Have an ambitious idea that could genuinely help humanity navigate the future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? Leo’s Experimental Microgranting Program offers a refreshing alternative to traditional funding by providing $10,000 microgrants with minimal bureaucracy and maximum flexibility.

Unlike conventional grants that require lengthy proposals and institutional affiliations, this initiative encourages applicants to spend about an hour explaining a thoughtful idea. The emphasis is on originality, genuine reasoning, and ambitious thinking rather than polished grant-writing or impressive credentials.

Leo’s program is an experimental grantmaking initiative designed to discover unconventional projects that could contribute to ensuring AGI benefits humanity.

About the Program

The Experimental Microgranting Program is built around one simple principle:

Actually try.

Applicants are encouraged to submit thoughtful, ambitious proposals instead of incremental academic work or applications filled with buzzwords.

Leo believes promising ideas can come from anyone and not only professors or established researchers – wants to support projects that traditional grantmakers may overlook.

The program is intentionally lightweight:

• Approximately one-hour application
• Maximum 1,000 words
• Minimal bureaucracy
• Flexible funding
• Fast, independent decision-making

Grant Value

Successful applicants receive:

• $10,000 USD
• Flexible funding
• Support for individuals, nonprofits, charities, or other entities
• Opportunity to reapply after project completion

What Projects Are Being Funded?

The program seeks projects that could positively influence humanity’s future with AGI.

Examples include:

• AI alignment research
• AI governance ideas
• Technical safety tools
• Educational initiatives
• Public awareness projects
• Novel research
• Policy work
• Community initiatives
• Experimental approaches with high upside

Applicants are encouraged to justify how their proposal contributes to helping humanity navigate AGI.

What Makes This Grant Different?

Unlike many traditional grants, this program offers:

• Anonymous funder
• Flexible use of funding
• Learning is considered a successful outcome
• Supports unconventional ideas
• Values original thinking over credentials
• Minimal administrative burden

The initiative itself is also an experiment and may evolve over time.

Application Guidelines

Applicants should carefully read the complete guidance before applying.

Important expectations include:

• Spend around one hour preparing the application.
• Write clearly.
• Explain why the project matters.
• Avoid exaggerated claims.
• Avoid unnecessary buzzwords.
• Submit genuine work.
• Applications written or edited by AI will be rejected.
• Multiple ideas may be submitted separately.

Leo specifically emphasizes that applications should reflect the applicant’s own reasoning and writing.

Eligibility

The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Applicants do not need:

• Previous AI alignment experience
• Academic publications
• Prestigious university affiliations
• Extensive grant-writing experience

Strong ideas and thoughtful reasoning matter far more than credentials.

Funding Philosophy

Rather than expecting every project to succeed, the program views experimentation as valuable.

Even projects that produce negative results may still be considered successful if they generate meaningful learning.

Once grant funds have been used, recipients may apply again by providing a progress update.

Referral Bonus

Applicants who refer others can receive a $100 referral bounty if the referred applicant is awarded a microgrant.

Important Notes

Applicants should note:

• Grants should not be used as credentials or endorsements.
• Leo may seek external reviewers.
• Grant decisions are highly selective.
• Funding availability is expected to support all successful applications.
• The program operates independently from Leo’s employer.

How to Apply

Applicants should first read the complete guidance document before completing the application form.

Application Form:
https://tally.so/r/D4WlbR

Questions:
alignmentmicrogrants@gmail.com

Conclusion

Leo’s Experimental Microgranting Program offers a refreshing alternative to traditional grant funding by placing trust in bold ideas, genuine reasoning, and intellectual curiosity rather than lengthy proposals or prestigious credentials. With a straightforward application process and flexible $10,000 funding, the program encourages individuals and organizations to pursue ambitious projects that could contribute to a safer and more beneficial future with Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Whether your proposal focuses on AI safety, governance, education, public engagement, technical research, or another innovative approach, this initiative welcomes unconventional thinking and recognizes that meaningful progress often begins with experimental ideas. Applicants are encouraged to write honestly, explain why their project matters, and demonstrate their own original thinking without relying on polished grant-writing or AI-generated content.

If you have a well-considered idea that could help humanity navigate the opportunities and challenges of AGI, this microgrant program provides an excellent opportunity to secure funding and turn that vision into action. Be sure to read the full application guidance carefully before applying, follow all instructions, and submit your proposal through the official application form. Even if your project does not achieve every intended outcome, the program values learning and meaningful insights, making it an ideal opportunity for innovators who are willing to experiment, take thoughtful risks, and contribute to shaping a positive future for humanity.

Discover more opportunities like these on the OFY webpage .