“The People-First AI Fund reflects our commitment to supporting a wide range of organizations advancing work that strengthens communities and expands opportunity. We’re proud to support this first group of grantees and to continue work that is mission-driven and responsive to the people it exists to serve.” —Bret Taylor, Chair of the OpenAI Foundation Board

The OpenAI Foundation looks forward to learning alongside these organizations and local leaders, sharing insights, and expanding our grantmaking work.

Over the past year, a series of steps laid the groundwork for these grants: the work of our independent Nonprofit Commission, nationwide community listening, the Commission’s public report, and the launch of the People-First AI Fund.

The application window for the first wave of grants—all unrestricted—was open from September 8 through October 8 and featured a short, four-question application. Nearly 3,000 organizations applied from across the country—an indication of both the demand for support and desire among community-based organizations to help shape how AI can be applied to their work and the people they serve.