Waking Up Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Waking Up Foundation is a private foundation in Encino, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $704,700 in 5 grants; the typical grant was $100,000 and the largest $300,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$704,700
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$100,000
- Largest grant$300,000
- Assets$1.3 million
- New grantees80%
Giving in 2024 was down from $1.3 million the year before.
80% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.3 million | 9 | $673,495 |
| 2024 | $704,700 | 5 | $1.3 million |
How to apply
Waking Up Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Waking Up Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2 | $350,000 |
| New York | 2 | $350,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $4,700 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Artificial Intelligence Forum Institute | To support mission of minimizing extreme ai risks. | $300,000 |
| The Rand Corporation | To support research that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities safer, more secure, healthier, and more prosperous. | $250,000 |
| Effective Ventures Foundation USA Inc | Research to inform ai policy, training ai policy researchers and practitioners. | $100,000 |
| Givedirectly Inc | In support of people in poverty. | $50,000 |
| Lotus Treasure | In support of the tulku urgyen rinpoche dzogchen compilation project. | $4,700 |
Officers and trustees
- Sam Harris
- Annaka Harris
Questions people ask
Does Waking Up Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Waking Up Foundation give?
$704,700 in tax year 2024, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $100,000.
Who runs Waking Up Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Sam Harris (President) and Annaka Harris (Secretary).
What does Waking Up Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly science and research.