Application Guide

How to Apply for Request for Proposals, Extreme Power Concentration

at Longview Philanthropy

🏢 About Longview Philanthropy

Longview Philanthropy is a unique nonprofit that designs bespoke giving strategies for major donors, focusing on long-term, high-impact problems like AI risk. Unlike traditional grantmakers, they seek to fund ambitious, rapid-response projects that address extreme power concentration from advanced AI, making them a key player in existential risk mitigation.

About This Role

This role involves submitting a proposal to research or implement solutions for preventing AI from enabling extreme power concentration. Successful proposals will target one of twelve areas, from foundational research to field building, and must be ambitious, rapid, and forward-looking. The impact could shape how society governs AI and prevents authoritarian outcomes.

💡 A Day in the Life

For a funded project lead, a typical day might involve coordinating with a small team to develop monitoring tools for AI company policies, analyzing recent AI advances for power concentration risks, and preparing a briefing for Longview's donors. You'd also spend time on rapid prototyping and iterating based on feedback from the Longview team.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Longview Philanthropy Is Looking For

  • Has expertise in one of the twelve areas (e.g., AI integrity, autonomous weapons, compute governance) with a track record of research or practical work.
  • Can design a project that responds rapidly to the evolving AI landscape, with clear milestones and deliverables within a short timeframe.
  • Demonstrates ambition and a vision for preventing power concentration, not just incremental improvements.
  • Is open to skill transitions via course buy-outs, post-docs, or training stipends if they are early-career or pivoting fields.

📝 Tips for Applying to Longview Philanthropy

1

Read Longview's existing funded projects and blog posts to understand their priorities and avoid proposing something too similar.

2

Explicitly state how your proposal is 'rapid' and 'ambitious'—use specific timelines and measurable outcomes.

3

Tailor your proposal to one of the twelve areas listed; generic AI safety proposals may be overlooked.

4

Include a clear budget breakdown that justifies any course buy-outs or stipends for skill development.

5

Highlight any connections to major donors or networks that Longview works with, as they value strategic alignment.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your understanding of the unique risk of extreme power concentration from AI, not just general AI safety.', 'Explain why your specific expertise (e.g., in surveillance or compute governance) is directly applicable to preventing power abuse.', 'Show that you can work quickly and adapt to rapid AI advancements, with examples of past fast-turnaround projects.', "Convey alignment with Longview's long-term, high-impact philosophy and their donor-driven model."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Longview's past RFP results and funded projects on their website to understand what they value.
  • → Research the major donors Longview works with (e.g., their philosophy and focus areas).
  • → Read recent papers or reports on AI and power concentration from sources like OpenAI, CSET, or the Center for AI Safety.
  • → Look into the 'field building' area—see what organizations are already working on citizen tools or AI integrity.
Visit Longview Philanthropy's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you define 'extreme power concentration' and what are the key AI scenarios that could lead to it?
2 Describe a time you had to pivot your research or project rapidly due to new developments.
3 How would you measure the success of your proposed project within a short timeframe?
4 What are the biggest gaps in current research on AI and power concentration, and how does your proposal fill them?
5 How would you engage with policymakers or companies to implement your findings?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a proposal that is too broad or generic, not specifically targeting power concentration from AI.
  • Proposing a project that takes longer than 6-12 months without a clear justification for rapid response.
  • Ignoring the requirement to anticipate advancing AI—don't propose solutions that assume current AI capabilities.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 2, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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 Longview Philanthropy!

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