Finances
Funding
FLI is a mission-driven organization that continually seeks to diversify its funding base to ensure sustainability and independence. Shortly after our founding in 2014, Elon Musk provided seed funding for the world's first academic grant program in AI safety. Since then, we have received more than 1,800 donations of various sizes from a wide range of donors, enabling us to expand and strengthen our programs.
In 2021, computer programmer Vitalik Buterin made a major unconditional contribution to FLI. This widely-reported gift, part of which serves as an endowment, provides long-term stability for our work and helps guarantee the independence necessary to pursue our mission without compromise.
FLI does not accept donations from Big Tech, or from companies seeking to build artificial general intelligence. This includes Anthropic, Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI or any other AI company.
FLI also does not accept any government funding, either foreign or domestic.
Independence and conflicts of interest
Our policy positions are informed by our mission and developed by FLI teams based on the latest science. Our five-member Board of Directors makes sure that these positions are in line with our mission.
Jaan Tallinn, who has served on FLI's Board of Directors since its founding, has donated to FLI in the past. He takes part in decisions as one of five directors, under the same conflict-of-interest policy as every other director. No other donor past or present influences FLI's positions.
Vitalik Buterin, our largest donor by far, has no formal or informal role in our decision-making.
The Board of Directors have adopted an internal policy to help protect against conflicts of interest. You can view this policy here.
Expenditures for FLI activities 2025
| Category | Program | General & Admin | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grants to charitable organizations | $26,724,000 | $0 | $26,724,000 |
| Personnel | $4,503,000 | $516,000 | $5,019,000 |
| Contract & professional fees | $5,904,000 | $553,000 | $6,457,000 |
| Media and outreach | $5,792,000 | $3,000 | $5,795,000 |
| Events & travel | $1,295,000 | $427,000 | $1,722,000 |
| Office & other expenses | $105,000 | $370,000 | $475,000 |
| TOTAL 2025 Expenditure | $44,323,000 | $1,869,000 | $46,192,000 |
Our income in 2025
FLI engaged in limited fundraising in 2025. The difference between income and expenditure was covered by our funds functioning as an endowment.
Transparency
FLI is committed to transparency and good governance. FLI’s latest 990 is available here.
Our entry to the EU Transparency Register includes key information about our activities in the EU and our funding sources: EU Transparency Register.
Please do not hesitate to reach out through press@futureoflife.org if you require any further information.
Featured donor: Erik Otto
"We increasingly need effective institutions dedicated to mitigating catastrophic risks associated with our tightly connected, tech-driven world. The Future of Life Institute has been adept at enacting creative, cost-effective strategies to address these issues, and I am very happy to support their continued resolve."