostering a collaborative environment, the foundation is empowering cities and their partners to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence. This program is not merely about funding technological advancements; it is about a deliberate effort to ensure that these advancements serve the public good, particularly for those who have historically been underserved.

The initiative’s focus on critical areas like public health, economic mobility, environmental resilience, and civic engagement demonstrates a holistic understanding of the challenges facing modern cities. The emphasis on strong city partnerships, responsible AI development, and long-term sustainability ensures that the solutions developed will be practical, impactful, and enduring. For organizations with innovative ideas and a commitment to community well-being, Cities Deliver offers a unique opportunity to secure funding, gain valuable support, and contribute to a future where cities are more responsive, equitable, and resilient for all their residents. The call for proposals is a call to action for a smarter, more inclusive urban future, powered by the intelligent application of AI.

Rockefeller Foundation’s Cities Deliver: Using AI to Transform Public Services