Philanthropic Coalition Launches $500 Million Initiative to Align AI with Human Needs

On October 14, 2025, a coalition of ten philanthropic foundations announced the launch of Humanity AI, a $500 million initiative over five years aimed at steering artificial intelligence (AI) development to prioritize human needs. Spearheaded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Omidyar Network, the coalition includes the Doris Duke Foundation, Ford Foundation, Lumina Foundation, Kapor Foundation, Mellon Foundation, Mozilla Foundation, Siegel Family Endowment, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Humanity AI focuses on five key areas: advancing democracy, strengthening education, protecting artists, enhancing work, and defending personal security. The initiative seeks to counterbalance the profit-driven focus of major tech companies by ensuring AI technologies promote human flourishing and community empowerment.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors will serve as the fiscal sponsor, managing a pooled fund of grants. The coalition plans to begin aligned grantmaking in fall 2025, with pooled fund grants commencing in 2026.

This initiative responds to growing concerns over job displacement, misinformation via deepfakes, and unchecked corporate influence in AI development. Humanity AI calls for increased capital and collaboration to uplift civil society and foster a future where AI empowers communities rather than marginalizes them.

Michele L. Jawando, president at Omidyar Network, emphasized the initiative's purpose:

"AI is not destiny, it is design. There are no inevitabilities. There is no set future. Tech has incredible potential, but must be steered by humans, not the other way around."

John Palfrey, president of the MacArthur Foundation, highlighted the importance of inclusive participation:

"Every day, people learn more about the ways AI is impacting their lives, and it can often feel like this technology is happening to us rather than with us and for us."

Initial grantees include the National Black Tech Ecosystem Association, which builds diverse leadership pipelines in STEM; AI Now at New York University, which researches AI's social implications; and the Howard Law School Initiative, which develops AI solutions that advance civil rights. The MacArthur Foundation is also increasing its grant to the Pulitzer Center as part of the effort.

The launch of Humanity AI signifies a concerted effort to democratize AI development, ensuring that its benefits are equitably distributed and that the technology serves the public interest. By focusing on areas such as democracy, education, and personal security, the initiative aims to mitigate potential harms associated with AI, such as misinformation, job displacement, and privacy concerns.

This initiative is part of a broader trend of philanthropic organizations investing in AI for public good. In July 2025, the Gates Foundation and Ballmer Group announced a $1 billion commitment over 15 years to develop AI tools for public defenders, parole officers, social workers, and others assisting Americans in precarious situations. Humanity AI's $500 million commitment over five years represents a significant investment in ensuring AI development aligns with human-centered values.

Humanity AI represents a significant philanthropic endeavor to ensure that AI development prioritizes human needs and societal well-being. By focusing on key areas such as democracy, education, and personal security, the initiative aims to create a future where AI empowers communities and enhances human creativity.