Finances
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.
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."
In 2021, computer programmer Vitalik Buterin made a major unconditional contribution to FLI. This 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 is committed to transparency and good governance. Please do not hesitate to reach out through press@futureoflife.org if you require any further information.
Expenditures for FLI activities 2024
| Category | Program | General & Admin | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grants to other organizations | 49% | 0% | 49% |
| Personnel | 18% | 2% | 20% |
| Contract & professional fees | 10% | 3% | 13% |
| Media and outreach | 11% | 0% | 11% |
| Events & travel | 3% | 2% | 5% |
| Office & other expenses | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| 91% | 9% | 100% | |
| TOTAL 2024 Expenditure | $17 million |
Our income in 2024
FLI engaged in limited fundraising in 2024. Our income from individual and new donors in 2024 was $85,000 USD. The difference between income and expenditure was covered out of our endowment.
Conflicts of interest
Our policy positions are decided by our five-member Board of Directors and internal FLI teams based on the latest academic research and input from conferences and consultations.
With the exception of Jaan Tallinn, who has served on FLI’s Board of Directors since its founding, donors do not influence FLI’s positions. Vitalik Buterin, our largest donor by far, has no formal or informal role in our decision-making. FLI does not accept donations from Big Tech, or from companies seeking to build artificial general intelligence.
The Board of Directors have adopted an internal policy to help protect against conflicts of interest. You can view this policy here.