Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Accelerate Charitable Giving
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Quick Answer
Funding for AI solutions that accelerate charitable giving, with a focus on global health and development.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Gates Foundation
- Application deadline
- Deadline not announced
- Location
- International
About this grant
The Gates Foundation's Philanthropic Partnerships Team (PPT) is launching the "AI to Accelerate Charitable Giving" Grand Challenges Request for Proposals. This initiative seeks to explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen philanthropic practices and unlock new possibilities for generosity, particularly by helping donors give more and give sooner. The Foundation's PPT mobilizes resources and cultivates champions for global health and development (GH&D): focusing on improving health, economic opportunity, and human well-being in low- and middle-income countries.
The program offers awards of up to US$150,000 per project, with a grant duration of up to one year. Budgets should align with the scale and complexity of the proposed work, and indirect costs are allowable within the total requested funding. Travel expenses for in-person convenings with peer grantees, hosted by the Gates Foundation, will be covered separately by the Foundation, allowing project budgets to focus on additional travel costs.
Funding can be used to develop donor-facing applications and underlying systems of giving that test innovative AI applications. Desired outputs include generating practical evidence and examples to inform broader philanthropic practice, with particular interest in solutions that increase support for GH&D. Proposals are encouraged to address challenge areas such as helping donors connect with causes, turning interest into donations, and developing foundational systems and infrastructure for AI-powered giving.
Beyond financial support, the program offers opportunities for project teams to participate in virtual and/or in-person learning convenings. These sessions allow peer grantees to interact, share insights, and collaborate, fostering a community of practice around AI in philanthropy. The Foundation emphasizes thoughtful awareness of ethical issues in AI design, testing, and deployment, aligning with principles of mission alignment, community-informed solutions, risk mitigation, data responsibility, broad benefit, and transparency.
Eligibility
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Grant providers
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commonly known as the Gates Foundation, is the world's largest private charitable foundation. Established in 2000 by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, the foundation is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It focuses on reducing global…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Up to US$150,000 for one year, with indirect costs allowed. Travel for in-person convenings is covered. Grantees access virtual/in-person learning sessions to interact, share insights, collaborate, and foster a community of practice around AI in philanthropy.
- Duration
- 12 months
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with challenge areas and AI principles. Reviewers assess expected impact, feasibility of testing AI tools, and plans for measuring success. Potential for project sustainability, scale, or sharing is also considered. Clarification may be requested.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the AI to Accelerate Charitable Giving RFP?
The RFP aims to explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen philanthropic practice and unlock new possibilities for generosity, specifically by helping donors give more and give sooner.
What is the maximum funding amount available and the typical grant duration?
Applicants can request awards up to US$150,000 per project, with a grant duration of up to one year.
Which types of organizations are eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible entities include Nonprofit and Civil Society Organizations, Mission-Driven For-Profit Organizations with a clear public-benefit mission, and Consortia or Partnerships with a lead organization.
What are the key areas of focus for proposed AI solutions?
Solutions should address challenge areas such as helping donors connect with causes, turning interest and intent into donations, or developing foundational systems and infrastructure that enable AI-powered giving, with particular interest in Global Health and Development (GH&D).
Are there any specific requirements regarding the use of AI in proposals?
Proposals must apply AI as a central component of the proposed solution and demonstrate responsible AI practices, including attention to fairness, transparency, privacy, and data governance.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
