I wouldn’t worry too much about optics unless you’re doing a lot of community building and outreach to your friends. But even if you are doing a lot, there’s this weird effect where the more that someone cares about optics, the less valuable it is for them to be a part of EA and at a certain point it actually ends up being negative.
Coincidentally: I’m actually seriously considering setting up a group to make AI safety micro-grants. I agree that LTFF can probably receive sufficient funding to cover most of its applications from OpenPhil or FTX, but I’m interested in trying to see if there’s a case for smaller, but easier to access grants; especially there is a degree of active grantmaking incl. providing advice, helping people network + assisting with seeking further funding.
I guess my general point is that I still believe that it is possible to find giving opportunities that aren’t adequately covered by the current funds, but this is still an untested thory.
I wouldn’t worry too much about optics unless you’re doing a lot of community building and outreach to your friends. But even if you are doing a lot, there’s this weird effect where the more that someone cares about optics, the less valuable it is for them to be a part of EA and at a certain point it actually ends up being negative.
Coincidentally: I’m actually seriously considering setting up a group to make AI safety micro-grants. I agree that LTFF can probably receive sufficient funding to cover most of its applications from OpenPhil or FTX, but I’m interested in trying to see if there’s a case for smaller, but easier to access grants; especially there is a degree of active grantmaking incl. providing advice, helping people network + assisting with seeking further funding.
I guess my general point is that I still believe that it is possible to find giving opportunities that aren’t adequately covered by the current funds, but this is still an untested thory.