The OpenAI Foundation announced the first batch of recipients of the People-First AI Fund, which will provide a total of $40.5 million in unearmarked grants to 208 nonprofit organizations across the United States, and the funds will be distributed within the year. The fund aims to support community-based organizations that explore ways to use AI locally for humans to enhance public services and expand opportunities, while planning to support institutions with a foundation of practice in key areas such as health.
The first round of funding was generated through an open call, and the application window opened from September 8 to October 8, attracting nearly 3,000 organizations to sign up. An independent review team combined with external funding experts and recommendations from the nonprofit committee conducted multiple rounds of manual screening of all applications before submitting them to the Foundation Board for final approval. Most of the selected organizations are mission-driven, community-centered, and ready organizations that serve urban and rural states, including news literacy, youth development, mental health, library services, Indigenous media, and STEM education, with a high proportion of California institutions.
The People-First AI Fund focuses on four areas of work: improving public literacy and understanding of AI, promoting community-led innovation, expanding equitable employment and economic opportunities in the face of technological change, and "transformative" projects with amplifying effects. The foundation said it will cooperate with grantees for a long time, share experience, and further expand the scale of funding on a practical basis.
FAQs
Q: What is the funding size of the People-First AI Fund?
A: The first batch of $40.5 million was awarded to 208 nonprofit organizations, with an additional $9.5 million planned for targeted grants.
Q: What types of organizations are selected for the first grants?
A: It is mainly a non-profit organization rooted in the community, covering areas such as education, news literacy, youth and career development, health services, and rural and indigenous community support.
Q: What AI-related directions does the fund focus on?
A: The focus is on AI literacy and public understanding, innovative applications in communities, equitable economic opportunities, and transformative projects with broad societal benefits.
