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Overview

AI Grant is a funding program for open source AI projects. Its current aigrant.org page describes USD 5,000-50,000 grants for open source projects, with no strings attached, delivered as either compute or cash. The program was established in 2017 by Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross.

Investment focus

AI Grant aims to support the development of open source AI projects by providing funding without the typical strings attached to venture capital. The program focuses on empowering builders in the AI ecosystem to innovate freely and retain ownership of their work.

Program details

Designed for Builders, Founders, Researchers. The program is remote. Participation is generally async.

Who it is for

Open to anyone building open source AI projects. No formal credentials, institutional affiliation, or prior track record required. Projects should be open source and related to artificial intelligence.

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for AI Grant

Admissions and application

Open to anyone building open source AI projects. No formal credentials, institutional affiliation, or prior track record required. Projects should be open source and related to artificial intelligence.

Benefits

Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 per project, available as cash or compute credits. No equity taken. No strings attached. Recipients gain visibility within the AI Grant community and access to the founders' networks.

Timeline

Varies (grant-based, no fixed program duration). Cohort cadence is rolling/periodic batches.

What came of it

AI Grant has funded projects across the open source AI ecosystem, including widely-used infrastructure (llama-cpp-python, GGUF format), medical AI applications, and research tools. Many grantees have gone on to build companies or contribute foundational open source tools used across the AI industry.

How to go about it

  1. Read what it asks for

    Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.

  2. Have something to show

    Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.

  3. Apply the way the program asks

    The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

What it pays

Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 per project, available as cash or compute credits. No equity taken. No strings attached. Recipients gain visibility within the AI Grant community and access to the founders' networks.

Questions about this program

How much does AI Grant advertise awarding?

The advertised grant range is $5,000 to $50,000 for open-source projects.

Can awards be provided as cash or compute?

Yes. AI Grant says awards may be provided as either cash or compute.

What does AI Grant say about grant conditions?

It describes the grants as having no strings attached, but detailed contract terms have not been verified.

Is the recorded application link available?

The recorded Airtable share link returned a message that the link was unavailable; a current application was not verified.

About AI Grant

AI Grant

Lists that include this program

From public sources

What the sources say about AI Grant

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