The Humanity AI initiative has announced $18 million in new grants to support organisations working to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) is developed and used in ways that put people and the public interest first.
Announced in May 2026, the inaugural group of Humanity AI grantees includes organisations working across AI governance, public education, policy research, journalism, community participation, accountability and responsible AI adoption.
The initiative brings together philanthropic support for organisations seeking to influence how AI systems are developed, governed and integrated into society. The grants are intended to strengthen the growing field of people-centred AI by supporting organisations with the expertise and capacity to shape conversations and practices around artificial intelligence.
Humanity AI Grants – Key Highlights
- Funding initiative: Humanity AI
- Total grants announced: $18 million
- Focus: People-centred and public-interest AI
- Areas supported: AI governance, AI civics, policy research, journalism, accountability and responsible AI
- Announcement: May 12, 2026
- Target: Organisations working to ensure AI serves the public good
Supporting People-Centred AI
Artificial intelligence is rapidly influencing how people work, communicate, access information and make decisions. As AI adoption expands, questions around accountability, governance, inclusion and public participation have become increasingly important.
Humanity AI is supporting organisations that are working to ensure that communities are not simply consumers of AI technologies but have meaningful opportunities to influence how these technologies are designed and governed.
The initiative seeks to expand participation in discussions about AI and support organisations capable of helping communities understand the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.
According to the initiative, the inaugural grantees have demonstrated strong capacity to contribute to the development of the AI field and influence conversations about the future of artificial intelligence.
AI Civics and Public Education
One area supported through the Humanity AI grants is AI civics.
This work focuses on improving public education and literacy around artificial intelligence while helping communities participate more effectively in decisions concerning AI.
As AI systems become increasingly embedded in public and private life, greater public understanding can help individuals and communities engage with questions about how AI should be used, who should be accountable for its impacts and what safeguards are necessary.
Supported organisations are therefore working to strengthen public knowledge and community decision-making around artificial intelligence.
AI Policy Research and Journalism
Another important area of the initiative is policy research and journalism.
Independent research and journalism can play an important role in examining how AI affects society, identifying emerging risks and holding technology developers and institutions accountable.
The Humanity AI grants support organisations undertaking work that can strengthen transparency and accountability around artificial intelligence. Their activities may include researching AI policy, investigating emerging developments and communicating complex issues to wider audiences.
This type of work can help policymakers, communities and the public better understand the implications of rapidly changing AI technologies.
Giving Communities a Voice in AI Governance
Humanity AI is also supporting efforts to ensure that grassroots communities have a greater role in determining the direction of AI.
The initiative recognises that decisions about artificial intelligence can have significant consequences for communities, particularly those that have historically had limited influence over technological development and policymaking.
Supporting grassroots organisations and community-led initiatives can help bring a wider range of perspectives into conversations about AI standards, regulation and responsible technology development.
This approach reflects a broader movement toward more inclusive AI governance, where affected communities have opportunities to contribute to decisions about technologies that influence their lives.
Helping Institutions Adopt AI Responsibly
The grants will also support organisations developing practical guidance for institutions seeking to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly.
As governments, nonprofits, educational institutions and other organisations increasingly explore AI tools, they require practical frameworks for understanding issues such as accountability, transparency, privacy, bias and responsible implementation.
Humanity AI’s supported organisations are contributing practical knowledge and resources to help institutions navigate these challenges while making use of the potential benefits of AI.
Why the Humanity AI Grants Matter
The $18 million funding initiative represents a significant investment in organisations working to make artificial intelligence more accountable, inclusive and focused on public benefit.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on technological development, the initiative places emphasis on the social, governance and civic dimensions of AI.
This includes supporting public education, strengthening independent oversight, encouraging community participation and helping institutions develop responsible approaches to AI adoption.
For organisations working in technology policy, digital rights, civic engagement, journalism, research and social impact, the initiative also highlights the growing importance of people-centred approaches to artificial intelligence.
The initiative’s broader vision is to ensure that communities have a meaningful role in shaping the systems that increasingly affect their lives.
About Humanity AI
Humanity AI is a collaborative philanthropic initiative focused on advancing artificial intelligence in ways that serve the public good. Its work seeks to expand who creates, uses and benefits from AI while supporting approaches that prioritise accountability, inclusion and community participation.
The inaugural grants demonstrate the initiative’s focus on organisations capable of influencing AI policy, public understanding, governance and responsible implementation.
Note: The announcement describes the $18 million as grants already awarded to an inaugural group of grantees. It does not present this announcement as an open application call. Organisations interested in future Humanity AI funding opportunities should monitor the initiative’s official announcements for new calls or grant programmes.
