Grant News

Organisations in the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector can apply for grants of up to £50,000 from the Public Voices in AI Fund.

This fund supports projects that seek to ensure that the uses of AI are informed by the voices of communities underrepresented in or negatively impacted by AI. It aims to address unequal power dynamics in AI and includes communities such as racialised minorities, low-income groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others.

The Public Voices in AI Fund was introduced to bring diverse public perspectives into AI research, development, deployment, and policy-making. This initiative is a collaboration among the Digital Good Network, the Ada Lovelace Institute, the Alan Turing Institute, and University College London. The fund is part of a broader effort to democratise AI and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed while mitigating biases and negative impacts.

Eligible projects must involve participatory research or activities that empower underrepresented communities to influence AI decisions. This includes activities like workshops, participant recruitment, and materials supporting participatory work. The grant covers staff salaries, participant honoraria, and event costs.

Applications must be led by UK-based organisations in the VCSE sector, particularly those with established relationships with affected communities. The lead applicant’s organisation must be able to manage the grant financially and administratively.

Funded by RAI UK and managed by the Digital Good Network at the University of Sheffield, the application deadline is 3 July 2024. Projects must be completed by the end of 2024.