BRUSSSELS — The European AI & Society Fund (EAISF) is making significant strides in its mission to address the societal impact of artificial intelligence, having raised over €5 million toward its €10 million fundraising goal. With the rapid expansion of AI technology, the tech industry continues to gain economic and political power, but this comes at the cost of society, exacerbating inequalities, undermining climate action, and threatening democratic values and human rights.
In response, EAISF is mobilizing a coalition of funders to ensure that AI evolves into a tool that promotes fairness, inclusion, and sustainability. Three new and eight long-term partners have joined forces with the fund to advance this cause. Together, they are funding the Breakthrough Initiative, which aims to support diverse voices that can challenge corporate influence and governmental interests in AI policy.
Key contributors such as the Adessium Foundation, AI Collaborative, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondation de France, Ford Foundation, Limelight Foundation, Luminate, Open Society Foundations, Stiftung Mercator, Robert Bosch Stiftung, and William & Flora Hewlett Foundation have already committed to the initiative, enabling EAISF to meet more than half of its fundraising goal.
The initiative will focus on four major grantmaking programs aimed at:
- Ensuring the public interest is prioritized in AI-related government actions.
- Promoting the successful implementation and enforcement of European AI legislation.
- Addressing urgent issues such as climate change and workers’ rights in the context of AI.
- Advocating for human rights to be central to AI governance on a global scale.
This €10 million initiative builds on ongoing support from various foundations, including the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, King Baudoin Foundation, Mozilla Foundation, Oak Foundation, and Porticus.
Catherine Miller, Director of the EAISF, expressed her excitement about the partnerships, highlighting Europe’s political climate, which is becoming increasingly aware of the risks AI poses. “This is our moment to influence the direction of AI so it serves everyone, not just a powerful few,” she said.
Fanny Hidvégi from the AI Collaborative emphasized the importance of involving communities in AI decision-making, saying, “This collective philanthropic effort is essential for ensuring AI is developed in a way that is responsible and equitable for all.”
The new funds will expand EAISF’s network of over 40 organizations in Europe working at the intersection of AI and social justice. These organizations take action against harmful AI practices, from protecting workers’ rights to contesting surveillance and environmental harm caused by AI-driven data centers.
Looking ahead, EAISF is focused on securing the remaining funds to achieve its €10 million goal and supporting those driving change in the AI space. The fund is open to collaborations with others who are committed to creating a fairer, more equitable future powered by technology.
