Some of the biggest Philanthropic players come together with one goal in mind: To make sure that Silicon Valley is not the only force shaping society as technology is concentrated in areas such as labor, education and the arts. The new initiative, called Human AI, will see ten foundations commit at least $500 million over the next five years to those machines.
Ubuntu AI will be partnered by the Omidy network
“The message I want to reiterate was far and wide: AI is not finished, it is being built,” said Michele Jawando, President of the Omidar Network, in a statement. “The decisions we make now about who builds AI, who benefits from it, and its values will determine whether it augments human needs or augments itself.”
Foundations joining the coalition must commit to making grants in at least five of humanity’s most important areas: equipping workers for an AI-driven economy; to protect artists from theft; Addressing security risks in sectors such as climate and energy; promoting democracy; and supporting the thoughtful integration of AI in education.
The Poled of Grants fund will be managed by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, which expects to start distributing money early next year.
The broad goals are widely reflected in its diverse list of members. For example, the Mellon foundation, known for destroying art and humanity; The Kapor Foundation focuses on making the techcoloscolod ecosystem more equitable; And the Lumina Foundation works to increase economic prosperity through education. Other founding members include the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Raising the Family Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
Big Philanthropy takes on AI
This isn’t the first time major US foundations have come together to mitigate AI risks. In 2023, several of Humbanity AI’s members, including the current network of humanity, the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation-launched a $200 million program aimed at funding social development and reliable use.
Recently, in July, different Philanthropic jewels led by billionaires Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and Charles Koch announced the entry of NextLaddeder, a $1 billion program to use emerging technologies to increase economic opportunity. That effort will prioritize providing AI-based tools to front-line workers and people facing job or housing austerity.
Humanity Ai, meanwhile, hopes to increase its unity in the coming months. “The numbers are too high to defer decisions to companies and leaders within them,” said John Palfrey, president of the Macarthur Foundation, in a statement. “Ubuntu ai wants a powerful revolution in technology, researchers and advocates united with a shared vision to ensure that AI is a force for good, putting people first.”
