Project description

We're seeking funding to establish a dedicated coworking space for EA, AI Safety (AIS), and Alternative Protein initiatives at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (UC Chile). This space will serve as a hub for our three main groups:

• Altruismo Eficaz UC Chile

• AI Safety Initiative @ UC Chile

• Alt Protein Project @ UC Chile (website in progress)

Key points:

• 11 highly engaged members across all groups

• Collective commitment of 224 hours/week to EA/AIS/Adjacent work

• Potential to double or triple our annual output of highly engaged EAs (HEAs)

• Addresses current challenges with unreliable meeting spaces

• Provides a professional setting for events, fellowships, and collaborative projects

Link to detailed breakdown of team members and their commitments

Project summary

Our coworking space will significantly boost our group's impact by:

1. Accommodating our 11 core members, who plan to spend a collective 194 hours per week in the office (equivalent to 4.9 FTEs)

2. Serving as a hub for our three main initiatives, allowing for increased collaboration

3. Addressing current challenges with meeting spaces at the university

4. Providing a professional setting for events, fellowships, and collaborative projects

5. Creating a motivating environment that leads to more counterfactual HEAs
   

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

• Increase collaboration and productivity among EA/AIS initiatives at UC Chile

• Provide a reliable, always-available location for work and meetings

• Boost the number of students pursuing high-impact careers

• Enhance the professionalism and visibility of our initiatives on campus
  

How will this funding be used?

Link to detailed funding breakdown

The requested funding will cover:

1. Office space rent and utilities for one year: $14,400

2. Basic office setup (desks, chairs, whiteboard): $2,250

3. Miscellaneous office supplies: $120

4. Estimated tax buffer (25%): $5,362.50

Total requested: USD 26,812.50

Minimum funding: USD 18,000 (covering only rent, utilities, and tax buffer)

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

Our team consists of 11 highly engaged members across three initiatives at UC Chile:

1. David Solar: Co-founder of EA/AIS/Alt. Prot. Chapters, Project Manager @ Good Impressions, Events Associate @ CEA

2. Agustín Covarrubias: Co-founder of Fieldbuilder Support Program (FSP) and EA/AIS Chapters

3. Kiran Sargent: President @ EA UC Chile, OSP Mentor

4. Milan Weibel: AI Safety Initiative UC Chile Co-Founder and Co-President

5. Monserrat Benavides: Co-President @ AI Safety Initiative UC Chile

6. Luz Elena: President @ the Alt. Protein Project UC Chile

Collectively, our team dedicates 224 hours per week to EA/AIS/Adjacent work, equivalent to 5.6 full-time employees (FTEs). All team members plan to dedicate their future careers to EA/AIS/Adjacent work.

Track record:

• Established and grown three impactful initiatives at UC Chile: Altruismo Eficaz, AI Safety Initiative, and Alt Protein Project

• Organized successful events, fellowships, and workshops, including the first AI Safety Hackathon in South America

• Multiple members working full-time in EA organizations or signed the 10% pledge

• Created resources like AIRegulationMap.org

• Ongoing projects include integrating alternative protein content into university courses and facilitating AI safety research.

Link to full team details and LinkedIn profiles

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

• Underutilization of the space: We'll implement a structured schedule and regular check-ins to ensure consistent use.

• Insufficient collaboration between initiatives: We'll organize regular inter-initiative events and projects to foster cooperation.
  

What other funding are you or your project getting?

• CEA's group support funding: ~$3000 remaining (cannot be used for office spaces)

• Multiple team members have previously received or are currently funded by the Open Philanthropy University Organizer Fellowship.