As AI continues to dominate headlines, conference agendas, and boardroom conversations, leaders of philanthropic institutions–including trustees, executives, and program officers–are grappling with the question of how to ensure that this technology advances their mission and improves the lives of the communities they serve. Some organizations have already leaned in, announcing funding commitments in the areas of AI governance, policy, and ethics. Others are earlier in their journey, establishing cross-functional working groups to explore the topic, or tapping an individual to become an internal advisor to program staff.
Despite this growing interest, a critical funding gap persists for nonprofit organizations that are actively deploying machine learning and AI approaches to tackle major societal challenges — a cohort we refer to as AI builders. By deepening the philanthropic sector’s technical expertise and broader comfort with AI, PJMF aims to boost the amount of funding allocated to nonprofit AI builders, accelerate the impact of current projects, and inspire more human-centered technologists to jump into the arena.
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We see AI as a tool that exists alongside all of the other strategic levers grantmakers may use to drive human-centered progress on the issues that matter most to the institutions they represent. See how we determine when and where AI is the right tool, and how we evaluate AI-focused proposals.
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You may be navigating your own internal questions around AI adoption, from organizational readiness to responsible AI principles. See some funder-specific resources alongside highlights from our Learning Hub to support your journey.
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Organizations in your grantee network may be at all different stages of their AI journey, and we believe funders have an essential role to play in helping them navigate this moment. Check out our partnership guide along with other resources to support you in supporting your community.
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The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a global, 21st century philanthropy committed to bridging the frontiers of artificial intelligence, data science, and social impact.
