Funding for humanitarian non-profits to research responsible AI

By Deborah W.A. Foulkes @ 2024-12-10T08:08 (+4)

This is a linkpost to https://www.gov.uk/international-development-funding/humanitarian-action-and-responsible-artificial-intelligence-ai?cachebust=1732002792

Deadline: 13 January 2025

This project will recommend an approach for responsible AI in humanitarian action. This will guide the practices of humanitarian actors. It should be developed collaboratively, proportionately and mindful of humanitarian principles. Read the information on this page and in the attachments for more information.

What the fund will achieve

Respondents are encouraged to set out their own methodology to deliver the above objective, including recommendations on the scope of the project, although for illustrative purposes we expect delivering this will involve these steps:

  1. Mapping

To include:

safety approaches which may be relevant to humanitarian actors (for example standards, assurance tools, governance frameworks, evaluation tools, relevant regulatory requirements should also be explored) potential socio-technical risks generated from humanitarian actors using AI tools. This could potentially take a risk-based lens to map different approaches against different risks or AI use cases

  1. Synthesising the mapping into practical options for a responsible AI framework

This may involve packaging existing tools but could also involve suggestions to tweak practices developed in other sectors. Assess the practical implications of these options on humanitarian delivery and their long-term feasibility. Convene implementers, tech organisations, donors and representatives of affected populations to understand their views and what might be proportionate.

  1. Based on the assessment, recommend a framework for responsible AI in humanitarian action.

  2. Disseminate the agreed approach and where appropriate provide or adapt existing tools and guidance to humanitarian actors to support its use.

Requirements for organisations wishing to apply This funding opportunity is only available to not-for-profit organisations. Any bids by for-profit organisations will not be eligible for funding and will not be considered. See the attached Call for Proposals document for organisation requirements.

How to apply Read the Call for Proposals Invitation document for more details on the programme and how to apply.

Call for proposals invitation: Humanitarian action and responsible AI

Budget template: Humanitarian action and responsible AI

Email your proposals to Scott.white@fcdo.gov.uk and Robert.Phillips@fcdo.gov.uk by 11:59pm GMT on 13 January 2025.

Market engagement event We are organising a market engagement session on 29 November from 11:00 to 12:15 UK time. This is to help applicants identify potential partners to respond to the call for proposals and the requirement for humanitarian, research and technical AI expertise.

The session will provide an overview of expectations from FCDO. This will be followed by an opportunity for attendees to give a short overview of their experience in this area. There will also be an opportunity to ask FCDO representatives questions.

All materials and questions discussed will be made available following the event as will information presented by attendees pending their consent.

If you would like to attend please contact: Scott.White@fcdo.gov.uk or Robert.Phillips@fcdo.gov.uk

Contact If you have any questions about this call for proposals, email Scott.White@fcdo.gov.uk.

Published 19 November 2024 Last updated 19 November 2024