Open Philanthropy has announced the launch of its new Abundance and Growth Fund, committing $120 million over the next three years to support scientific and technological innovation, improve regulatory environments, and promote policies that reduce the cost of living.
The fund is designed to expand access to economic opportunities by removing barriers to progress and encouraging a more efficient and abundant society.
Supporting Innovation and Reducing Scarcity
The fund aims to address what Open Philanthropy sees as two key challenges: the slowdown of scientific and technological progress and the rise of regulations that create artificial scarcity.
The initiative will support efforts that advance research and development (R&D), improve permitting processes, increase housing supply, and streamline outdated policies that limit economic growth.
Focus areas include:
- Innovation and science policy
- Housing and land use reform
- Energy infrastructure permitting
- Reform of clinical trial regulations
- Elimination of non-compete clauses and excessive occupational licensing
Building on a Strong Foundation
Open Philanthropy has already made substantial investments in these areas:
- Housing Policy Reform: Since 2015, the organization has provided nearly $27 million in grants to the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement. These efforts have contributed to local and state policy changes, including New York City’s “City of Yes” zoning reform, projected to result in 80,000 additional homes over 15 years.
- Scientific and Technological Innovation: Since 2021, over $20 million has been granted to initiatives supporting innovation. These include founding support for the Institute for Progress, partnerships with the National Science Foundation, and funding for organizations focused on replicating scientific studies and shaping markets for new technologies.
Growing a Broader Ecosystem
The Abundance and Growth Fund will continue to support current initiatives and explore new areas with high potential for impact.
It will also invest in movement-building within the Abundance and Progress Studies communities—emerging networks focused on driving long-term human progress through better policy and institutional reform.
Additional areas of exploration may include:
- Reforms to energy and infrastructure permitting
- Clinical trial efficiency
- State capacity improvements
- International expansion beyond the U.S.
Fund Leadership and Donor Support
The fund is backed by Good Ventures, which has committed $60 million, along with other private funders including Patrick Collison, a co-founder of the Progress Studies movement.
Strategic Timing
Open Philanthropy believes the current political and policy environment presents a unique opportunity to advance these goals. Growing bipartisan interest in reforming housing, healthcare, energy, and science policy has laid the groundwork for the fund’s objectives.
Recent momentum includes:
- Legislative support for reducing housing costs and increasing supply
- Bipartisan calls to modernize science funding and improve research reproducibility
- Cross-sector interest in boosting energy affordability and infrastructure development
Conclusion
The $120 million Abundance and Growth Fund marks a significant expansion of Open Philanthropy’s commitment to fostering economic progress and reducing barriers to innovation.
By supporting targeted reforms and impactful organizations, the fund seeks to contribute to a more abundant, affordable, and innovative future.
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