[Career review] “Grantmaking for AI safety” by Aaron Gertler

Funding for AI safety is surging, but the field needs dozens of new grantmakers to connect that money with impactful projects. Learn what it takes to make effective grants, which backgrounds are a promising signal for your fit, and how to explore this career path. Narrated by AI. ---Outline:(00:10) Summary(02:48) Recommended(02:57) Review status(04:27) Why work on grantmaking for AI safety?(06:17) There simply aren't enough grantmakers(06:55) Your work can have extremely high leverage(10:49) You can help your grantees do more good(12:52) The job can be highly fulfilling(14:27) What do grantmakers actually do?(17:33) Could you be a good fit?(17:37) Skills that will help you succeed(22:08) Promising background experience(22:54) Downsides to working on grantmaking(25:09) Top organisations(26:30) How to enter the field(28:21) Find jobs in AI safety grantmaking(28:43) Speak with us(29:04) Learn more(29:07) Notes on the philanthropic situation(29:36) Personal reflections from grantmakers(30:02) Other resources(30:27) Acknowledgements The original text contained 12 footnotes which were omitted from this narration. --- First published: August 21st, 2026 Source: https://80000hours.org/career-reviews/ai-safety-grantmaking --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.