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Patrick J. McGovern Foundation

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a $1.5 billion philanthropic organization that invests in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science for public purpose. Over the past decade, it has deployed over $500 million toward AI as public infrastructure. The foundation advocates for governing AI as a long-term civic infrastructure shaped by democratic institutions and civil society, rather than solely by private tech companies. PJMF focuses on applying technology to challenges in climate resilience, human rights, media and journalism, crisis response, digital literacy, and health equity. It emphasizes "IDEA" principles (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) and advocates for nonprofits to serve as "data guardians" that protect the data and agency of vulnerable populations. Beyond financial support, the foundation provides in-house technical teams to advise grantees on data governance, risk assessment, and model evaluation.

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Monday brief · week of 26 October 2026

Patrick J. McGovern Foundation sharpens its focus on AI governance and human-centered infrastructure.

Written each Monday from this funder's own recent publications. Every point links to the sentence it rests on.

What they're leaning into

  • The foundation is leaning into AI governance, emphasizing the need for government oversight and corporate accountability to ensure AI safety and data protection.

    “AI safety cannot rest on corporate promises alone.”AI safety cannot rest on corporate promises alone. · 2026-10-28 ↗“Companies remain responsible for protecting customer data, even when they use AI or outsource the work.”AI safety cannot rest on corporate promises alone. · 2026-10-28 ↗

  • They are highlighting the role of technical infrastructure, particularly in supporting AI-powered nonprofits and improving service delivery through accessible, inclusive tools.

    “A year ago, AI-powered nonprofits were an emerging class.”(EXT) PJMF Fast Forward output (1) · 2026-10-06 ↗“78% of respondents identified long-term technical infrastructure as the support they most want from funders.”(EXT) PJMF Fast Forward output (1) · 2026-10-06 ↗

  • There’s a growing emphasis on democratic participation in tech, with tools and policies designed to empower communities and policymakers in shaping AI and data center legislation.

    “One that pushes democratic considerations to the margins and prioritizes speed over everything else.”Too often, conversations about AI don’t consider the end result of the technology; not whether it will end the world, bu · 2026-10-13 ↗“More than 375 related bills have already been introduced this year, and the rules vary widely by state.”(EXT) PJMF Climate Cabinet Partner Social (1) · 2026-10-08 ↗

Framing to consider

  • Grantseekers might frame their work as addressing 'rights-based AI' or 'AI for humanity,' tying their projects to tangible outcomes that improve lives, particularly for underserved communities.

    “Too often, conversations about AI don’t consider the end result of the technology; not whether it will end the world, but whether it will actually improve the lives of the people we know.”Too often, conversations about AI don’t consider the end result of the technology; not whether it will end the world, bu · 2026-10-13 ↗“He unpacked system agency, the risk of outsourcing moral responsibility, and how AI might give boardrooms room to weigh more human-centered priorities.”Too often, conversations about AI don’t consider the end result of the technology; not whether it will end the world, bu · 2026-10-13 ↗

  • Proposals could emphasize 'technical infrastructure' as a long-term need, especially if they involve AI-powered tools that enhance accessibility, service delivery, or democratic participation in tech.

    “78% of respondents identified long-term technical infrastructure as the support they most want from funders.”(EXT) PJMF Fast Forward output (1) · 2026-10-06 ↗“Bookshare Plus, an AI-powered platform that converts worksheets, images, and STEM materials into accessible formats”Students cannot learn from material they cannot access. Bookshare Plus from Benetech turns the materials teachers create · 2026-10-22 ↗

Past briefs