responsible experimentation,
real-world impact
Public Benefit Innovation Fund Launches $20 Million AI Initiative to Expand Access to Social Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 24, 2025
Contact: media@publicbenefitinnovationfund.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Public Benefit Innovation Fund (PBIF) today announced a new $20M commitment to catalyze responsible AI innovation and digital infrastructure for public benefit, supporting applications of technology that improve service delivery, administrative efficiency, and equitable access to social services.
PBIF will partner with technologists, nonprofits, researchers, and public-sector innovators to award grants and develop AI-enabled systems that:
- Help individuals navigate complex application processes across multiple languages and modalities
- Streamline high-impact administrative tasks unique to the social sector, with human-in-the-loop AI collaboration
- Support the development of high-quality datasets, evaluations, and frameworks that improve responsible adoption and testing
"As artificial intelligence begins to reshape the private sector, we need to ensure that public-facing services and social sector organizations have access to the same advancements," said Anjali Fernandes, Executive Director of PBIF. "We are committed to supporting responsible, human-centered AI development that improves efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the delivery of social services."
PBIF’s initiative builds on the success of its previous fund, which deployed $13 million to 12 teams developing innovative technologies to improve safety net access, benefiting 8 million individuals in all fifty U.S. states.
"PBIF is redefining how philanthropy and technology can come together to foster change," said Korey Klein, Director of Technology and Data at Ballmer Group. “They are not just funding innovation—they are shaping the future of how public benefits reach the people who need them most. Ballmer Group is pleased to continue supporting PBIF in this mission.”
PBIF is supported by the Gates Foundation and the Ballmer Group and operates as a fiscally sponsored project of the Digital Harbor Foundation. PBIF is also supported by Renaissance Philanthropy, which assists philanthropists and foundations in the design and incubation of ambitious initiatives leveraging science, technology, and innovation.
“The Public Benefit Innovation Fund is at the forefront of using AI to advance economic mobility,” said Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy, a key partner of PBIF. “By investing in cutting-edge technology solutions, PBIF is leading the way in ensuring that government programs work for the people who need them most. We are proud to continue supporting their vision and look forward to the impact this initiative will have.”
Interested organizations can visit www.publicbenefitinnovationfund.org or contact info@publicbenefitinnovationfund.org.
###
About the Public Benefit Innovation Fund
The Public Benefit Innovation Fund is a philanthropic venture fund and R&D lab, dedicated to incubating and accelerating technology innovations for a more abundant economic future. PBIF partners with leading technologists, researchers, and policymakers to develop scalable, high-impact AI-enabled products and associated digital infrastructure that improve the delivery of social services.
