A coalition of ten major philanthropic foundations has launched a new initiative named Humanity AI, committing $500 million over the next five years. The group aims to ensure the development and integration of artificial intelligence prioritizes human interests and societal well-being over purely commercial objectives.
Led by the MacArthur Foundation and Omidyar Network, the alliance seeks to counterbalance the influence of large technology companies, advocating for AI systems that are designed to be safe, equitable, and beneficial for people and the planet.
Key Takeaways
- A coalition of 10 philanthropic foundations, named Humanity AI, has been formed.
- The group is committing $500 million over five years to fund human-centric AI projects.
- The initiative aims to shift the focus of AI development from profit and efficiency to human well-being.
- Key funding areas include democracy, education, worker opportunity, and personal security.
A New Direction for AI Development
The Humanity AI coalition was established to address growing concerns that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is being driven primarily by a small number of well-funded technology firms. The group argues that this dynamic risks overlooking the broader societal impacts of the technology.
The central message from the coalition is that the future of AI is not predetermined but is a matter of intentional design. They advocate for a more inclusive approach to its development, one that involves civil society and diverse communities in shaping how these powerful systems are built and deployed.
“The future belongs to those who actively create it, and that shan’t be a few leaders in Silicon Valley. It’s all of us,” stated Nabiha Syed, Executive Director of the Mozilla Foundation, a member of the coalition. “The systems shaping our lives must be powered by people, open by design, and fueled by imagination.”
The alliance includes a wide range of influential organizations, such as the Ford Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Kapor Foundation, among others. This broad representation highlights the widespread nature of the concerns regarding AI's current trajectory.
Balancing Progress with Precaution
While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI, the coalition points to a growing list of real-world harms. These issues range from AI-generated deepfake videos spreading misinformation to the significant energy consumption of AI data centers contributing to climate change.
There are also economic and social concerns. Economists worry about job displacement for entry-level workers, while psychologists have raised alarms about children forming unhealthy attachments to AI chatbots for companionship.
The Debate: Efficiency vs. Flourishing
A core argument from the Humanity AI coalition is that the tech industry often equates progress with efficiency. For example, OpenAI recently highlighted ChatGPT's ability to act as a virtual merchant for services like Etsy or Uber Eats. While this may make commerce more efficient, critics question if it contributes to a better quality of life.
Michele L. Jawando, President of the Omidyar Network, emphasized the need to redefine success in the age of AI. “Most of what we’re offered right now is efficiency. But that’s not flourishing,” she said. “I don’t want my life to be efficient. I want my life to flourish. I want it to feel rich and robust and healthy and safe.”
Strategic Funding Priorities
To achieve its goals, Humanity AI has identified five priority areas for its grant-making activities. Member foundations will support projects and organizations working to:
- Advance democracy and civic engagement
- Strengthen educational outcomes and access
- Protect artists and creative expression
- Enhance work and economic opportunity
- Defend personal security and privacy
This strategic focus is intended to build a robust ecosystem of technologies and advocates that center human values. The coalition recognizes that while governments work on regulation and the private sector pursues innovation, philanthropy has a unique role in amplifying the voice of civil society.
Focus on Future Generations
John Palfrey, President of the MacArthur Foundation, highlighted a particular focus on creating opportunities for early-career professionals. He noted that many young people are questioning their ability to achieve a better life than the previous generation, a core tenet of the “American Dream.”
Palfrey argued that AI development should start by asking how the technology can ensure a brighter future for individuals and families. “That’s a very different orientation than ‘How do we invest to make the LLMs be the biggest and fastest,’ right?” Palfrey said, referring to Large Language Models. “It’s an orientation that centers opportunity and young people.”
Building a Collaborative Ecosystem
The members of Humanity AI began coordinating their grants in the fall and plan to pool additional funds into a collaborative fund in the coming year. This fund will be managed by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, streamlining the process for supporting impactful projects.
Early grantees demonstrate the coalition's diverse focus. Funding has been directed to organizations like the National Black Tech Ecosystem Association, which works to build diverse leadership pipelines in STEM fields, and AI Now, a research institute at New York University studying the social implications of artificial intelligence.
Another grant supports a Howard Law School initiative dedicated to developing AI solutions that advance civil rights. As part of the effort, the MacArthur Foundation is also increasing its grant to the Pulitzer Center to support journalism related to technology and society.
Humanity AI is not the only philanthropic effort in this space. In July, the Gates Foundation and Ballmer Group were part of a group that announced a $1 billion, 15-year commitment to create AI tools for public service workers. The launch of Humanity AI signals a growing movement within the philanthropic sector to actively shape the future of artificial intelligence for the public good.