Technology in the Public Interest
Supports research and policy innovation to strengthen democratic oversight and public interest governance of AI, focusing on evaluation, accountability, and societal impacts in sectors like healthcare, education, and finance.
Funder: MacArthur Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from $600,000 to $2,000,000 over 1–3 years; general operating and project support available.
Summary: Supports research, policy, and networks advancing democratic oversight and public interest-centered governance of artificial intelligence in critical sectors.
Key Information: Currently not accepting unsolicited proposals; funding is typically by invitation.
Description
This program aims to strengthen democratic oversight and foster innovation in the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) by supporting research, policy development, and networks that prioritize the public interest. The initiative focuses on advancing evaluation, auditing, and accountability mechanisms for AI systems, particularly in high-stakes sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance. The program also explores emerging issues at the intersection of technology and society, contributing to the MacArthur Foundation’s broader commitment to equitable, people-centered technological progress. Funding supports both general operating and project-specific work, with an emphasis on approaches that inform policy, practice, and public knowledge about AI’s societal impacts.
