What work does FLI do?

At our core, FLI ‘s mission is to advocate for a human future by steering transformative technology – in particular advanced AI – towards pro-human outcomes. We do that in a few ways.

Through our Grants, FLI offers financial support for promising work aligned with our mission. This includes research, public outreach, events, advocacy and more.

Our Policy work aims to inform and improve AI governance and oversight in the United States and around the world. AI companies should be regulated and subject to sensible safety standards, just like every single other industry – from airlines to pharmaceutical companies. We’re working to make that happen.

FLI also seeks to educate and engage a wide range of audiences about the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems and the race to superintelligence. Critically, FLI advocates for an the alternate path of AI development, where we build safe, reliable and pro-human tools that can help us realize flourishing futures for everyone.

Over the past decade, FLI has also hosted many events, conferences and workshops. These events have contributed to a myriad of important outcomes, including the influential Asilomar Principles for AI governance, the mainstreaming of the AI safety research field, and the Pro-Human Declaration.

Where is FLI based?

FLI has offices in California, Brussels, London, and Washington, D.C., with team members working remotely across the globe.

Who funds FLI and where does its money come from

The Future of Life Institute is a 501(c)3non-profit that draws an operating budget from our endowment. In 2021, computer programmer Vitalik Buterin provided FLI with a large and unconditional donation that created our endowment and guarantees our independence. With the exception of Jaan Tallin, who has served on FLI’s Board of Directors since its founding, donors – including Vitalik Buterin – have no role in our decision making. FLI does not accept donations from AI companies. For more information, see our Funding page.

Is FLI a longtermist or Effective Altruist (EA) organization?

No, FLI is not affiliated with the Effective Altruist movement or longtermism.

Given your name, do you think about present-day issues?

Yes. Today, powerful AI systems are having a devastating impact on societies, families, and in particular children. From addiction and psychological harm, to lethal autonomous weapons and wholesale job erasure, the dangers of this technology going unregulated are no longer hypothetical – they are destroying lives today. We are currently on a path of unchecked and reckless AI development, which runs from escalating harms caused by systems today to systemic catastrophes caused by uncontrollable superintelligence tomorrow. We must walk a better path, one where sensible regulation and safety standards deliver reliable and trustworthy AI tools that ensure positive futures for everyone.

How do you decide your policy positions?

Our policy positions are decided by our Policy Team and our Board of Directors, based on the latest academic research and science, as well as community input. Donors have no role in deciding FLI’s policy positions, other than Jaan Tallin, who has served on FLI’s board of directors since it’s founding.

What is the Future of Life Foundation?

The Future of Life Institute (FLI) and Future of Life Foundation (FLF) are affiliated organizations that share the same mission: to steer transformative technology towards benefiting life and away from extreme large-scale risks. FLI’s work includes research, advocacy, storytelling, outreach, and grant-making. FLF is focused on incubating new organizations and major projects aligned with our mission.

How do I apply for a grant?

Please visit our Grantmaking page to see what programs are currently accepting applications. Any questions about grants can be sent to grants@futureoflife.org.

How can I get involved?

We have collated a range of ways that you can contribute to our mission on the Take Action page. If you are interested in joining the team, check out our Careers page; if there are no vacancies at the moment, you can fill out a Rolling Application form, so that we can contact you when an opportunity arises. Additionally, sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest FLI projects and job openings.