Application Guide

How to Apply for Funding, AI Safety

at The Global Technology Risk Foundation

🏢 About The Global Technology Risk Foundation

The Global Technology Risk Foundation is a Berlin-based nonprofit that funds research and initiatives to mitigate global risks from powerful technologies, particularly advanced AI. Unlike traditional grantmakers, it offers flexible, tailored support—from single grants to multi-year funding—and actively connects grantees with strategic sparring, technical expertise, and a network of mentors, funders, and collaborators. Working here means directly shaping how humanity navigates the most consequential technology of our time.

About This Role

This is a flexible funding and support programme for exceptional individuals advancing AI safety research and impact. You won’t just receive money—you’ll get strategic sparring, technical expertise, and introductions to key people in the AI safety ecosystem. The role is ideal for high-agency self-starters who can turn ideas into reality, whether they are exploring directions or launching new organisations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve refining your research direction with input from a technical expert, drafting a funding proposal for a new initiative, and having a call with a potential collaborator introduced by the foundation. You could also spend time learning about a new AI safety subfield or strategizing with the foundation’s team on how to scale your impact.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Global Technology Risk Foundation Is Looking For

  • Demonstrated commitment to reducing catastrophic AI risks—through past projects, research, advocacy, or community building.
  • Exceptional learning ability, evidenced by quickly mastering complex technical or strategic domains.
  • High agency and execution focus: you have a track record of independently starting and completing ambitious initiatives.
  • Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to explore multiple AI safety directions without a fixed project.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Global Technology Risk Foundation

1

Highlight concrete examples of your commitment to AI safety—not just interest, but actions you’ve taken (e.g., papers, prototypes, organizing events).

2

Emphasize your high agency: describe a time you identified a problem, took initiative, and drove it to completion without being asked.

3

Explain how you would use the flexible support—be specific about what kind of funding, sparring, or introductions would accelerate your impact.

4

Show that you understand the foundation’s unique model: they don’t require a fixed project, so demonstrate your ability to explore and pivot strategically.

5

Address the rolling review: submit early and ensure your application is self-contained, as decisions are made within 7 days.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your personal mission in AI safety and why it aligns with the foundation’s focus on catastrophic risk.', 'Evidence of exceptional learning ability—how you’ve rapidly acquired expertise in a relevant area.', 'A clear example of high agency: a project or initiative you spearheaded and its impact.', 'How the foundation’s tailored support would specifically help you scale your impact in AI safety.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the foundation’s past grantees and funded projects to understand the type of work they support.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key AI safety organizations and researchers they might introduce you to.
  • → Understand the foundation’s Berlin roots and how that might influence their perspective on global tech risk.
  • → Look into the foundation’s philosophy on flexible funding and how it differs from traditional grantmaking.
Visit The Global Technology Risk Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of catastrophic AI risks and the current landscape of AI safety research.
2 A deep dive into a past project where you demonstrated high agency and execution.
3 How you would prioritize among different AI safety directions if given flexible funding.
4 Your ability to learn quickly: describe a time you had to master a new technical or strategic domain.
5 How you would leverage the foundation’s network—who you’d want to meet and why.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn’t show deep engagement with AI safety specifics.
  • Focusing only on your desire to receive funding without articulating what you bring to the table.
  • Presenting a fixed project idea when the role explicitly values exploration and adaptability.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Global Technology Risk Foundation!

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