Humanity AI, a collaborative philanthropic initiative focused on ensuring artificial intelligence serves the public good, has announced over $18 million in new pooled grants. This includes $8 million awarded to inaugural grantee organizations working on urgent issues such as safeguarding democracy, protecting workers’ rights, strengthening journalism, and advancing education. An additional $10 million has been committed to a forthcoming open call later this year.
The initiative comes amid growing public concern about AI’s role in society. Surveys show that many Americans feel uneasy about the technology and want more control over how it is used in their lives. Humanity AI’s first group of grantees is building the evidence, talent, and public voice needed to ensure AI benefits people broadly rather than concentrating power in the hands of a few.
Among the organizations receiving support are research institutes, advocacy groups, journalism networks, and grassroots initiatives. Their work spans policy development, accountability, community-driven research, and practical guidance for institutions adopting AI responsibly. Together, they form a diverse portfolio aimed at shaping AI governance and ensuring communities most affected by the technology have agency in its trajectory.
In addition to organizational grants, Humanity AI is investing $3 million in AI Civics, a new collaborative program led by Data & Society with the Digital Public Library of America as anchor partner. This effort will bring communities together in libraries across the country to advance public education, literacy, and decision-making on AI.
The grantees’ work is mutually reinforcing: policy research strengthens accountability, journalism holds powerful actors to account, grassroots knowledge-sharing empowers communities, and practical guidance helps institutions adopt AI responsibly. Collectively, these investments create spaces for the public to imagine what AI should be and ensure it is developed in ways that serve society.
Looking ahead, Humanity AI will launch a $10 million open call this summer to identify additional organizations working at the frontiers of AI and the public interest. The initiative emphasizes that communities closest to AI’s impact often hold the clearest vision for a more equitable future, and the fund is committed to supporting bold leaders and organizations best positioned to meet this moment.
