Open Philanthropy: Progress in 2024 and Plans for 2025
Summary
Open Philanthropy reviewed its philanthropic efforts in 2024, focusing on expanding partnerships, supporting AI safety research, and making strategic grants across multiple domains including global health and catastrophic risk reduction.
Review
Open Philanthropy's 2024 report demonstrates a strategic evolution in philanthropic approach, emphasizing collaborative funding and targeted investments in critical global challenges. The organization significantly expanded its work in AI safety, committing approximately $50 million to technical research and developing new frameworks for understanding potential risks from advanced AI systems. The organization's methodology continues to prioritize causes that are important, neglected, and tractable, with a growing focus on building external partnerships and pooled funds. Notable achievements include launching the Lead Exposure Action Fund (LEAF), supporting AI safety research infrastructure, and developing new approaches to tracking and mitigating global catastrophic risks. Their work reflects a nuanced understanding of emerging technological challenges, particularly in AI, while maintaining a broad portfolio of global health, development, and risk mitigation initiatives.
Key Points
- Launched $104 million Lead Exposure Action Fund with multiple external partners
- Committed ~$50 million to technical AI safety research in 2024
- Expanded partnerships to account for ~15% of directed funds
- Continued focus on high-impact, neglected cause areas