Rapid Grants
Funding of up to $20,000 for time and resources to make progress on AI safety or biosecurity - from exploring a promising direction to carrying out a concrete project.
Grant funding
Up to $20k
Avg decision time
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Grants made
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Funding given
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What we fund
- Research and learning
- Time, living costs and research access
- Projects and experiments
- Compute, tools and testing an idea
- Events and community
- Meetups, venues and bringing people together
- Travel and collaboration
- Conferences, collaboration and fieldwork
We look for a worthwhile direction, evidence you can make progress, and a clear role for funding. Wildcards welcome. If in doubt, apply.
Looking for support to move into AI safety or biosecurity full-time? See our Career Transition Grants.
How it works
Apply
Tell us your plan and budget. Takes about 15 minutes.
Get a decision
We review your application and email you a decision.
Receive funding
Submit a claim through our claims portal. We pay a single lump sum after any required checks.
Projects we've funded
Frequently asked questions
Should I apply if I'm not sure it's a fit?
Yes. Tell us what you want to do and what funding would make possible. You can apply for time to explore or begin something new, as well as support for work already underway.
Who is eligible?
People taking a promising next step in AI safety or biosecurity, subject to our funding restrictions.
You're more likely to receive a grant if you're a BlueDot course participant, alumni, facilitator, or active member of the AI safety/biosecurity community.
You're more likely to receive a grant if you're a BlueDot course participant, alumni, facilitator, or active member of the AI safety/biosecurity community.
What funding restrictions apply?
We are currently unable to fund people based in Russia, China or India. We cannot fund individuals or organizations where doing so would breach applicable sanctions.
Unsure whether a restriction applies? Contact us before applying.
Unsure whether a restriction applies? Contact us before applying.
What can a Rapid Grant not fund?
Rapid Grants cannot be used for party-political donations or campaigning, activities that are unlawful in the UK or your jurisdiction, or activities outside BlueDot’s charitable or educational purposes. Funds must be used for the agreed purpose; material changes need our prior written approval.
Can Rapid Grants fund events or meetups?
Yes. We have funded meetup series, venue costs, and community events in multiple countries. Show us the plan and the specific costs.
How is the grant paid?
The grant is paid as a single lump sum after you submit a claim through our claims portal and we complete any required checks. Your acceptance email sets out the timing. Transfer fees and exchange costs may reduce the amount you receive.
Can Rapid Grants cover travel?
Yes. We fund travel for conferences, collaboration, and fieldwork. Show us why being there matters for the work.
What do I need to do after receiving a grant?
Use the funding for the agreed purpose and get our written approval before making material changes. Send a short completion report within 60 days of finishing the work or the grant period ending.
What support is available beyond the grant?
Grantees join our community: intros, event invites, and follow-on opportunities as they come up.
What if I need more than a few thousand dollars?
Rapid Grants offer up to $20,000. If you need more, get in touch. We can sometimes route you through another program.