The future is immense
The universe is young. Trillions and quadrillions of people might live in the future, depending on how long humanity exists.
Our objective
Safeguard the future of humanity
A first-of-its-kind philanthropic fund designed for the long-term future.
Humans spend more money on ice cream each year than we do on preventing our own extinction. Toby Ord, The Precipice
How can we collectively grow our resources to support the long-term flourishing of humanity?
Our Patient Philanthropy Fund (PPF) addresses a crucial gap: as a society - from the Global North to the Global South - too little is spent on protecting and benefiting future generations. However, we can positively affect the lives of our descendants, and avoid major catastrophes that could destroy their future.
Think of this as an emergency fund for humanity: a savings pot meant to be dipped into when exceptional opportunities appear and funding is needed most.
▲ Photo by Jeff Golenski on Unsplash
Our Strategy
Taking a patient approach means we aim to identify the point in time when the highest-impact opportunities are available, which may be years, decades, or even centuries ahead.
Grant-making
When an extraordinary time, need, or opportunity arises, we step in to make a grant.
Until those moments arise, each year we will make small grants at less than 1% of the Fund's size to the best available opportunities we are able to find in that year. These small grants will build up our grant-making infrastructure and track record.
Grant decisions will be made by a dedicated management committee, all with a strong network and expertise on how well-timed grant-making can safeguard the future.
Investment
As contributions are made, capital is invested for long-term gains, initially in a low-fee Global Stock Index Fund. While the Fund grows, we continue to research future-focused funding opportunities and develop our understanding of the optimal timing of giving for long-term impact.
When the PPF hits $10m, the investment strategy will be updated and expanded to include active and mission-aligned options and additional research partners will be added.
After 10 years or when the balance reaches $100m, the Fund will spin out and become an independent charitable entity. Until then, all operational expenses are covered by Founders Pledge, which means 100% of your contribution is invested and granted out at the point in time when it is needed most.
We accept and review requests for funding. Learn more and apply here.
Grants
We're not designed to be a frequent grant-maker; we are primarily an investment account until we reach an extraordinary time and opportunity. Learn more about our strategy above.
To develop effective UK policy to mitigate extreme risks from AI and Biotechnology
To help strengthen the knowledge and opportunities around reducing existential risks and protecting the future.
Funding an expert analysis to help us better understand the changing nuclear funding landscape following MacArthur’s exit.
Protect the future of humanity
Donate Now
Founders Pledge members
Contribute through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) easily through the member app. Don’t have a DAF or want to discuss your options? Reach out to giving@founderspledge.com.
Not a member?
Contribute through Every.org or Giving What We Can. You can also contribute from any Donor Advised Fund; for details, reach out to giving@founderspledge.com.
Our impact
Impact reports
2023 Impact ReportMeet the Management Committee
Eva Vivalt
Eva is an assistant professor of economics at the University of Toronto and senior research affiliate at Oxford’s Global Priorities Institute. Eva co-founded the Social Science Prediction Platform and researches stumbling blocks to evidence-based decision making.
Luke Ding
Luke is a full-time investor and philanthropist focused on effective giving, serving on the board of Founders Pledge and as an advisor to the Effective Altruism Infrastructure Fund. He previously held senior positions at Brevan Howard and Merrill Lynch.
Max Daniel
Max is Senior Program Associate at Open Philanthropy in the Global Catastrophic Risks Capacity Building program. He previously worked in research and management at the Forethought Foundation for Global Priorities Research, the Future of Humanity Institute, and the Center on Long-Term Risk.
Philip Trammell
Philip is a research associate in economics at Oxford’s Global Priorities Institute. His original research on philanthropic timing inspired Founders Pledge’s research into patient philanthropic strategies.
Sjir Hoeijmakers
Sjir is Director of Research at Giving What We Can, having led research and efforts to create the Patient Philanthropy Fund in his previous role as Senior Researcher at Founders Pledge. He also co-founded Effective Altruism Netherlands, where he serves as a trustee.
Learn More
What the Patient Philanthropy Fund has achieved in its first three years
Introducing the Patient Philanthropy Fund
Explaining a Small PPF Grant on Nuclear Security
The case for longtermism and safeguarding the future
