Partnership on AI Receives $500K Investment From Collaborative Philanthropic Initiative to Advance AI Transparency and Accountability

May 12, 2026 — Today, Partnership on AI (PAI) received $500K in funding from Humanity AI, a collaborative philanthropic initiative dedicated to ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) serves the public good. PAI is one of the civil society organizations receiving the inaugural round of pooled funding from Humanity AI.

“We are honored to be part of the inaugural group of civil society organizations receiving funding from Humanity AI,” said Rebecca Finlay, CEO of Partnership on AI. “This support is truly meaningful in our work to engage diverse voices in building AI that is beneficial and accountable to all.” 

Together with partners, PAI is tackling some of today’s most pressing questions including:

• how workers can steer the development of AI towards a future in which AI innovations help increase incomes and reduce inequality; 
• how a new generation of technologists, academics and civil society experts can build AI systems that help humans discern what’s real, true, authentic, and human rather than obscure it; and, 
• how to assess emerging technologies such as AI agents as early in their development as possible to advance precautions and regulations. 

With its community of civil society, academic, and industry experts, PAI facilitates dialogue, develops research, and co-creates actionable guidance to drive more responsible AI business practices and inform timely public policy. 

“The promise of AI will be realized when communities have a seat at the table – not just as users, but as architects of the systems that affect their lives,” said John Palfrey, president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. “Humanity AI is investing in organizations that show what it looks like to build a future with AI that is accountable, inclusive, and designed in the public interest.”

“Humanity AI tells a different story about artificial intelligence — one where the goal isn’t efficiency or the bottom line, but human flourishing,” said Michele Jawando, CEO of Omidyar Group. “Through our support for technologists, artists, academics, journalists, and community organizations, we have big ambitions for what’s truly possible — these are the architects of an AI future that benefits everyone.”

Launched in October 2025 as a broad coalition of philanthropic leaders, Humanity AI is a $500M five-year philanthropic initiative dedicated to making sure our future with AI is shaped by and for people. For more information about Humanity AI and the inaugural grantees, visit humanityai.ai.

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About Partnership on AI
Partnership on AI is a non-profit community of organizations across civil society, industry, academia, and philanthropy working together to ensure that AI advances positive outcomes for people and society. By convening diverse  stakeholders from across regions and sectors, PAI facilitates dialogue and knowledge sharing, and develops research, recommendations, and practical guidance to ensure that AI serves the public interest. To learn more, visit partnershiponai.org.

About Humanity AI
The Humanity AI founding partners are the Doris Duke Foundation, Ford Foundation, Lumina Foundation, Kapor Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Mellon Foundation, Mozilla Foundation, Omidyar Network, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and Siegel Family Endowment.