Whilst the Future of Humanity Institute is currently small, it arguably represents humanity’s best effort to understand its future prospects and the existential challenges confronting our species.
Even a small increase in our understanding of these issues would be a valuable advance for humanity, given the extreme importance of what is at stake. We urgently need to become better at understanding the big picture within which we operate and the existential risks we face in this century.
FHI is pioneering research of immense importance. By showing how this can be done within the context of a world-class research university, we clear a path for others to follow. Our work has already achieved high recognition and impact, but we know that there is much more left to do.
We work within a small budget for an institute of our standing. At the present time, approximately half of this comes from the University's Oxford Martin School, and half comes from a few visionary philanthropists.
There are significant possibilities for extending our impact with additional funding. That is why we are seeking support from philanthropists. One realistic failure mode for the FHI would be a situation in which our best intellectual resources are squandered on grant writing and fundraising efforts, or in which our unique focus is diverted by the need to conform to the funding priorities of traditional academic grant making agencies. Additional funding would free up time for people at all levels in the institute, as well as creating opportunities to hire new talent.
Donating
If you are in a position to help, we would very much like to hear from you.
If you would like to make a regular or single gift to FHI, click here
If you would like to make a substantial donation, you may prefer to contact us directly.
Making a donation from the US or Canada
Americans can support the FHI through the Americans for Oxford, which is a US registered charitable organization, making your donation tax deductible. If you would like to do so, please visit their website for further information. On the form, you will need to select "Other" in the giving preference field, and then write "Future of Humanity Institute (Philosophy Faculty)" in the adjacent field.
Canadians who wish to make a donation to FHI, can do so here.