The AGI safety field is critically underfunded, especially as traditional funding sources like FTX Future Fund have diminished. Many promising projects struggle to secure grants because researchers lack time or expertise to navigate diverse funding opportunities, and non-EA funding sources—such as government grants or philanthropic foundations—remain underutilized. This gap is urgent, as AGI safety work is both time-sensitive and existential in importance.
One way to address this could be through a combination of services designed to connect AGI safety researchers with funding opportunities. This might include:
These services could help researchers secure funding while reducing reliance on a narrow set of donors.
An MVP could start with a crowdsourced update to existing funding lists, adding non-EA sources. A pilot program might offer free proofreading for a small batch of applications to refine the process. Over time, paid services like grant-writing or workshops could be introduced, with monetization options including commission-based fees or premium coaching. To sustain the effort, funding databases could be maintained through crowdsourcing or automation.
Key challenges include making AGI safety work appealing to non-EA funders and ensuring researchers are willing to pay for services. Reframing projects under broader categories like "AI governance" could help, while a sliding-scale fee structure could test researcher willingness to pay. The project could leverage existing EA networks for credibility and use prize-based compensation to align incentives for grant writers.
By systematically addressing funding gaps, this approach could help AGI safety work become more resilient and better resourced.
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