Foundation Supports 144 Organizations to Champion Human-Centered AI with Capital, AI Expertise, and a Commitment to Inclusive Global AI.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--December 17, 2024--

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic construct; it has become a defining force in reshaping economies, ecosystems, and human lives. At this moment, AI's potential is vast, making it a powerful new tool to embrace for collective progress.

Today, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation announces a total of $73.5 million in charitable contributions in 2024 to reinforce its proactive commitment to innovation and social impact. In collaboration with civil society, academia, and industry, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation continues to center human dignity, equity, and shared purpose to create a world where AI strengthens resilience, provides sustainable solutions, and promises meaningful change.

"The way we choose to envision, develop, and govern AI technologies today will fundamentally shape the future of our society. The stakes couldn't be higher," said Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. "This is not a moment to react; it's a moment to lead. We believe that by investing in AI solutions grounded in human values, we can harness technology's immense potential to benefit communities and individuals alike. AI can amplify human dignity, protect the vulnerable, drive global prosperity, and become a force for good."

This transformative investment spotlights three strategic areas: partnerships with 144 nonprofit, academic, and governmental organizations worldwide; the development and delivery of AI solutions built for long-term societal benefit; and the creation of institutions designed to address the opportunities and challenges of the AI era. Through these initiatives, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation works alongside an established ecosystem of leaders and partners to showcase how AI can be a catalyst for progress.

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation's grant portfolio includes more than 11 countries, supporting organizations that leverage data science and AI to drive tangible change in a variety of areas with urgency, including climate change, human rights, media and journalism, crisis response, digital literacy, and health equity. Beyond funding, the Foundation equips nonprofits with the tools and training needed to understand and implement public-sector-ready AI solutions. Today's announcement strengthens an ecosystem of partners working to center the human experience–our dignity, our safety, and our happiness–in the regulation, development, and deployment of emerging technologies.

Throughout 2024, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation supported global organizations, institutions, and initiatives advancing secure and responsible AI through policy and research this year. Notable contributions include support for the United Nations Global Digital Compact, the NSF's Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) program, and the White House Public Interest Technology Commitment-a collaborative effort involving the Ford Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, Siegel Family Endowment, and other notable philanthropies-the National Academy of Sciences Roundtable on AI and Climate Change Decision Making, and the creation of a new hub for open source trust and safety software.

"AI technology already shapes and redefines our societies, economies, and lives, underscoring the need for ethical AI frameworks that respect human rights, human dignity, and cultural diversity. UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, adopted by all 194 Member States, responds to this challenge, and we are now actively implementing it in over 60 countries. The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation has been essential in this global effort. Their intellectual and financial support has amplified the impact, ensuring that all stakeholders, especially civil society, are actively involved in AI governance to hold power accountable, advocate for the public good, and advance a future where technology reflects our shared human values." – Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General, UNESCO

"When we prepare the next generation of leaders with digital fluency, and build AI Readiness, we create opportunities for them to shape responsible tech development in their futures. The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation was one of the earliest believers in our work, and has been instrumental in helping us bring a vision for AI Readiness and a comprehensive AI literacy curriculum and tools to students across the United States–transforming our society to be one that is technologically empowered and equitable." – Alex Kotran, Co-Founder & CEO, aiEDU: The AI Education Project

"Economic opportunity, human rights, and social justice are all impacted by AI-creating a pressing need for responsible governance to follow. The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation has helped us connect with policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and startups to direct national AI policy in the best interest of all. This opens new doors to governance that contextually serves communities and creates positive social change." – Linda Bonyo, CEO, Lawyers Hub

Through purpose-driven collaboration, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation empowers civil society across sectors to lead with curiosity and find new ways to strengthen communities, protect the planet, and ensure equitable progress. This $73.5 million investment in 2024 underscores the Foundation's unwavering belief in the power of technology as a continued catalyst for growth and reflects our responsibility to better serve humanity's highest ideals in 2025 and beyond.

To learn more and explore opportunities for partnership, visit https://www.mcgovern.org.

2024 Grants

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. PJMF works in partnership with public, private, and social institutions to drive progress on our most pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, broad digital access, and data maturity in the social sector.

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Media contact: Gwen Hotaling communications@mcgovern.org