Application Guide
How to Apply for Microgrants
at Experimental Microgrant Program
🏢 About Experimental Microgrant Program
This is an experimental microgrant program run by Leo Gao, an AI alignment researcher. It offers a unique opportunity to secure funding for ambitious AGI safety projects with minimal bureaucracy, allowing you to focus on execution rather than paperwork.
About This Role
This role involves submitting a concise proposal for a project aimed at ensuring AGI benefits humanity, executing it independently, and providing a progress update. The impact is direct: your work could contribute to solving one of the most critical challenges of our time.
💡 A Day in the Life
You'll likely spend most of your time executing your proposed project—whether that's coding, writing, or conducting experiments. You'll check in with yourself on milestones, and only interact with the program for progress updates. It's a self-directed, high-autonomy role.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Experimental Microgrant Program Is Looking For
- Has a clear, ambitious project idea related to AGI safety or alignment.
- Can articulate complex ideas concisely and persuasively in under 1000 words.
- Thrives working autonomously with minimal oversight and tight deadlines.
- Demonstrates a track record of executing projects independently.
📝 Tips for Applying to Experimental Microgrant Program
Focus on a specific, novel project idea rather than a broad research area—Leo Gao values originality.
Keep your proposal under 1000 words; every word must count. Use clear, jargon-free language.
Highlight your ability to deliver results with minimal oversight; mention past independent projects.
Explain how your project directly addresses AGI safety or alignment, not just AI ethics or policy.
Include a realistic timeline and measurable milestones to show you've thought through execution.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your specific project idea and its potential impact on AGI safety.', 'Show your ability to work independently with examples of self-directed projects.', 'Express alignment with the experimental, low-bureaucracy nature of the program.', 'Keep it concise—Leo Gao likely values brevity and clarity.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Leo Gao's blog (bmk.sh) to understand his perspective on AI alignment.
- → Study the Experimental Microgrant Program document to grasp the funding philosophy.
- → Review past microgrant recipients' projects to see what kind of ideas get funded.
- → Familiarize yourself with current AGI safety research gaps to position your project.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a vague or overly broad proposal without a clear, actionable plan.
- Writing a long, unfocused application that exceeds the word limit.
- Proposing a project that is not directly tied to AGI safety or alignment.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Experimental Microgrant Program!